Homes gossip: Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow; Andrew Strauss; Four weddings rectory

Bargain chance for Coldplay’s Martin

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and his wife Gwyneth Paltrow should know that a home they once narrowly missed out on is back on the market at a bargain price.

Merehaven Manor is an extravagant pile built for Formula One legend Nigel Mansell in 1995. Mansell sold the retreat in Woodbury Salterton, Exeter, two years ago, for about £6 million, to a couple who pipped Paltrow and Martin to the post.

But it is now for sale again — this time at only £3.5 million, with Savills (020 7499 8644, savills.co.uk). That is a further fall since it was listed at £3.95 million earlier this year. With seven bedrooms, a state-of-the-art gym and sauna, and riding and golf facilities, it is a dream Devon base.

Following news that the actress and musician have just splashed out £6.57 million on a Los Angeles mansion, could they be lured back to Britain with this extravagant temptation?

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Ideal for Four Weddings and six bedrooms

A Victorian rectory in the Surrey village where Four Weddings and a Funeral was filmed is for sale.

St Michael’s Church in Betchworth was the setting for the first wedding in the Richard Curtis movie starring Hugh Grant. The Old Vicarage, on the market with Jackson Stops & Staff for £2.3 million (01306 887560, jackson-stops.co.uk), was bought from the church in 1995.

Now a six-bedroom family home, the current owner has spent years renovating the 19th-century property while retaining many of the original features, such as the bell tower, Gothic arched front door and pauper’s hatch. Less than an hour from Victoria by train, the country retreat, with its sweeping lawns, tennis court and swimming pool, is conveniently commutable.

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Strauss heads for his new St Lucia cricket academy

What is Andrew Strauss to do now that he’s retired from professional cricket? Relax in his St Lucia holiday home, of course.

The British star has invested in a two-bedroom villa at exclusive Freedom Bay Eco Resort. “I’ll be soaking-up some Caribbean sun at our new holiday home once it is completed, hopefully by January,” he says. As the former England test captain has also set up his own training academy on the island, he should be making good use of his new home there.

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Buy a penthouse in the haunt of the Chiswick celebrity posse

A penthouse in one of west London’s most popular gated developments is for sale. Chiswick Green Studios is said to be home to celebrities such as TV presenter Adrian Chiles and singer Toyah Willcox. Investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre is a past owner at the complex.

The three-bedroom “Manhattan loft-style” apartment, priced at £1.99 million, is super-cool. It comes with an open-plan work space, dressing room and a roof terrace.

Chiswick High Road is nearby, where you’re likely to spot celebrities Colin and Livia Firth or even Ant and Dec.