Importance Score: 12 / 100 🟠
Kris Marshall’s Cornish Paradise: Beyond Paradise Star Reluctantly Parts with Beloved Home
Actor Kris Marshall, celebrated for his role as DI Humphrey Goodman in the hit BBC series Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise, faced a difficult decision regarding his cherished Grade-II listed Cornwall property. Marshall, known for his deep affection for his Cornish residence, a converted chapel named Kirk House, invested considerable effort in its upkeep. However, logistical challenges ultimately led to his “heartbreaking” departure from the beloved abode.
From Holiday Let to Heartbreak: Marshall’s Cornish Property Journey
Marshall recounted to The Times his initial acquisition of Kirk House, noting it was already a “remarkable holiday let.” He further enhanced the property, diligently managing it as a full-time holiday rental for a decade. Regrettably, the increasing demands of his filming schedule, particularly in the Caribbean, rendered the continued operation of the Cornwall holiday let “unfeasible.”
“I still adore Cornwall, especially in good weather,” Marshall explained, “but operating holiday lets involves compromises. Family trips there became difficult, and managing the business remotely from the Caribbean — it’s simply too distant — became impractical. I’m quite occupied with work, and it’s no longer viable for me to run it.”
Kirk House: A Converted Chapel in Picturesque Polperro
Originally dating back to the 1850s, Kirk House boasted a spacious open-plan living area, vaulted cellars, a private courtyard, and five bedrooms, accompanied by three bathrooms and an outbuilding. The property is nestled in Polperro, a charming Cornish fishing village renowned for its active harbor and even a smugglers’ cave.
This quaint hamlet, situated an hour from Newquay beach, is largely pedestrianized, with vehicle access intentionally limited. Marshall recalled his initial impression: “I visited Polperro at 18 and appreciated its quintessential Cornish charm and attractiveness. Upon entering Kirk House, with its impressive vaulted ceilings and substantial beams, I was immediately captivated; it was truly amazing.”
Return to the West Country and Bath
Following four “wonderful” years living abroad, Marshall expressed his desire to return to Cornwall. However, comments he made regarding his son becoming “too Caribbean” sparked controversy, for which he later apologized, citing his “naive use of words.”
Currently, Marshall resides in Bath, his birthplace, with his family. He conveyed to ITV, “Being a West Country native, anything that maintains my connection to the West Country is beneficial.”