Jane Hayes, an American woman with a profound obsession for Jane Austen, particularly enamored by Colin Firth's iconic portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, decides to spend her life savings on a unique adventure. She travels to "Austenland," a lavish Jane Austen-themed resort in England, where guests are treated to a whimsical experience of the Regency era, donning period costumes and adopting pseudonyms. Here, romance is an essential component, albeit strictly platonic.
While Jane is only able to afford the most basic "copper" package, the other visitors indulge in the opulent "platinum" option. As she navigates through her stay, she finds camaraderie with fellow guest Elizabeth Charming, yet encounters disdain from Mrs. Wattlesbrook, the resort manager, who favors wealthier clientele. Jane and Elizabeth soon meet their assigned companions, the excessively polite Colonel Andrews and the indifferent Mr. Henry Nobley, who happens to be Mrs. Wattlesbrook's nephew, alongside another guest, "Lady Amelia Heartwright." A flirtation ensues, particularly from Amelia and Elizabeth towards the reserved Nobley, which mirrors the tension of the romance found in Austen's works.
As the narrative unfolds, Jane also catches the eye of Martin, the resort's charming chauffeur and stablehand. A mix of flirtation and misunderstandings arises, especially when Nobley intervenes to shield Jane from getting soaked in the rain. Their relationship becomes complicated as Martin and Jane share a kiss while witnessing a foal's birth, but tensions rise when Martin questions her attachment to the actors. A comedic moment occurs when Jane is coerced into playing the piano for the group, belting out "Hot in Herre," much to Mrs. Wattlesbrook's shock.
Determined to take control of her romantic pursuits, Jane enlists Elizabeth to help her steal costumes from Amelia, allowing her to embrace newfound confidence. However, things take a turn when Mrs. Wattlesbrook catches Jane with a contraband cell phone, threatening her stay until Amelia inadvertently intervenes to protect her. Amelia manipulates the situation for her own benefit, leading to a rehearsal of a play that draws parallels to Mansfield Park, where Jane finds herself bonding with Nobley.
At the grand ball, Nobley confesses his feelings for Jane. Still disheartened after witnessing how the actors feign romantic gestures, Jane opts for authenticity and chooses to spend time with Martin instead. As she prepares to leave Austenland, Jane learns that Amelia is also American and discovers that Nobley was not her designated actor, but rather Martin, raising her ire at the deception. Jane threatens to expose the resort for its questionable practices involving other guests.
In an attempt to reconcile, Martin is sent to appease Jane but is interrupted by Nobley, who asserts his genuine affection. Jane, however, is skeptical and decides to part ways with both men. Upon returning home, she realizes her past infatuation with Mr. Darcy and begins to purify her collection of Austen memorabilia. Unexpectedly, Nobley appears, having flown across the Atlantic to return her sketchpad. He reveals his true identity as Henry Nobley, a history professor who sought to live out the Austen experience, professing his love for Jane. With newfound belief in his sincerity, Jane finally reciprocates, leading to an affectionate kiss.
The story wraps up with a humorous mid-credits scene, revealing Elizabeth's entrepreneurial spirit that leads her to acquire Austenland, transforming it into a theme park, alongside Colonel Andrews. Meanwhile, the antics of Mr. Wattlesbrook result in a fall from grace, and Jane and Nobley bask in their enduring love, concluding a delightful journey through romance and self-discovery in the spirit of Austen.
