Richard E Grant shows off his stunning London home and its lavish Christmas decorations after revealing ‘painful’ sale of his French house following his wife’s death

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Richard E. Grant shared a peek inside his beautiful London house on Wednesday, revealing his extravagant Christmas decorations.

Richard’s house in west London is already impressive, filled with keepsakes from his career, and he’s made it even more magical with beautiful holiday decorations.

Richard shared photos and videos of his Christmas tree, and then showed off the festive lights and decorations illuminating his garden.

The actor previously explained he had to sell his vacation home on the French Riviera because it was too difficult to revisit after his wife, Joan Washington, passed away in 2021.

Richard briefly showed off his Christmas tree and then revealed the ornaments decorating his garden. He’d mentioned before that these ornaments originally came from a Christmas display at Jo Malone.

The actor’s London house showcases mementos from his life with his wife, Joan. It’s filled with antiques, historical objects, artwork, and keepsakes from his movies.

He decorated his home with twinkling lights, and his back door was covered in large star decorations. Inside, the house was filled with festive ornaments.

Oh my gosh, you guys, did you know Richard’s house is amazing? He told House and Garden that it originally went up in 1840 as a Georgian rectory! He said looking at it from the outside, it reminds him of a drawing by Charles – like, seriously, it’s the house he’s always dreamed of living in since he was a little boy! I’m so jealous, it sounds absolutely perfect!

Richard was eager to celebrate Christmas and decided to spread the festive cheer by hosting a gospel choir at his house.

Richard recently announced he’s selling the French holiday home he shared with his wife, Joan. He explained it’s too difficult to revisit the property now that she has passed away.

In an article for The Times reflecting on his travels, Richard shared that he’s been unable to bring himself to revisit the farmhouse in Provence he and his late wife, Jane, had lovingly restored.

Soon after their daughter Olivia was born, the couple renovated the old farmhouse, and they enjoyed spending every summer there as a family for the next 33 years.

The holiday home didn’t feel right without his wife, who had passed away, so he sadly decided to sell it.

After Joan passed away, I attempted to return to Provence by myself, but it was too difficult emotionally. It was with great sadness that I decided to sell the house.

Richard fondly remembered happy times at home, filled with swimming, badminton, and cooking. He also cherished trips to La Petite Maison for their black truffle baguettes – a place Elton John had first introduced him to.

Richard recently told The Sunday Times Culture Magazine that he hasn’t given much thought to dating again since his wife, Joan, passed away.

He admitted the thought of being almost sixty-eight and undressing in front of anyone was deeply embarrassing, to the point where he’d rather be completely isolated, like in a dark cave on a volcanic island.

‘That may change. I’m hopeful-minded and open-hearted but I’m not looking for it.’

Richard explained that he doesn’t feel alone because he’s close to his daughter Olivia and her husband, and they all live together.

The experienced actor once revealed that his wife, whom he described as funny, used to playfully screen potential partners for him before her passing.

Joan, a talented dialect coach, sadly died in September 2021 at the age of 74. She had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer just eight months prior.

The Withnail And I star has been extremely candid about his grief in the years since Joan’s death.

Richard has also previously shared what made him realise his late wife really loved him.

On The Lulu Podcast: Turning Points, Richard shared a funny story about Joan. He said that just a month before she passed away, she playfully ‘vetoed’ every single, divorced, widowed, or available woman they both knew, giving him a reason why he shouldn’t date any of them – she was like a protective lioness!

‘And I knew how much she loved me by doing that…’ he added.

Richard recounted how Joan responded when he finally got to meet Barbra Streisand, someone he’d always admired.

Let me tell you, as someone who’s navigated a lot of interesting encounters, you often hear ‘never meet your heroes.’ I experienced that firsthand after a conversation with a woman I deeply admired. Back in London, a friend, Joan, relayed something she’d been told by the subject of my admiration – and it was quite a statement! Even at 79 years old, she’d apparently asked, bluntly, if I’d still be attracted to her if she wasn’t married to her husband, James Brolin. It was definitely a surprising moment!

I told her, “You already know the answer.” She replied, “I’ve got you now, and you’re not going anywhere!”

Richard doesn’t expect to fall in love again, but he’s open to the possibility. He’s not actively looking, though – you won’t find him on any dating apps.

‘I feel fulfilled and sustained without feeling like I’ve lost my better half, which I have.’ 

The actor also revealed he is still so in love with his late wife that he emails her each night. 

Richard admitted he doesn’t believe she’s listening or that he’ll get a reply, but he continues to talk to her anyway, as it helps him feel connected.

I often write to her, starting with something like, “Dear J, you would have really gotten a kick out of today…” It’s a way of keeping her memory alive and feeling like we’re still talking.

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2025-12-11 12:49