Dawn French's life in one of UK's quietest villages after leaving £6.6m mansion
Dawn French has been a fixture in Cornwall for almost two decades and has shared some delightful insights into her coastal life with husband Mark Bignell in recent years
Dawn French, famed for her roles in The Vicar of Dibley and French and Saunders, has t raded her coastal view for a quieter spot closer to the Devon-Cornwall border. Her decision came as the picturesque town of Fowey became "too cool and trendy" for her liking.
Having made Cornwall her home nearly 20 years ago, French has been delighting fans with glimpses into her life by the sea. She said goodbye to her 15-bedroom manor house with stunning estuary views in Fowey, after selling it for an impressive £6.6 million in 2021 – tripling her initial investment from 2006.
Born in Wales, Dawn left her substantial property in search of a more tranquil setting within the quieter parts of the Duchy. Dawn now enjoys the tranquillity of a secluded Cornish village with her husband Mark Bignell, savouring waterside views far from the crowds of tourists that descend on Fowey during peak season, reports Devon Live.
Back in 2006, Dawn moved into a Grade-II listed house in Fowey with her then-husband Sir Lenny Henry and their daughter Billie, before they split in 2010.
In 2013, Dawn tied the knot with her current husband, Mark, a therapist, and decided to remain 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 scrumptious food.
Dawn often injects her trademark humour into posts about her life in Cornwall, sharing snaps of idyllic yet less well-known locations such as 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 Twitter to acclaim 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.
When Dawn shared the image of Par Beach, locals from St Austell were quick to recognise the spot, sparking a buzz of excitement within the Friends of Par Beach Facebook group.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Will Young gives rare update on his 'wonderful partner' as he talks about plans
Pop Idol winner Will Young has opened up about his private life after the popstar previously spoke about his desire to start a family and potentially foster children Will Young has opened up about his personal affairs and the blossoming hope of starting his own family someday. The inaugural Pop Idol champion, 46, has poured out details about his "wonderful partner" and the enriching life they're creating together. This heartfelt insight comes after he previously disclosed last year his aspirations to have a family and even venture into fostering children. In an interview The i, Will said that his heart had finally unfurled, attributing this change to overcoming the limelight's challenges that once complicated his love life, in part due to the relentless paparazzi pressure he said he used to experience, reports Devon Live. He explained: "I'm in a lovely relationship. I'm having a wonderful time with a wonderful partner. I had a closed heart, but it's opened up now. Why has my heart opened up?" "Meeting the right person. And making the choice to be open to someone. If you're waiting for that Hollywood moment, you might be waiting for the rest of your life, so you've got to make a choice that you want to be in a relationship. I was restricted by the mainstream music industry. "Being followed by the paparazzi used to be stressful, but it's just not a thing any more. Maybe it was quite exciting for partners of mine in the past or maybe not; I don't know, but I don't think it made dating more difficult." Last year Will shared with Attitude magazine his dream to father a family following the release of his album Light It Up. He told the publication: "I'm quite interested in fostering... I think I'd be very good at being emotionally available and emotionally validating." Reflecting on his dating life, Will shared that he, like many others, uses dating apps. He said: "It's a bit of a lottery. My last boyfriend was off an app. And the person I'm dating at the moment's off an app." Will has been open about his personal journey, including his battle with PTSD, and how gardening has become a therapeutic outlet for him. In an interview with the Telegraph, he said: "When I first went into treatment for PTSD, I had just begun work on one of my gardens. I think because I totally focused on that, it really helped me get better. "I've found that the simple act of putting my hands in the soil helps because it's grounding... it literally grounds me, it grounds my whole body.... I find one little job to focus on, it calms me down. It is meditative." On top of his musical endeavours, Will is set to feature in the 22nd series of the BBC 's ancestral exploration programme Who Do You Think You Are?, airing tonight (Tuesday, June 3) at 9pm on BBC One.
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Wales Online
Amanda Holden, 54, reminds fans her family's beautiful Cornwall property is for sale
Amanda Holden, 54, reminds fans her family's beautiful Cornwall property is for sale The TV star's parents have put their stunning four-bedroom property on the market Amanda Holden showcased the home on social media (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror ) Amanda Holden took to social media to remind everyone about her parents' Cornwall home, which is now for sale. The 54-year-old television star shared that her family is planning to downsize, while drawing attention to the stunning property. "Parents are downsizing," she said, sharing a link to the Rightmove advertisement. In a previous post, she also added: "[They are] selling their beautiful home in Cornwall." The four-bedroom house is ideally situated just a short distance from the North Cornwall coastline and picturesque locations like Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor. Advertisers refer to it as a 'true rural gem', highlighting its historic elements, fireplaces and homely timber floors. "Tucked away in a tranquil setting with breathtaking countryside and coastal views, this charming Grade II listed detached Cornish cottage, believed to have built around the turn of the 18th century, is a true rural gem," the listing reads, according to the Mirror. "With a distinctive thatched roof and a wealth of historic character features—exposed beams, fireplaces and timber floors." In May, Amanda also shared a promotional video from Fine and Country Bude of the thatched home on her Instagram account. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below The video features sweeping views of the property in Hersham, Bude, as an estate agent explores its intriguing history. "I have a real treat for you today, I'm looking forward to showing you the video of this beautiful Grade II listed cottage behind me called Hersham Carpentry," they said. "It's where all the hand carts were made in the area back in the day." This detached property with a thatched roof offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms and a kitchen/breakfast area. Three annexes are also located on-site and have a recorded history of holiday letting income for more than 10 years. Two of the annexes are single-storey, and the third consists of two floors, including a living room, kitchen, and conservatory. Moreover, future homeowners can enjoy the 'sweeping cottage gardens' that include tranquil patio areas and three panoramic viewpoints showcasing sea views. Rightmove additionally highlights a notably large driveway that accommodates around eight cars. The property (pictured) is just a short drive away from stunning beach spots (Image: Rightmove/Fine & Country ) There are several bedrooms in the property (Image: Rightmove/Fine & Country ) Speaking on the advert, Amanda's family have reportedly said: "We are sad to leave this lovely home we have lived in for over 22 years. We will miss the early morning bird song and the gorgeous vistas and spectacular sunsets from different viewpoints throughout our gardens. "We have had many wonderful memories of barbecues in the garden with family and friends. Unfortunately age has caught up with us and begrudgingly we feel the time has come to downsize and be nearer to family. "We will miss our wonderful house and all our neighbours (95% of which are still here). It is so peaceful and quiet and very private and although in a country lane only five mins car ride away from amenities and the wonderful sandy beaches." There are separate gardens for the main property and annexes (Image: Rightmove/Fine & Country ) Nestled in Hersham, a hamlet south of Kilkhampton, Cornwall, the location offers an idyllic setting. The property is slightly less than two miles from the historic village of Statton, featuring a medical centre, assorted local taverns, a post office, and a well-stocked shop open every day of the week. The seaside town of Bude is just a stone's throw away too, offering visitors an array of picturesque cliff walks and sandy beaches. Article continues below The property is currently listed at £895,000 on Rightmove. For more information, visit its website.
The Guardian
14 hours ago
- The Guardian
A Family Matter by Claire Lynch review – powerful debut about lesbian mothers in the 80s
For a writer, the 1980s bear rich, dark fruit. The social and political turbulence of the decade provides the perfect landscape for Claire Lynch's dual-timeline debut novel A Family Matter, which alternates between 1982 and the present day. On the surface, it is the story of a father-daughter relationship. Heron – an elderly man deeply fond of rules and routine – has recently received a terminal cancer diagnosis, but rather than share it with his grownup daughter, Maggie, who now has a family of her own, he chooses to bear the burden alone. As we learn that Heron raised Maggie by himself, it's clear this urge to shield his only child from harm is a continuous theme. There is no mention of another parent, just that Heron was divorced many decades ago; it's only when Lynch takes us back to 1982 that we discover the true story. When Maggie was a toddler, her 23-year-old mother, Dawn, met another woman at a jumble sale. It was a chance encounter, and they clicked. Hazel, a newly qualified primary school teacher, had recently moved to the town, and Dawn was flustered by Hazel's obvious life experience, feeling that 'her mouth was full of all the things she would say if she wasn't too embarrassed to put herself into words'. Hazel is equally smitten, and as the intensity between the two women grows, it isn't long before their friendship develops into a romance. A secret romance to begin with, not just because Dawn is married to Heron and her life is dedicated to their beloved Maggie, but because 1980s provincial Britain was far more attached to the idea of a nuclear family than it was to the concept of true love. 'You wanted to collect the set, the wedding, the house, the baby?' Hazel asks. 'I didn't know you were allowed not to,' Dawn replies. Provincial secrets, however, have a habit of escaping, and inevitably Dawn must explain herself to Heron, because her sexuality was 'something she had always known, as deep and bright as bone'. A product of his environment, Heron's reaction is predictable. Tempers flare. Locks are changed. Solicitors are consulted. Both Dawn and Heron are swept along by a system clinging to the archaic belief that a child exposed to same-sex relationships will become damaged. In the custody court, Heron puts his trust in 'the men wearing cufflinks', while Dawn wonders 'what combination of arms and eyes and mouth will keep her from looking ashamed'. Present-day Maggie, now with her own (often less than perfect) nuclear family, has no knowledge of her parents' ancient battle. She just knows that Dawn left, and Heron stayed. However, when terminally ill Heron's attempts at Swedish death cleaning unearth long-forgotten court documents, Maggie must reframe being abandoned by her mother in the face of this newly found truth. From Zadie Smith's White Teeth to Douglas Stuart's Shuggie Bain, literature is peppered with compelling tales of homophobia and prejudice in the 1980s. It is a decade slowly edging closer to being classed as historical fiction, a soothing balm perhaps. However, in this small and powerful story, Lynch forces us to stare bigotry in the eye. She does this not only with smart and often heartbreaking observations of human behaviour, but also by weaving in difficult truths. Her author's note reveals that the brutal and savage words spoken during Maggie's custody hearing are taken from real-life court transcripts. At the time, almost all lesbian mothers involved in divorce cases like Dawn's lost legal custody of their children. One of the most important roles of a writer is to give a platform to those less often noticed. Not only does Lynch's novel lend a voice to the many thousands of people who were forced to remain silent, bound by the prejudice of 'different times', it shouts that injustice from its pages. A Family Matter by Claire Lynch is published by Chatto & Windus (£16.99). To support the Guardian buy a copy at Delivery charges may apply. Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion
