Celia Imrie is known both for her work as an author and talented actor, featuring in some of the best comedy films ever made.
When the star is not in the limelight, she's enjoying some respite on the Isle of Wight, where she bought her first home more than 20 years ago.
The actress reportedly chose to live on the island to escape the pressure of London and the constant public gaze.
She returns to the town of Cowes as often as she can, according to the Island Life magazine, and has become an integral part of the community there.
The actress bought a house on the Isle of Wight
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In 2019, Imrie told the outlet: “Coming to the Island is a wonderful escape. I don’t call it a holiday home, because I don’t go in for holidays too much.
“My house here was the first time I had ever bought, a little workman’s cottage, I was terribly proud of it.
“I am not a great DIY person, but I slept on the bare floorboards while I took the old fireplace out, did all the wallpapering, painted the garden and bought items at the wonderfully tempting Island Auction Room and Shanklin to furnish it.”
Cowes is the maritime gateway to the Isle of Wight and is known predominantly for its rich royal heritage.
It is described by the Isle of Wight’s official site as a “fantastic holiday town located on the very northern tip of the Isle of Wight, perfect for couples and group holidays".
The website also reads: “Along the town’s pedestrianised high street you will find a wealth of speciality shops, art galleries and boutiques.”
The town is most famous for hosting Cowes Week, which takes place in the early weeks of August every year.
The seven-day event - one of the oldest and most respected regattas in the world - offers a great mix of competitive sailing and social events.
How much do homes cost in the area?
According to Rightmove, properties on the Isle of Wight had an average price of £353,410 over the last year.
“The majority of sales in the Isle of Wight during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of 3540,023," according to the property experts.
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Cowes is renowned for its sailing
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“Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £320,404, with flats fetching £195,797.
“Overall, sold prices in the Isle of Wight over the last year were four per cent down on the previous year and up five per cent on the 2021 peak of £337,090.”
While most visit the Isle of Wight for shorter periods, it is deemed an excellent place to live and work.
More than 50 per cent of the Island is designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and the location boasts the "highest number of award-winning beaches in England," according to the Isle of Wight council.
