The lavish seven-bedroom home of the late comedian Paul O’Grady is now up for sale, a year after his passing.
The beloved star’s death in March 2023 at the age of 67 due to cardiac arrhythmia sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Known for his successful stage career and decades-long presence on iconic TV shows, Paul also led a quiet life with his husband, former professional dancer Andre Portasio, in a beautiful farmhouse in Kent.
After Paul’s death, the home was inherited by Andre which has now been listed on Rightmove. The Lily Savage icon resided in Knoll House, featuring four reception rooms, from 1999 until his death.
Now, eighteen months later, Andre has decided to sell the Edwardian property, despite recently winning a contentious planning dispute.
In August, Andre emerged victorious from a bitter legal battle with neighbours over his plans to convert part of Paul’s £3 million Kent estate into a holiday let. Some neighbours had accused Andre of surreptitiously building a new home, arguing that there was no need for additional holiday lets in the area, reports the Mirror.
Despite some claims that Paul himself would have disapproved, others reportedly wrote in support of the proposal, leading local council officials to approve the scheme.
Despite winning the planning request, Andre has decided to put the mansion up for sale through Strutt and Parker. The property, previously owned by comedian Vic Reeves, is nestled within a 50-acre estate and boasts traditional features such as French doors, alongside unique touches like bookcase wallpaper and a caravan in the garden.
The house also includes a ‘Witches House’ and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with four acres of woodland included. Notable past and present neighbours include comedians Julian Clary and Alan Carr.
Estate agent Strutt and Parker described the property: “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 shared his excitement about moving from London 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 revealed 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 grand estate is also home to a swimming pool and multiple outbuildings, encompassing two self-contained cottages, a barn, and stables.
It was Paul’s husband Andre who shared the heartbreaking news of his passing last year. In a poignant statement, Andre revealed that the cherished entertainer had passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully”.
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