Chefs at home: the beautiful houses of the world's best cooks
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Where celebrity chefs really cook
We love nothing more than snooping around the homes of the rich and famous, and it doesn't get much more A-list than these global gastronomic superstars. From Bobby Flay's glitzy LA chalet to Nigella Lawson's sexy London townhouse and Mary Berry's rural retreat, these deliciously moreish houses belong to some of the biggest celebrity cooks around. Click or scroll to read more...
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Gordon Ramsay's coastal holiday home, Cornwall, UK
We got a sneak peek inside Gordon Ramsay’s beautiful coastal retreat when he put it on the market in September 2020. The British chef's holiday home garnered an offer of $3.6 million (£2.8m), a tasty profit considering he purchased the abode in 2017 for around $2.6 million (£2m). Located in the coastal town of Fowey in Cornwall, UK, Chef Ramsay renovated the Grade II-listed retreat in order to create a modern townhouse by the sea.
Gordon Ramsay's coastal holiday home, Cornwall, UK
Perfect for a family, the home spans 2,800 square feet and is spread across three spacious floors. Large windows allow for idyllic waterfront views from almost every window. There are two reception rooms, including a plush formal living room with a fireplace and a generously high ceiling. We can’t think of a better spot to spend the evening curled up with a book.
Gordon Ramsay's coastal holiday home, Cornwall, UK
It will come as no surprise to learn that one of the home's highlights is the kitchen. With green Shaker-style cabinets, high-end appliances and a centralised island, it's definitely fit for a professional! The contemporary open-plan space comes with a dining zone and French doors, which lead out onto a harbour-facing deck – the perfect place to enjoy alfresco dinners under the stars.
Gordon Ramsay's coastal holiday home, Cornwall, UK
There are four stunning bedrooms that each enjoy idyllic views and offer a charming yet contemporary coastal decorating scheme. Elsewhere, you'll also find a snug study and a delightful waterside garden room that leads straight out onto the envy-inducing outdoor deck. Just moments from the water, this exterior space is enough to make us pack our bags!
Gordon Ramsay's coastal holiday home, Cornwall, UK
Ramsay owns two other properties in Cornwall, but this one is pretty special. The residence's enclosed outdoor terrace is without doubt the home’s pièce de résistance. Offering plenty of space for soaking up the sunshine and enjoying evening drinks, the deck also boasts private shoreline access. From this gorgeous spot, the views across the water are second to none.
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Rachael Ray's Southampton compound, New Jersey, USA
This beautiful bungalow can be found in the heart of glitzy Southampton, New Jersey. For many years this was the enviable weekend retreat of celebrity chef, Rachael Ray. The American cook purchased the home with her husband John Cusimano in 2008, when they paid $2.1 million (£1.6m) for the privilege.
Sotheby's International Realty
Rachael Ray's Southampton compound, New Jersey, USA
The couple first placed the house on the market for $4.9 million (£3.7m) in August 2018, but failed to sell it. The property has been on and off the market ever since, at various price points. Then, in May 2020 Sotheby’s International Realty offered the abode up for $3.3 million (£2.5m), an attractive price considering its stylish interior, park-like grounds and proximity to three of Southampton's best golf courses.
Sotheby's International Realty
Rachael Ray's Southampton compound, New Jersey, USA
The property spans a generous 3,000 square feet and boasts three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, an open-plan living and dining area and a contemporary gourmet kitchen. Both functional and made for entertaining, the kitchen island opens into the lounge, so guests can watch the cooking unfold – and maybe even score a few tasters!
Sotheby's International Realty
Rachael Ray's Southampton compound, New Jersey, USA
There's also a secondary kitchen area, which Ray likely used for food prep and extra storage when hosting, or perhaps for testing out recipes for 30 Minute Meals! In the garden there's also a pool house, which offers a third kitchen, two full bathrooms, a dining area and bedroom. Elsewhere, you'll also find a writer’s cottage, which the chef could have used for penning her cookbooks, as well as an outdoor pizza oven and alfresco dining space.
Sotheby's International Realty
Rachael Ray's Southampton compound, New Jersey, USA
Ray and her husband carried out extensive renovations on the property after they bought it over 10 years ago. That might explain why the house is so contemporary and stylish. Every room offers generously high ceilings, extensive glazing and a sleek muted colour palette of natural shades. The master suite is effortlessly cool and opens up directly onto the swimming pool – we can't think of a better spot to wake up!
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Jamie Oliver's Elizabethan country house, Essex, UK
If, during lockdown, you found yourself turning to Jamie Oliver each night for cooking tips and tricks, then you might just recognise his home. Filmed on location at his brand new Elizabethan country house in Essex, UK, 'Keep Cooking and Carry On' helped those struggling to know what to do with their store cupboard essentials. The Naked Chef purchased the beautiful period mansion for $7.9 million (£6m) in January 2019 and once you see inside, you'll understand why!
Jamie Oliver's Elizabethan country house, Essex, UK
Known as Spains Hall, the property was named after Hervey de Ispania. Most of the current house dates back to around 1585, with its medieval king post roof being one of its oldest remnants. The home's beautiful Dutch gables were added by Robert Kempe in 1637 and many of the interior's period features can still be seen to this day. Rustic beams cover many of its ceilings, while timber panelling, hardwood floors, antique fireplaces and ornate light fixtures decorate its rooms.
Jamie Oliver's Elizabethan country house, Essex, UK
The internationally-renowned chef self-isolated here with his family – and it's the ultimate spot to do so! In mid-2019, Oliver applied for planning permission to renovate the Grade I-listed property and is slowly transforming the rooms to fit with his modern, laid-back style. The home's kitchen is one of several and is the perfect space to cook and dine with the whole family. Elsewhere, you'll find a farmhouse with six bedrooms, a lodge and stables. With this pad, no stone has been left unturned.
Jamie Oliver's Elizabethan country house, Essex, UK
Set on over 70 acres of land, the country house offers plenty of opportunities for Oliver to grow his own fruits and vegetables. As well as sprawling lawns, the estate boasts landscaped gardens modelled on a historic design that Humphry Repton curated in around 1807. There are ornamental water features, pretty ponds, a walled garden and a formal garden, as well as the remains of a historic moat. Elsewhere, you'll find a tennis court and a fishing lake!
Jamie Oliver's Elizabethan country house, Essex, UK
As well as filming part of the Keep Cooking and Carry On series in his prep kitchen, Oliver also took to the garden to whip up some feasts, using his gas-fired barbecue oven. The home's idyllic walled garden acted as the perfect backdrop for the chef's alfresco creations. With this incredible abode as your culinary inspiration, we're not sure we'd ever want to dine out ever again!
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Bobby Flay's LA chalet, California, USA
In May 2019, American celebrity chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay purchased a slick modern chalet in the heart of the Bird Streets neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. The Emmy Award-winning Food Network star paid a hefty $6.5 million (£4.9m) for the privilege, but when you take a look inside, you might understand why...
Sotheby's International Realty / Pacific Palisades Brokerage
Bobby Flay's LA chalet, California, USA
Clearly Flay's long-standing television career offers the kind of paycheck that affords such a lavish home. The 3,820-square-foot pad was built in 1960 but underwent a seriously cool renovation in 2008, resulting in a beautiful and contemporary home that blends minimalism with statement design pieces. From the Ivory Solona stone flooring to the high-end furnishings, every space in this VIP abode has been meticulously considered.
Sotheby's International Realty / Pacific Palisades Brokerage
Bobby Flay's LA chalet, California, USA
Of course, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Decorated with Grigio Nuvolato marble, the room also benefits from sleek custom cabinetry imported from South African, state-of-the-art Miele appliances and Dornbracht fixtures. A large picture window at the end of the room allows in plenty of natural light and offers picturesque garden views when Flay is doing the dishes.
Bobby Flay's LA chalet, California, USA
Flay spent lockdown at the property, posting various recipes and watch-along cooking clips from his stunning kitchen. Every single room boasts towering 13-foot ceilings and disappearing walls of glass, allowing for a seamless transition between inside and out. The master suite benefits from colossal sliding doors, meaning the space can be fully opened up onto the garden. There are four bedrooms in total, as well as four bathrooms.
Sotheby's International Realty / Pacific Palisades Brokerage
Bobby Flay's LA chalet, California, USA
The single storey compound offers the utmost privacy and the ultra-tranquil garden spans half an acre. Boasting an outdoor pool, a barbecue grill and a sprawling lawn, it's the perfect place to host lavish A-lister parties – something that shouldn't be too difficult, since Flay can now count the likes of Calvin Klein, Leonardo DiCaprio and Keanu Reeves as his neighbours. Plus with parking for up to six cars, Flay will never have an issue with accommodating his star-studded guests.
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Mary Berry's Grade II-listed mansion, Buckinghamshire, UK
Standing proud on over four acres of land, this Grade II-listed property belonged to the Queen of Baking, Mary Berry, since 1970. The Great British Bake Off star placed her long-term home on the real estate market in 2018. Known as Watercroft, the historic Georgian residence can be found in the idyllic English village of Penn, Buckinghamshire.
Mary Berry's Grade II-listed mansion, Buckinghamshire, UK
After originally listing the house for $4.5 million (£3.5), Watercroft finally sold for $3.5 million (£2.7m). Yet the lucky new owner of Berry's beautiful former abode has gained plenty for their money. Standing proud at 3,595 square feet, the property comes with a main cottage and several outbuildings. The food writer, who has penned more than 80 cookbooks, probably used this traditional lounge to jot down recipe ideas while relaxing by the fire.
Mary Berry's Grade II-listed mansion, Buckinghamshire, UK
Keen Berry fans will recognise the cook's kitchen from some of her most popular cooking shows, since much of her early TV work was filmed in this very room. The perfect country kitchen, it's cosy and traditional yet offers plenty of space and boasts everything a keen foodie could need, including a four-oven AGA and a walk-in fridge.
Mary Berry's Grade II-listed mansion, Buckinghamshire, UK
Originally a Queen Anne farmhouse, the property has been extended extensively over the years to perfectly suit Berry's elegant yet straight-forward style. The property also features a wine cellar and a secondary preparation kitchen, which Berry probably used when hosting extravagant soireés.
Mary Berry's Grade II-listed mansion, Buckinghamshire, UK
If all this wasn't enough, the mansion also boasts truly beautiful grounds worthy of a great estate. As well as manicured gardens, pristine lawns, a pond, a vegetable patch and plenty of flowerbeds, there's also a standalone coach house, complete with a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom – an ideal holiday rental or guest suite. We can totally understand why the former Great British Bake Off star stayed at this gorgeous house for so long!
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Emeril Lagasse's Manhattan loft, New York, USA
Over the years, American celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality Emeril Lagassé has become somewhat of a property mogul. Much like Ellen DeGeneres, the cook has turned his hands to flipping, using his wealth to transform already beautiful pads into even more spectacular homes. As well as properties in Florida, Lagassé also flipped a New York City townhouse, which went on the market some years ago for $15 million (£11.3m).
Emeril Lagasse's Manhattan loft, New York, USA
Perhaps the Essence of Emeril presenter used his former Manhattan loft to kick start his flipping career? The beautiful abode can be found inside the Beekman Regent building, which was constructed in 2001 in midtown New York City. The apartment went on the market in 2016 for a jaw-dropping $6.9 million (£5.2m) and boasts four bedrooms and six bathrooms.
Emeril Lagasse's Manhattan loft, New York, USA
The chef swapped the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for the easygoing lifestyle of Florida's Gulf Coast. He left behind a rather impressive kitchen, which we can just imagine him using to whip up his National Best Recipe award-winner, Turkey and Hot Sausage Chili! The space is sleek and simple with dark walnut cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances and ample countertop space.
Emeril Lagasse's Manhattan loft, New York, USA
The kitchen is also attached to a spacious open-plan lounge, with a small dining area and plenty of room for hosting. With a soaring ceiling and 10-foot windows, the living room is bright and light-filled, making it ideal for entertaining or gathering together at cocktail time. Plus, with 4,030 square feet of interior space to play with, the modern loft is more than big enough for lavish parties.
Emeril Lagasse's Manhattan loft, New York, USA
As well as a voluminous gallery hallway that is perfect for displaying artwork, there's also a snug den for escaping the rat race. Plus, while a resident at the Beekman Regent, Lagasse would have enjoyed a concierge service, doorman, personal valet and access to a private on-site health club. We can definitely see why he bought this pad!
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Giada De Laurentiis' Pacific Palisades home, California, USA
At the end of 2019, Italian-American chef Giada de Laurentiis placed her luxurious Pacific Palisades pad onto the real estate market. The celebrity chef and Food Network host gained a whopping $7 million (£5.3m) for the five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom house. Sold as an ultra-discrete pocket listing, De Laurentiis' new home has also been kept a closely guarded secret but she reportedly sold this house in order to downsize.
Giada De Laurentiis' Pacific Palisades home, California, USA
Fans of Giada at Home now get the chance to actually step inside the chef's stunning real-life home. De Laurentiis purchased the 6,500-square-foot home in 2015 and it's as stylish and fun as she is. The crib is perfect for entertaining with spacious, open-plan rooms filled with natural light, and lots of cosy zones for dining, relaxing and cooking. It also offers beautiful views of Potrero Canyon and the skyline of Los Angeles.
Giada De Laurentiis' Pacific Palisades home, California, USA
The kitchen stands at the heart of the house and is the main focal feature of the open-plan living area. Sleek and contemporary, it's a space fit for a Michelin-starred chef. It boasts an almost 24-foot stone statement kitchen island, with plenty of room for prep work and casual family dinners. The minimalist cabinetry adds to the space's modern styling, while its state-of-the-art appliances would make light work of extravagant Italian feasts.
Giada De Laurentiis' Pacific Palisades home, California, USA
Many of the home's spaces open up onto the garden, thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. Offering an easy indoor-outdoor vibe, De Laurentiis' former bedroom is an oasis of calm. With a simple colour scheme, a marble accent wall, hardwood floors, a spacious ensuite bathroom and direct access to a private balcony, this is the only place we'd want to wake up each day.
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Giada De Laurentiis' Pacific Palisades home, California, USA
Outside, there's an infinity pool, a lounge patio, a hot tub, a grassy lawn and lush landscaping. There’s even an amazing outdoor kitchen, where De Laurentiis likely whipped up a fair amount of alfresco meals – perfect for cosy nights under the stars. Elsewhere, the property also boasts a huge games room, complete with a sleek wine cellar, a home theatre, ping pong tables and a bar. The room also features a window that looks straight into the deep end of the pool!
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Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA
Austrian-American chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck moved to Los Angeles in 1982, where he opened his first restaurant, Spago. In 2003, he bought himself a palatial pad in the heart of Beverly Hills for $3.7 million (£2.7m), parting with it more than a decade later. Just like the chef's high-end kitchenware empire, the property is quality all the way!
Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA
The slick Mediterranean villa boasts plenty of charm, thanks to vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams and antique stone fireplaces. Every space is light, bright and beautiful, with elegant windows and stylish soft furnishings. There are five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, as well as a cosy lounge, a library-come-office, a formal dining room, and a stunning family room that leads onto the garden.
Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA
Naturally, the home's gourmet kitchen is classic and smart. Perfect for formal hosting and easy family dinners, it's a spacious and sleek room with all the mod cons. The space is covered in marble and is outfitted with a Viking stove range that overlooks the open-plan family room and dining area. We're sure Puck put this room to good use during his many years here.
Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA
Built in 1940, the home blends old with new throughout, creating a comfortable and homely feel while still maintaining a high level of luxury. Despite being rustic in many ways, the home also boasts plenty of modern touches and offers an easy indoor-outdoor style. The master bedroom epitomises Hollywood glamour, thanks to its cathedral ceiling, pendant light fixtures and full-height French doors that lead out onto a gorgeous sun-filled patio.
Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA
The 6,025-square-foot residence is one of the crown jewels of Beverly Hills and boasts a tranquil garden to match the stunning interior. Here, you'll find a beautifully manicured garden with a lush lawn, a swimming pool and an outdoor entertaining areas – perfect for when Puck hosted alfresco feasts!
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Paul Hollywood's 13th-century home, Kent, UK
Perhaps there's a thing about British chefs and historic homes – just look at James Martin's farmhouse! Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood is known and loved for his critical eye and his elusive handshakes. Ever the critic, the bread master's former home in Kent, UK, certainly showcases his exacting standards. He sold the dramatic Grade II-listed, 13th-century abode in 2016, giving eager fans an insight into the place where he breaks bread!
Paul Hollywood's 13th-century home, Kent, UK
Located in the quaint village of Wingham, just outside the historic city of Canterbury, Hollywood purchased the period property with his former wife in 2004. Following their split, the couple placed the house on the market for $1 million (£795k). Littered with beautiful period details, including oak beams, inglenook fireplaces, a medieval front door and 600-year-old lead windows, the house is truly one-of-a-kind.
Paul Hollywood's 13th-century home, Kent, UK
As expected, the TV star’s galley kitchen is the perfect place to cook up a storm – and bake a few loaves! Bright and characterful, it offers a quaint pitched roof and simple farmhouse-style floor tiles. Long and narrow, the space blends period features with simple, modern cabinetry, while wood countertops beautifully complement the deep natural tones of the room’s medieval beams.
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Paul Hollywood's 13th-century home, Kent, UK
The kitchen offers chrome finishes and a classic ceramic Belfast sink, as well as a freestanding range cooker that acts as the room's showpiece. We're sure Paul used the stove to trial recipes for his many cookbooks during his 12 years at the property.
Paul Hollywood's 13th-century home, Kent, UK
The four-bedroom property also benefits from a cobblestone cellar, a private two-bed suite accessed via its own staircase and an attractive walled garden, where Hollywood likely hosted a number of food-focused gatherings. With an alfresco kitchen and lounge area, a spacious lawn and plenty of room for plants, it's a quiet oasis. Regarded as one of England's oldest private homes, it's clear that Hollywood's high standards spill over into his private life!
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Nigella Lawson's gorgeous Belgravia apartment, London, UK
Nigella Lawson and her former husband, Charles Saatchi, lived in this glitzy Belgravia townhouse for almost a decade. Upon their separation, the VIP couple placed the abode on the real estate market and eventually sold it for a staggering $27.9 million (£21m) profit! Saatchi bought the building for just $5 million (£3.8m) in 2001 and finally let it go for a whopping $33 million (£25m). Now that's what we call dividends!
Nigella Lawson's gorgeous Belgravia apartment, London, UK
Glamorous, sophisticated and more than a little bit sexy, this luxurious property truly epitomises Nigella Lawson's signature style. Every room is draped in fine fabrics and furnishings, marble and gilding. With 7,100 square feet of living space spread across six and a half floors, this breathtaking townhouse is every bit the celebrity fantasy. The 40-foot-long parlour living room and formal dining room give the perfect first impression for any guests entering this lavish abode.
Nigella Lawson's gorgeous Belgravia apartment, London, UK
Of course, the chef’s kitchen is simply stunning and comes kitted out with everything a keen cook could need. It features a demonstration island with waterfall marble and matching countertops, high-grade appliances and a stylish breakfast nook for laid-back family meals. Other amenities include a wine cellar, a home cinema and parking for three cars.
Nigella Lawson's gorgeous Belgravia apartment, London, UK
Yet Nigella Lawson isn't the only celebrity to have lived in this magnificent abode. As well as author Mary Shelley, who has an English Heritage Blue Plaque adorning the façade in her honour, the likes of Dame Julie Andrews, Margaret Thatcher and Mick Jagger have all called this place home. There are five ensuite bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a staff suite, five balconies and a mirror-lined seven-person elevator.
Nigella Lawson's gorgeous Belgravia apartment, London, UK
There are several exterior patios, including this rooftop terrace, which boasts an alfresco kitchen and dining area. The space offers unparalleled views across Belgravia and is a quiet oasis in the heart of one of London's most sought-after neighbourhoods. Elsewhere, there's a floor-to-ceiling tiled Jacuzzi room, part of a basement-level gym, numerous mahogany-lined walk-in closets and a spectacular home office. If this is how the other half live, then we'd rather like to swap!
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