She spent 15 years raving about her idyllic life in a harbourside home in the Cornish port of Fowey. But after deciding the town had become ‘too cool and trendy’ Dawn French decided it was time to sell
She spent 15 years raving about her idyllic life in a harbourside home in the Cornish port of Fowey.
But after deciding the town had become ‘too cool and trendy’ Dawn French decided it was time to sell.
Now it seems the Vicar of Dibley star has discovered the answer to her woes – a stunning Victorian villa in a quiet and secluded village elsewhere in Cornwall.
The comedienne, 63, and her husband, Mark Bignell, 56, have made the decision to relocate to the Cornwall and Devon border, with waterside views.
With its narrow thoroughfares, boutique style shops and characterful pubs, the village is reminiscent of her beloved Fowey.
But crucially the spot remains off the beaten tourist track, enabling Miss French to avoid the crowds that swamp Fowey in the summer months.
The star and her husband have snapped up a secluded five-bedroom house in the village, offering plenty of peace and privacy.
While it is unclear how much they paid, the property last sold for just over £1.1million in 2009.
The house, set in three acres, retains many of its original period features including a stained glass window and tiled floors.
As well as the main house, the property has an annexe with its own bedroom, kitchen, living room and shower room, which was used by the previous owners as an Airbnb let.
There is also a separate coach house with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room and a kitchen as well as its own garden and parking space.
The sprawling grounds include a Victorian glass house, potting shed, two paddocks and a fruit and vegetable allotment.
What she’s bought: The comedienne, 63, and her husband, Mark Bignell, 56, have made the decision to relocate to the Cornwall and Devon border, with waterside views. The star and her husband have snapped up a secluded five-bedroom house (pictured) in the village, offering plenty of peace and privacy. While it is unclear how much they paid, the property last sold for just over £1.1million in 2009
And what she’s leaving: Miss French married therapist Mr Bignell in 2013, three years after she split from Lenny Henry, 62, following 25 years of marriage. She bought Point Neptune House (above) for £3million in 2006 and originally lived there with Henry and their daughter Billie, 30
A sneak peek inside a bedroom in the new villa. The house, set in three acres, retains many of its original period features including a stained glass window and tiled floors. As well as the main house, the property has an annexe with its own bedroom, kitchen, living room and shower room, which was used by the previous owners as an Airbnb let
The couple, who are thought to have not yet permanently moved into the property, have already applied for permission to build a garden room extension to the south side of the building.
They also want to build an open walkway between the main house and the annexe, which will be turned into office space.
The walkway will have slated, pitched roof in keeping with the design of the rest of the house, according to the planning application. A parish council spokesman declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail.
But another planning source said: ‘It’s not really secret. We understand she wants to keep it quiet to avoid causing any disturbance either for her or the village. I think that might get things off on the wrong foot.
‘There was a council meeting on Tuesday at which Mr Bignell and his agent set out their plans for the new house. His wife’s name is on the planning application too. However, we have not seen her here as yet.’
Dawn is seen above in the spacious kitchen she is leaving behind. In her new property, there is a separate coach house with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room and a kitchen as well as its own garden and parking space
Although the three-storey Point Neptune House was clearly grand in stature, it boasted a relaxed feel, with the screen star’s pet pooches and cat regularly seen lounging around the house on the furniture
Breathtaking: The Vicar of Dibley star gave her fans intimate glimpses of the treasured harbourside abode she is now leaving
Another local said: ‘If what people are saying is true she has got some sort of family connection to the village and that’s why she’s coming here. That and the fact it’s very quiet here and that’s how we like it.’
Miss French married therapist Mr Bignell in 2013, three years after she split from Lenny Henry, 62, following 25 years of marriage.
She bought Point Neptune House for £3million in 2006 and originally lived there with Henry and their daughter Billie, 30.
The Grade II-listed mansion overlooks Readymoney Cove and it is thought to have been sold through by luxury property agent Jonathan Cunliffe.