Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is among a host of celebrities who now live in a beautiful village in Essex which is often dubbed the best village in the UK.
The 48-year-old, who became famous when his 1999 TV series The Naked Chef took the world by storm, is just one in less than 1,500 people living in the quaint village called Finchingfield. The chef resides in a luxurious grade-I mansion called Spains Hall dating back to 1570.
Jamie has made his fortune from several income strings including his TV work, bringing delicious recipes to the small screen, cookbooks and endorsements, EssexLive reports.
During Covid, he started filming his shows from his home in place of a studio, giving Brits a glimpse into his lush home, which is estimated to be worth £6million. He bought the house in 2019.
Although not every property in Finchingfield is a gated manor, the village boasts an average house price of £537,889, according to the UK’s largest property website, Rightmove.
The majority of sales in Finchingfield during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £690,000.
Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £470,333, with terraced properties fetching £435,000. Overall, sold prices in Finchingfield over the last year were eight percent up on the previous year and three percent down on the 2019 peak of £553,000.
Finchingfield is also renowned for its picturesque setting, featuring colorful cottages, a traditional windmill, a village green, and a charming duck pond.
It’s also the burial place of author of The Hundred and One Dalmations, Dodie Smith.
Its close proximity to London also makes it an ideal location for commuters looking for more affordable properties compared to those within the M25.
After his 1999 TV series took the world by storm, he then began a campaign for healthy school meals, Feed Me Better, which was backed by the government.
Oliver, who has five children, opened the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group back in 2008 but has since gone into administration.
The majority of sales in Finchingfield during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £690,000.
His work promoting healthy eating, while controversial, saw him made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for “services to the hospitality industry.”
And he has a huge following on Instagram with 9.5 million fans watching his recipe and family updates on the platform.
