Esteemed British actor Richard E Grant has offered fans a poignant and festive glimpse into his personal life, sharing a video tour of his lavishly decorated West London home. The 68-year-old star posted the intimate footage on Instagram this Thursday, revealing a stunning collection of Christmas ornaments and personal trinkets amassed throughout his illustrious film career.
A Home Filled With History And Holiday Cheer
In the video, Grant showcases how he has prepared his historic property for the festive season ahead of hosting American friends for an early Christmas feast. The rooms are adorned with a beautifully decorated tree, countless pictures, ornaments, and colourful hanging pieces that fill every corner. The living room features paisley-printed sofas and delicately embroidered cushions, while the conservatory dining table is laid beautifully for the upcoming dinner.
The actor revealed the home, originally built in 1840 as a Georgian rectory, is also a repository of memories from his marriage to his late wife, dialect coach Joan Washington. It houses antiques, artefacts, paintings, and souvenirs from his time in film. The garden, too, is festooned with decorations, including baubles he previously shared were taken from a Jo Malone festive display.
Anticipating Joy Amidst Personal Loss
Grant captioned his social media post with a sense of warm anticipation, writing: "Love that moment of anticipation, just before the guests arrive, candles and fire lit, drinks at the ready, food all prepped and the delight of having a pre-Christmas feast with American friends who are leaving this weekend."
This festive preparation comes against a backdrop of personal grief. Grant recently made the difficult decision to sell the couple's holiday home in Provence, France, which they had restored and visited for 33 summers. He explained that returning to the farmhouse after Joan's death from stage four lung cancer in September 2021 was "too painful." He sold it with a "very heavy heart," recalling wholesome family memories of swimming, playing badminton, and enjoying truffle baguettes from a spot recommended by Sir Elton John.
Life, Love, And Lasting Connection
The actor has been remarkably candid about his grieving process. He revealed he does not feel lonely due to his close relationship with his daughter Olivia and her husband, who live with him. While he remains "hopeful-minded and open-hearted," he admitted he hasn't actively sought a new partner, humorously dreading the thought of dating at his age.
In a touching tribute to his wife's character, Grant shared that a month before she died, Joan "went through all the women" they knew who were single, giving him humorous reasons not to pursue any of them. "I knew how much she loved me by doing that," he reflected. He maintains a connection by emailing her each night, a ritual that makes him feel the ongoing conversation continues.
From the glittering Christmas trinkets that tell the story of a celebrated career to the cherished memories of a decades-long marriage, Richard E Grant's home tour is more than a festive display; it's a window into a life richly lived, marked by both great success and profound loss.
