Johnny Depp says he likes Somerset life as we look at other celebrities who own a house in Britain

They have endless money from lucrative film contracts as world famous actors. They own homes across the world in exotic places such as Lake Como in Italy, a Colarado ranch or any number of beachside villas. And yet, the lure of British culture, scenery, cuisine to induce heart attacks, way of life and sport, keeps them buying properties here in the UK.

Johnny Depp has spoken of his love of the quieter life in England this week to the publication Somerset Life, as he bought a home in Somerset in 2014.

He reportedly bought a sprawling £13 million manor with 12 bedrooms, eight bathrooms and gorgeous walled gardens. The property is rumoured to be Hadspen Manor, which is on Hadspen Estate in Castle Cary, Somerset.

"I just love places with character," Johnny told Somerset Live. "British people are cool and will greet you as if you are a neighbour - without going over the top. I like going to places, seeing things and meeting people - but I'm not the great extrovert that people think.

"In truth, I'm quite a shy person. That's one of the great things about Britain, and especially Somerset. I can just be me - and that's nice."

"I can go into shops without being surrounded by people wanting selfies. I don't mind that up to a point, but sometimes it gets a little too crowded."

The calmer life of Britain, described by Johnny, seems at odds with our celebrity and tabloid culture in the UK. You would imagine these Hollywood stars would be photographed wherever they go.

The more discreet nature of some pockets of Britain may be the reason why these celebrities are enjoying privacy they can't always find in America or other countries. In more rural communities and smaller towns, such as Castle Cary, people seem more loyal to protecting a celebrity's presence, if they are living nearby and seen around the place.

Certainly, it has attracted some of the biggest names to buy real estate on British shores. We can't offer them good weather, but we're maybe making up for it with our lower-key ways of life.

George and Amal Clooney, both hugely successful in their own rights - George for movies and producing, and Amal for her human rights law career - are owners of various properties across the globe. From Lake Como in northern Italy, to an NYC apartment (they own a whole floor in a luxury complex), to a French abode in Provence, and of course, their Sonning Eye manor found on the Thames, Berkshire.

They bought a house near Reading, Berkshire, in 2014 and it must be very useful for both George's filming schedule and Amal's law cases. The couple can literally fly to main destinations across Europe and America and know they have a property to call their own.

Tom Cruise did own a property in East Grinstead in Sussex from 2006 until 2016, when he sold it. His reason for the sale, apart from probably achieving a huge markup on his initial £3 million outlay in 2006, is also due to the fact he has accommodation at the Scientology headquarters which are based in Saint Hill, East Grinstead, of all places.

Tom apparently spent the first national Covid-19 lockdown in the West Sussex town. He has a daughter, Isabella, who lives in London with her husband and so the close proximity with properties would suit the movie star.

He's said to be a favourite to be the next leader of the Scientology community, and therefore he'll have places to stay in presumably most parts of the world, depending on how far-reaching the new-religion goes. Scientology was formed in 1953 by the science fiction and fantasy writer L.Ron Hubbard.

Cate Blanchett has also bought a property in the UK. The Australian actress owns a seven-bedroom Victorian house near the village of Sussex Weals, near Crowborough. In 2022, she extended her property portfolio by buying a £1.5 million farmhouse which sits in almost 100 acres near the home she had bought five years previous.

Aside from UK life, the actress also has properties in Sydney and a luxury island retreat in Vanuatu on the island of Éfaté in the Pacific Ocean.