Daphne Neville, the 89-year-old actress known for her role as Charlotte Rampling's mother in the ITV drama Broadchurch, is selling her Grade-II listed home, Bakers Mill, in Gloucestershire. The property, where she resided for over 60 years, is listed at £1.85 million.
Neville has moved to Denville Hall, a care home in North London exclusively for individuals with careers in show business and the performing arts. The facility has housed notable figures such as Richard Attenborough, Andrew Sachs, and Marianne Faithfull.
Bakers Mill, situated in the Golden Valley near Stroud, spans nearly 12 acres and includes a private lake, paddocks, woodland, and frontage on the River Frome. The estate also features an adjacent former Georgian silk mill that has been converted into additional living space. Estate agents Knight Frank have described the five-bedroom property as a "magical Cotswold mill house" and an "exceptional country retreat."
The grounds are noted for their tranquil atmosphere, with the Golden Valley itself having been named by Queen Victoria. The property offers south-facing views from its terrace overlooking the River Frome. Wildlife, including mallards and kingfishers, are present on the grounds.
A Unique Residence
Beyond its natural features, Bakers Mill was for decades home to a unique collection of animals. Neville, a RADA-trained actress with credits including The Crown, Casualty, and Prime Suspect, began keeping otters in 1980. She raised ten otters at the mill, the last of whom, Rudi, appeared in productions like The Durrells and on television shows.
Neville often spoke of her close bond with the otters, particularly Rudi, an Asian small-clawed otter. Despite the animal's sharp teeth and the stringent licensing required, she would frequently take him to local shops on her shoulders. In a 2019 interview, she described the bond as profound, stating, "I'm a part of him and he’s a part of me." She emphasized that her otters were always well-behaved, ensuring no accidents occurred when they were in public.
Neville and Rudi even appeared together on the reality show Come Dine With Me, where they secured a second-place finish. Rudi later retired to the New Forest Wildlife Park, where he passed away in 2024.
Neville's late husband was newscaster Martyn Lewis. Her new residence, Denville Hall, is a charity-run home with 36 places and a dedicated dementia ward. Prominent figures like Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Helen Mirren, and Daniel Radcliffe are among its supporters.