Following the passing of beloved television personality Paul O’Grady in March 2023, his husband, Andre Portasio, inherited their sprawling Kent estate. Originally purchased by O’Grady in 1999 for £650,000, the seven-bedroom farmhouse, nestled within 50 acres of idyllic countryside and designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was listed for sale in October 2023 at a price of £3.5 million. However, after failing to secure a buyer at this price, Portasio has recently reduced the asking price to £2.65 million. The significant price reduction comes amidst an ongoing dispute with neighbors concerning the conversion of a security hut on the property.
The expansive estate boasts a multitude of features, reflecting O’Grady’s love for both comfort and the whimsical. The main house encompasses four reception rooms, a spacious kitchen and breakfast room, and a luxurious master suite complete with a dressing room and en suite bathroom. Four additional bedrooms, each with its own en suite, and a family bathroom complete the main house’s accommodations. Beyond the main residence, the grounds feature a converted cottage serving as a dance studio and gym, equipped with a kitchen and steam room, alongside a second, more quaint cottage described as a “charming and whimsical building” adorned with carved woodland creatures and “fairy doors.”
The outdoor spaces of the property are equally impressive, offering a swimming pool, barn, stables, orchard, and paddocks. The entire estate is enveloped by four acres of woodland, adding to the sense of seclusion and tranquility. The property’s location in the village of Aldington, Kent, places it in close proximity to other notable residents, including comedians Julian Clary and Alan Carr. This serene environment, often described by O’Grady as his sanctuary, offered respite from the demands of his public life.
The recent price reduction on the property comes on the heels of a planning dispute between Portasio and his neighbors. Portasio initially sought permission to convert the estate’s security hut, which currently houses an office, kitchen, and shower, into a separate two-bedroom dwelling. This proposal was met with resistance from neighbors who argued that it contravened original planning conditions and represented an attempt to circumvent proper procedures for residential development. Following the neighbors’ objections, Portasio revised his application, seeking instead to transform the lodge into a holiday let. This revised application was subsequently approved by the Ashford Council, citing support for sustainable business and tourism within rural areas.
Prior to his passing, O’Grady himself had obtained planning permission for a groundkeeper’s outbuilding, gym, and dance studio on the estate. These additions further enhanced the property’s amenities and provided dedicated spaces for both work and leisure activities. The property’s extensive grounds and various outbuildings reflect O’Grady’s appreciation for the rural lifestyle and his desire to create a comfortable and functional home environment.
The decision to sell the property marks a significant change for Portasio, who shared the home with O’Grady for many years. Their relationship, which began in 2006 and culminated in marriage in 2017, saw them create a life together in the Kent countryside. O’Grady, a renowned animal lover, found solace in the surrounding landscape, and the estate became a haven for numerous rescued animals. The property’s extensive grounds provided ample space for his beloved dogs and other animals, contributing to the unique and cherished atmosphere of the estate.
The sale of the property signifies the closing of a chapter in Portasio’s life, as he navigates the emotional and practical aspects of moving forward after O’Grady’s passing. While the lowered asking price may reflect a desire to expedite the sale, it also represents a significant reduction in the property’s initial valuation. The ongoing neighborly dispute, although resolved in favor of the holiday let conversion, undoubtedly added complexity to the sale process. The property now awaits a new owner who will hopefully appreciate its unique charm and the legacy of the beloved entertainer who once called it home.
