Johnny Depp Raves About Quiet Life on 850-Acre Somerset Estate: ‘British People Are Cool’

Hollywood star Johnny Depp has found solace far from the glitz and chaos of Tinseltown, embracing a quieter, more authentic lifestyle on his sprawling 850-acre estate in Somerset, England. In an April 2023 interview with Somerset Life magazine, the Pirates of the Caribbean icon opened up about his deep appreciation for the serene countryside and the understated hospitality of the local community.

“British people are cool and will greet you as if you are a neighbour—without going over the top,” Depp said, praising the warmth and modesty he’s encountered in the West Country. “I just love places with character.”

Depp purchased the majestic Downton Abbey-style Somerset Mansion in 2014 for around £13 million (approximately $16 million). The 19th-century estate near Kingston St Mary features 12 bedrooms, eight bathrooms, walled gardens, and even a dairy farm—all nestled in idyllic, rolling countryside. “I have various houses in various places, and they all mean something special,” he told Somerset Life. “I don’t have them just to say I own them; I have them for use and because they are a bit special.”

The estate has become Depp’s retreat following the relentless public scrutiny of his highly publicized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022. Known previously for a “hell-raiser” persona, the 62-year-old actor revealed a more introspective side. “In truth, I’m quite a shy person,” he admitted, challenging the larger-than-life image often linked to his roles like Captain Jack Sparrow or his days with the Hollywood Vampires rock band.

Depp also appreciates the balance Somerset offers—a blend of privacy and neighborly kindness. “I can just be me—and that’s nice,” he said. Unlike the crowded streets of Los Angeles, he enjoys shopping locally without being overwhelmed by fans. “I don’t mind that up to a point, but sometimes it gets a little too crowded,” he explained.

Depp’s move to Somerset followed a tumultuous few years marked by legal battles stemming from his 2015 marriage and 2017 divorce from Heard. The 2022 trial ended with Depp winning $15 million in damages while Heard was awarded $2 million in a counterclaim. After Heard withdrew her appeal in December 2022, Depp generously donated her $1 million settlement to various charities. Though initially splitting time between London and Sussex, where he stayed with the late Jeff Beck, Depp’s relocation to Somerset has become permanent, drawn by the region’s rich history and peaceful charm.

Part of Depp’s vast $100 million real estate portfolio, the Somerset estate holds a special place in his life. He described the area’s historic buildings and character as uniquely appealing. In March 2023, Depp made headlines for a discreet visit to Hemswell Antiques Centres in Lincolnshire, arriving by helicopter to pick up “quirky items” to furnish his Somerset home—including guitars, a skull-encrusted vase, and art supplies. The centre’s owner, Robert Miller, praised Depp as “down-to-earth” and noted the actor’s nostalgic moments recalling Jeff Beck, highlighting Depp’s desire to maintain privacy and avoid public attention.

Depp’s experience reflects a growing trend of celebrities seeking refuge in rural retreats away from the limelight. His fondness for Somerset’s low-key charm and the respectful demeanor of its residents underscores the county’s appeal as a sanctuary for creativity and introspection.

While Depp continues to work on new projects like Jeanne du Barry and pursue his music, his Somerset estate stands as a deliberate and welcome shift away from Hollywood’s glare—one that suits the actor’s evolving desire for peace, privacy, and authenticity.

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