Inside Dawn French's quiet life after ditching £6.6m mansion
She's an icon known for her roles in the The Vicar of Dibley and French and Saunders, but now, Dawn French has traded showbiz for a quieter life closer to the Devon-Cornwall border. The 67 year old decided to leave behind the picturesque town of Fowey when it reportedly became "too cool and trendy" for her liking.
Dawn called Cornwall home for nearly 20 years, however the actress has bid farewell to her 15-bedroom manor house with stunning views after putting it on the market for an impressive £6.6 million in 2021 – tripling her initial investment from 2006.
The star was born in Wales but left her substantial property in search of a more peaceful setting within the quieter parts of the Duchy. Dawn now enjoys the tranquillity of a secluded Cornish village with her husband Mark Bignell, with stunning waterside views far from the hustle and bustle that descend on Fowey during peak season, writes The Mirror.
In 2006, Dawn moved into a Grade-II listed house in Fowey with her then-husband Sir Lenny Henry and their daughter Billie, before their marriage came to an end in 2010.
She then went on to tie the knot in 2013 with her current husband, Mark, a therapist, and decided to stay in their shared home. The much-loved comedian has become an advocate for Cornwall's breathtaking scenery and its culinary scene, frequently praising local eateries for their "unpretentious" atmosphere and delicious food.
Dawn often shares a lot of her life online and often walks on Par Beach, which is not only picturesque but also dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for walks with her beloved pet.
One of Dawn's favourite spots for a meal out is Edie's Kitchen in Carlyon Bay, just a short distance from where she used to live.
She took to social media to praise it as the pinnacle of her dining experiences that year, lauding the restaurant for its "unpretentious, fresh, tasty good-lookin' grub".
In September 2018, national treasure Dawn caused a stir among patrons at Edie's Kitchen when she popped in during the filming of the third series of her hit show Delicious.
The Hidden Hut in Portscatho is another gem Dawn holds dear, hailed as one of Cornwall's hidden treasures. It has received praise from celebrities like Rick Stein and Alice Levine and even played host to global leaders during the G7 Summit in 2021.
Back in 2017, Dawn posted a stunning photo of a misty morning walk on Par Beach with her cherished dog.
Dawn, known for her irresistible charm and sharp humour, took to Twitter in 2019 to flaunt her affection for Cornwall with a playful jab. Alongside a photo featuring her pet against the picturesque coastal scenery, she quipped: "Cornwall. Ghastly."
Fast forward to 2024, and property prices in Cornwall have skyrocketed, with the average home now fetching £299,000, stats from the Office for National Statistics reveal.
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