Heartbroken Richard E Grant sells the £500,000 bolthole in Provence he shared with wife for 30 years

For 30 years, Richard E Grant and his wife Joan Washington would spend their summers swimming, dancing and partying at their delightful holiday home in Provence.

But now, as the second anniversary of her death approaches, the Star Wars and Withnail And I actor has revealed he is putting the idyllic farmhouse in the South of France – a getaway for the couple and their children – on the market.

Grant wrote on social media: ‘Heart sore to sell Le Pigeonnier in Provence after 30 Summers. Sleeps 7. Pool, badminton, olive and fruit trees.’

The three-bedroom property, which is described by the estate agent as ‘a haven of peace that invites you to experience the Provencal way of life’, is on sale for £490,000.

It also boasts a swimming pool, as well as an outhouse, which consists of a bedroom with a shower room.

The home, situated in the small village of Aups, also has a badminton court as well as a vast array of olive trees.

Pictures of the property show a rustic kitchen brimming with Grant’s bronze saucepans and a dark-green pestle and mortar. There are also photos of their leafy garden and outlandish wall art in the living room.

Last year Grant spoke of his sadness at returning to the property to sort through Ms Washington’s belongings. 

He said: ‘Thirty-three years ago my wife and I bought a little house here in the South of France when my daughter was just six weeks old, and it’s very emotional being here having to sort through her clothes and deal with other things.

The three-bedroom property (pictured), which is described by the estate agent as ‘a haven of peace that invites you to experience the Provencal way of life’, is on sale for £490,000

It also boasts a swimming pool, as well as an outhouse, which consists of a bedroom with a shower room

‘But gloriously life-enhancing to be back. We swam, danced, played badminton, had parties, surrounded by flea markets.’

The family would visit the home with their daughter Olivia, 34, and Grant’s stepson Tom, from Ms Washington’s previous relationship.

Ms Washington, a vocal coach, died in September 2021 just eight months after being diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer.

Announcing her death, Grant said alongside a video of him and his wife dancing: ‘Our hearts are broken with the loss of your Life last night. 

’35 years married & 38 together. To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift. Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine.’

Grant lives in an 1830 Georgian rectory in the London borough of Richmond.