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 traded 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.
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