A familiar face on Britain’s biggest stages and screens, Dawn French can most recently be spotted in the M&S Christmas advert — her fourth appearance in the retailer’s festive offering. But away from the glitz and glamour of the celebrity circuit, the beloved actress and comedian — renowned for her roles in The Vicar of Dibley and French and Saunders — now lives a far quieter life away from the spotlight.
Having made Cornwall her home nearly two decades ago, the 68-year-old television icon lives near the Devon and Cornwall border and frequently offers glimpses into her coastal existence, showcasing the stunning landscapes she experiences daily. Born in Wales, the comedy doyenne first moved to Cornwall in 2006, selecting the idyllic village of Fowey as her residence. However, it was reported that the actress sold her Fowey property for a whopping £6.6 million in 2021 — three times what she paid for it in 2006 — after deeming the town “too cool and trendy.”
Prior to relocating, she regularly shared insights into Cornish living from her opulent 15-bedroom mansion, which offered breathtaking views of the estuary.
In a surprising turn of events, a friend revealed that Dawn had sold the grandiose estate in search of a more peaceful lifestyle in a quieter corner of Cornwall, according to the Mail on Sunday.
She now resides in a secluded Cornish village with her husband Mark Bignell, enjoying waterside views.
This picturesque spot is away from the usual tourist routes, allowing the couple to evade the summer crowds of Fowey.
Dawn relocated to the Grade II-listed property named Neptune House in Fowey in 2006 alongside her then-husband Sir Lenny Henry and their daughter Billie. The pair separated in 2010.
She wed her current husband Mark, a therapist, in 2013, whilst maintaining her residence at the Cornish home.
During her time in Cornwall, Dawn has championed both the region’s stunning scenery and its food scene, frequently commenting on local restaurants and praising their “unpretentious” atmosphere and outstanding cuisine.
The comedy icon also brings her signature wit to documenting Cornish life. She regularly posts images of hidden gems like the dog-friendly Par Beach, a beloved destination for walks with her dog.
Among Dawn’s cherished Cornish destinations is Edie’s Kitchen in Carlyon Bay, conveniently located near her former home.
The star described it as the standout dining experience of her year, lauding the establishment for its “unpretentious, fresh, tasty good-lookin grub” on social media.
In September 2018, the beloved actress delighted fellow patrons at Edie’s Kitchen during a visit whilst shooting the third series of her hit programme ‘Delicious’.
Another beloved destination is the Hidden Hut in Portscatho, regarded as one of Cornwall’s must-visit locations.
The venue has attracted acclaim from notable figures including Rick Stein and Alice Levine. The charming establishment even welcomed world leaders during the 2021 G7 Summit.
Dawn has also shared delightful snaps from her coastal adventures, including a lovely photograph of herself with her beloved dog during a foggy walk on Par Beach back in 2017.
Local residents from St Austell were thrilled to recognise their cherished beach in Dawn’s post, sparking lively discussion amongst members of the Friends of Par Beach Facebook group.
She also playfully poked fun at her Cornish lifestyle a 2019 tweet. The post featured a photograph of her dog against a breathtaking seaside setting, accompanied by the tongue-in-cheek caption: “Cornwall. Ghastly.”
According to the Office for National Statistics, the average property price in Cornwall stands at £299,000 in 2024.
