Well, in a manor house novel, one common aspect is the social hierarchy. The manor house represents a microcosm of society. You'll find the wealthy owners at the top, servants at the bottom, and various levels in between. This hierarchy leads to different types of relationships and power struggles. Also, the manor house might be set in a particular historical period, which influences the story. For example, in a Victorian - era manor house novel, there would be strict social norms that the characters must navigate. And the manor often becomes a character in its own right, with its history and secrets being gradually revealed throughout the narrative.
In 'the manor house novel', you'll frequently find the aristocratic family members as central characters. The patriarch or matriarch of the family, who are responsible for the management of the manor and its affairs. Then there are the young, eligible members of the family, who might be involved in love affairs or disputes over inheritance. The servants, of course, are essential characters too. They have their own stories and often interact with the upper - class family in interesting ways. For example, a maid might overhear a secret conversation between the lord and his business partner, which could lead to a major plot twist. There could also be visiting guests, who bring new perspectives and sometimes trouble to the manor.
The key features often include a detailed description of the manor house itself. It might have a large, imposing structure with beautiful architecture. There could be extensive grounds, like gardens and orchards. The social hierarchy within the manor is also a feature, showing the relationships between the lord of the manor, the servants, and the local villagers.
Since I haven't read 'the manor house a novel', it's hard to say for sure. However, often in novels set in manor houses, themes of class differences are explored. There could be a story of the upper - class family living in the manor and their interactions with the lower - class servants, or it might deal with the decline of the manor and the family over time due to changing social and economic situations.
Well, it might have a spooky or mysterious atmosphere as old manor houses often evoke such feelings. There could be a complex family history involved, with secrets passed down through generations.
One of the most well - known is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. It features the grand Manderley manor and all the secrets and mysteries within it. Another is 'Jane Eyre' which has Thornfield Hall as an important manor house setting, where many of the key events and relationships unfold. 'Wuthering Heights' also has a sort of manor - like house in the form of Thrushcross Grange, which is central to the story of love, revenge, and family drama.
A terrifying story could be that in Hill House Manor, a family moved in. Every night, they would hear heavy footsteps pacing back and forth outside their bedroom door. One night, the youngest child woke up to see a pair of glowing eyes peering through the keyhole. When they opened the door, there was a cold mist and a figure in a tattered shroud that vanished as soon as they screamed.
I don't actually have a personal ghost story about Hill House Manor. But I can imagine it being a spooky place. Maybe there are cold drafts that sweep through the halls at night, and strange creaking noises that seem to come from nowhere. The rooms could be filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional whisper that might be the wind or something more sinister.