Gemma Collins, best known for her stint on the reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE)is one of Britain’s most recognisable stars due to her bold, larger-than-life personality and catchphrases.
But the ex-TOWIE icon enjoys the quiet life in a sought-after Essex village, living her countryside dream in a converted barn that’s the perfect residence for diva royalty.
Known to her fans as ‘The GC’, the 43-year-old TV personality announced her engagement to long-term partner Rami Hawarsh earlier this year, following a romantic proposal in the Maldives.
Having previously lived in the Essex town of Brentwood, where she ran a successful plus-size clothing business, Gemma moved to the village of Roxwell in Chelmsford just after the pandemic.
Her five-bedroom converted barn home sits on an acre of land with extensive gardens. The star has often shared photos of her stunning home on social media, even introducing her fans to her fake horse called Tallulah.
Her love of oversized animals doesn’t end there, with the star choosing to adorn her home with a nine-foot giraffe in her living room and two wooden elephants in the garden, originally in London’s Green Park.
Aside from the giant ornaments inside and outside her home, Gemma also has real-life cats, dogs and chickens to keep her company in her country home.
Home to a brood of chickens named Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Gemma referred to than as being “very special animals.”
In an interview with OK!, Gemma also professed her love for the great outdoors.
“I’m so happy when I’m in my garden. I’ve got chickens, lots of plants and growing vegetables. It ignites such a passion and fire inside of me for all things nature,” she said.
As a nature lover, Gemma should be feeling right at home in the quiet Essex village of Roxwell. Located four miles west of the county town of Chelmsford, the pretty village is home to around 1000 residents.
With a lively community spirit, Gemma could get involved with any of the many events that take place in the Memorial Hall or attend services at the 14th Century St. Michael & All Angels Church.
Sadly The Chequers Pub closed its doors to the public three years ago, but villagers are campaigning to see it reopen. In the meantime, the Inspire Cafe serves refreshments in the church and the Howe and Co Fish and Chip Van makes regular visits to the village.
Just a short drive from the larger village of Writtle, the GC is a stone’s throw from the Horse and Groom with its five-star menu and the Rose and Crown, nestled on the edge of the picture-perfect village green.
The city of Chelmsford has plenty of shops for a spot of retail therapy, and the station offers regular trains into London Liverpool Street, meaning Gemma is never too far from all the action.
House prices in the area have risen dramatically over the past decade, with many commuters moving out of London to towns and cities like Brentwood, Ingatestone and Chelmsford looking for a better quality of life.
According to Zoopla, the average house price in Roxwell currently stands at £512,143. With many larger country homes, farmsteads and historical properties dotted around the area, most buyers would be looking to pay considerably more to be in with a chance of being Gemma’s neighbour.
