Many famous people with glittering showbiz careers have originated from Essex. There seems to be something in the water, which is why it isn't any wonder many celebrities have a fond and often physical connection to the place.
Essex is full of desirable places to live but there's one place in particular that many celebrities, regardless of their high-profile, refuse to let go. Chigwell seems to tick all the boxes.
It makes sense for the likes of Rod Stewart, Mark Wright and Bradley Walsh (to name but a few) to want to stick around here. It has great commuter links to London, close to the M11. And with its luxurious mansions, fancy restaurants and a glamorous lifestyle and many big stars still call it home.
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Reality TV star and presenter Mark Wright, who is married to actress Michelle Keegan, completed a stunning renovation of a mansion in Chigwell in 2023. The Essex-born celebrity set up a base in his home county after purchasing a property which he completely demolished and rebuilt.
The couple created a Georgian-style home "with a modern twist", Mark explained to his Instagram followers after setting up an Instagram account dedicated entirely to the renovation: @wrightyhome.
To celebrate his 35th birthday, Mark was able to enjoy a pint of Heineken in his own bar, telling fans at the time: "To make it even better, the day that the bar got up and running, is my birthday! What a way to spend my birthday, a pint in my new bar, in my new house."
And there's others keen to keep Chigwell close by. Presenter, comedian and actor, Bradley Walsh lives in his £2.5million converted barn in Chigwell with his wife, Donna, and son, Barney.
Bradley had previously shown his Instagram followers around his beautiful home while isolating during the coronavirus pandemic. The presenter of the popular ITV quiz show The Chase reportedly lives next to Mark Wright, Michelle Keegan, and Rod Stewart.
Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best selling artists of all time - and he lives right here in Essex. He and his wife Penny Lancaster used to live in a huge mansion with 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and its very own bar in Epping.
But it is understood he sold the property for £4.1m to footballer Andy Carroll and ex-TOWIE star Billi Mucklow last year. The couple put their own mansion on the market as well.
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