Paul O'Grady's £3.5m mansion put on sale by widower despite fierce planning row

The late comedian Paul O'Grady's beloved Kent home has been put up for sale for £3.5million by his widowed husband Andre Portasio despite him winning a huge planning row

Comedian Paul O'Grady's lavish seven-bedroom home is now on the market, a year on from his death.

The beloved star's death rocked the showbiz world in March 2023 when he died at the age of 67 after suffering cardiac arrhythmia. He had an illustrious stage career as well as being part of iconic TV shows for decades. Away from the spotlight, Paul lived with his former professional dancer husband Andre Portasio in a stunning Kent farmhouse.

Following Paul's death, the home was inherited by Andre but has now been listed on property site Rightmove. The Lily Savage icon had lived in Knoll House, which boasts four reception rooms, from 1999 until his death. Eighteen months later, Andre has now made the decision to sell the Edwardian property despite recently winning a fierce planning row.

READ MORE: Aslan's Billy McGuinness makes honest admission about new lead singer Lee Tomkins

READ MORE: Kate Middleton 'snubbed historic royal invitation' that broke tradition with firm stance

In August, Andre had won a bitter legal battle with their neighbours over his dream of turning part of Paul's £3 million Kent estate into a holiday let. Some neighbours had 'accused' Andre of building a new home 'by the back door' saying there was no need for for more holiday lets in the area. Although some neighbours insisted Paul himself wouldn't have approved, others reportedly had written in support of the proposal, and officials at the local council gave the scheme the go ahead.

Despite coming out victorious in the planning request, Andre has made the decision to sell the home with Strutt and Parker. The mansion was previously owned by comedian Vic Reeves and sits on a 50-acre estate. It features an array of traditional elements, including French doors as well as personal touches such as bookcase wallpaper and a caravan in the garden.

The home even comes with s 'Witches House' and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also has four aces of woodland to call its own. Past and present neighbours of the home include comedians Julian Clary and Alan Carr. Estate agent Strutt and Parker said: "Knoll Hill House sits in a breathtaking position at the top of the escarpment above the Romney Marsh which affords the most sensational far-reaching views, looking across the marsh to the coast and the sea in the distance.

"Built in 1910 the house has much charm, providing a comfortable and spacious space in which to live and entertain against this stunning backdrop." Paul once opened up on moving away from London and to the countryside. "I couldn't quite get it to sink in that the house was mine. On my first night in the house I couldn't sleep I was so excited," he wrote in his book Country Life.

"I spent the night roaming around the rooms like a cat getting accustomed to its new surroundings (although I didn't spray), lugging pieces of furniture from one room to another and then spending ages standing back to see if it looked right, which it inevitably didn't." The lavish mansion also features a swimming pool and several outbuildings including two self-contained cottages, a barn and stables.

It was Paul's husband Andre who had announced the news of his death last year. In a statement, Andre said the beloved entertainer had died "unexpectedly but peacefully."

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.