Johnny Depp has revealed that he prefers a quiet life in Somerset, where he resides on an 850-acre estate, complete with a 19th-century mansion.
Known as one of Hollywood’s biggest troublemakers, the 59-year-old actor insisted he’s not “the big extrovert that people think” in a surprise interview with somerset life.
In 2014, he spent £13m on a 12-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 850-acre Downton Abbey-style estate in the West Country.
Looking like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel, the impressive abode also features extensive walled gardens and a film set.
Johnny told the magazine: ‘I love places with character. The British are great and will greet you like a local, without being over the top. I like going places, seeing things, and meeting people, but I’m not the big extrovert that people make me out to be.
Surprise: Johnny Depp has revealed that he prefers a quiet life in Somerset, where he resides on an 850-acre estate, complete with a 19th-century mansion (pictured in 2021)
He added: ‘In truth, I’m a pretty shy person. That is one of the best things about Britain, and especially Somerset. I can just be me, and that’s good.
I can go to the stores without being surrounded by people who want selfies. I don’t mind that up to a point, but sometimes it gets too crowded.
At the time of his purchase, the Pirates of the Caribbean star was newly engaged to his now ex-wife Amber Heard, who they married in 2015 before divorcing in 2017.
Johnny was recently involved in the contentious defamation trial with 36-year-old Amber.
Last year, the jury found that Amber had slandered her ex-husband in an article claiming he was a victim of domestic abuse.
Depp was awarded $15 million in damages. The actress won one of three counterclaims she ordered against Johnny and was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.
Earlier this month, staff at a Lincolnshire antiques shop were stunned after movie star Johnny turned up unannounced to pick up some guitars.
On a secret visit to the shop, the Hollywood icon arrived by helicopter at Hemswell Antique Centres, Hemswell Cliff, yesterday afternoon.
Wow! In 2014, she spent £13m on a 12-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 850-acre Downton Abbey-style estate in the West Country.
Happier times: At the time of her purchase, the star was newly engaged to now ex-wife Amber Heard, who they married in 2015 before their 2017 divorce (pictured in 2011)
The gathering was secretly arranged by the antiques store, which has ties to Pinewood Studios, and the Pirates of the Caribbean star left with several guitars.
Robert Miller, owner of Hemswell Antique Centers for 20 years, said that Johnny was really “down to earth”.
He said he was told a special guest would be arriving on Friday at 4:30 p.m., but had to hide his identity because Johnny “just wanted to relax and walk around without getting bombarded by the general public.”
Robert added that he overheard the A-list client talking about the late musician Jeff Beck while trying out different guitars during his visit.
Jeff, who died at 78 in January, released an album with Johnny last year titled 18 and they played several live concerts together.
Robert said: ‘He has just bought a lot of very fancy items. A desk chair, three guitars, paint sets, easels, some paintings, posters, a whole range of things to decorative items for his personal property.
He chose a vase with a skull. Guitars obviously. He was good friends, best friends with Jeff Beck, he sat down and played some tunes on this guitar, I think just for old times sake, and then he decided to buy three of the guitars that were on there.
“I think I overheard him talking (about Beck) with one of his colleagues who was with him.
“It was great because he was his normal self and he was very relaxed and he could spend time looking at things and playing the guitars he wanted to play.” He felt at home.
Added Robert, “He came because we do a lot of work with Pinewood Studios and help with props for networking.” My staff didn’t find out until the last minute.
He really enjoyed his experience here because he was able to be himself. He said that he spends a lot of time in hotels because people constantly bombard him.
“He was very sensible and very talkative. To have someone like that walk through our doors was great. He played and bought some guitars. I’m sure he’ll be back.
Hemswell Antique Centers is Europe’s largest antiques center and has links to Pinewood Studios, which has produced films including the Superman, Harry Potter and James Bond franchises.