Celebrity HomeWhy Richmond Is the New Hot Spot

Richmond, the leafy enclave of southwest London, has ignited whispers of celebrity interest once again. The latest buzz? Ryan Gosling might be the newest resident of this posh neighborhood. Although sources say he’s reportedly buying a property currently undergoing renovation, local chatter suggests otherwise. “It’s not his house. I know the people that own it,” claimed Alison Harwood, 39, a finance worker and resident for two decades, fueling the ongoing gossip mill surrounding Richmond’s elite.

Richmond has become a hotbed for famous faces, with a roster that includes Holly Willoughby, Idris Elba, Jamie Dornan, and Stanley Tucci. Harwood mentioned, “It’s really nice, it’s really, really nice,” highlighting its family-friendly vibe that almost feels countryside-esque. With the iconic Richmond Park and the scenic River Thames nearby, it’s easy to see why celebs are drawn to this tranquil spot.

It’s not just the parks and picturesque rivers that draw the stars; locals rave about Richmond’s overall appeal. Retired investment banker David Frew, 64, expressed his affection while walking his dog, Bertie. “It’s a lovely area,” he noted, although he did mention the planes flying overhead from Heathrow can be a nuisance when the wind’s just right. Still, it hasn’t deterred legends like Rudolf Nureyev, who, according to Frew, didn’t cause much of a stir upon moving in.

Steve, another resident who didn’t wish to share his last name, echoed Frew’s sentiments. “It’s a great place to live,” he said, pointing out that celebrities like David Gandy live nearby. He appreciates the peace the area offers, asking, “Where else in Zone 3 are you going to find a house like that, unless you pay millions in bonds?”

Alan Candy, 78, has called this home for 40 years, describing the community as “amicable and friendly.” Another resident, who preferred to stay anonymous, shared that everyone tends to respect each other’s space, revealing, “They [famous people] tend to mind their own business.” It paints a picture of an upscale neighborhood where fame almost blends into the background.

However, the rumors surrounding Gosling’s new prospective digs have caught the attention of locals. “I think it’s a Russian oligarch, I’m sure they get ways around everything,” speculated Michelle, a teacher. She has lived in Richmond for 15 years and arguably holds the title for its biggest fan, exclaiming, “It’s the best area in London. It’s safe, there’s a nice park.”

It seems that for each celebrity sighting—or in Gosling’s case, speculation—residents have a balanced mix of curiosity and nonchalance. As Michelle puts it, while some weeks are busier with air traffic overhead, “overall it is not that bad.” In a neighborhood where stars mingle with everyday life, one can’t help but wonder if Gosling will choose to add his name to Richmond’s illustrious list of residents, or if he will remain just another fleeting rumor in this charming, celebrity-fueled paradise.