Dawn French, the beloved British actress and comedian renowned for her roles in 'The Vicar of Dibley' and 'French and Saunders', has become an unofficial ambassador for Cornwall after making the region her home nearly two decades ago. The 66-year-old TV star frequently shares glimpses of her coastal lifestyle, offering followers a peek into the stunning scenery she experiences daily.
From Fowey to a Quieter Village
Born in Wales, French initially relocated to Cornwall in 2006, settling in the charming village of Fowey. However, in 2022, she opted to move nearer to the Devon and Cornwall border. She reportedly sold her Fowey property for £6.6 million in 2021—three times what she paid for it in 2006—having concluded the town had grown "too cool and trendy," according to reports.
Prior to her departure, she frequently gave fans a taste of Cornish living. Her previous residence was an impressive 15-bedroom mansion offering spectacular estuary views. In a surprising development, a friend revealed that Dawn had parted with the grand property in search of a more peaceful existence in a quieter corner of Cornwall.
She now resides in a tucked-away village elsewhere in Cornwall with waterside panoramas alongside her husband, Mark Bignell. The idyllic spot sits away from the typical tourist trail, allowing the pair to escape the summer visitor influx that descends on Fowey.
A New Chapter
Dawn relocated to the Grade II-listed property in Fowey back in 2006 alongside her then-husband Sir Lenny Henry and their daughter Billie. The pair divorced in 2010. She married her current husband Mark, a therapist, in 2013, though she remained living at the residence.
During her time in Cornwall, Dawn has championed not just the county's stunning scenery but its food scene too, frequently commenting on local establishments and praising them for their "unpretentious" atmosphere and excellent cuisine.
Cherished Cornish Spots
The comedy legend also brings her trademark wit to depicting Cornish life. She regularly posts pictures of hidden gems like the dog-friendly Par Beach, a beloved location for walks with her pet. Among Dawn's cherished Cornish destinations is Edie's Kitchen in Carlyon Bay, situated just a brief journey from her former residence. She declared it the standout dining experience of her year, celebrating the restaurant for its "unpretentious, fresh, tasty good-lookin grub" in a tweet.
In September 2018, national treasure Dawn French caught fellow guests off guard at Edie's Kitchen when she visited while filming the third series of her hit programme 'Delicious'. Another beloved destination is the Hidden Hut in Portscatho, widely regarded as among Cornwall's premier venues. Its reputation has attracted praise from high-profile figures including Rick Stein and Alice Levine. The charming establishment even welcomed world leaders during the 2021 G7 Summit.
Dawn also previously delighted fans with a charming snap of herself and her beloved dog during a misty walk along Par Beach back in 2017. St Austell locals were quick to recognise the picturesque spot, with the post sparking lively discussion within the Friends of Par Beach Facebook group.
Never one to miss a chance to raise a smile, Dawn showed off her trademark wit in a 2019 tweet, drolly celebrating her Cornish life with a photo of her dog set against a breathtaking coastal backdrop, sardonically captioned: "Cornwall. Ghastly."
The average property price in Cornwall stands at £275,000 as of March 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics.
