Kelsey Grammer, best known for his iconic roles in Frasier and Cheers, seems to have vanished from the small Somerset town of Portishead, leaving a £1 million seaside cottage to slowly deteriorate.
Neighbors are now voicing frustration, claiming the property has been left to “rack and ruin” after a drawn-out planning dispute.
From Dream Home to Planning Nightmare
Grammer, worth an estimated £60 million, purchased the 200-year-old cottage four years ago with dreams of transforming it into a sprawling coastal mansion.
His plans included doubling the home’s footprint, adding a games room, and building a gym to take advantage of the commanding views over the Bristol Channel.
The cottage sits atop a picturesque hill, offering westward vistas that stretch all the way to the Black Mountains in Wales on clear days.
Sunsets from the property were described as “from another world,” but local authorities blocked the ambitious renovations, leaving Kelsey and his wife of 15 years, Kayte, heartbroken.
Legal Loophole Sparks Controversy
After a stalemate over the planning refusal, Kelsey made a surprising move: he instructed lawyers to post notices indicating his intention to demolish the house.
Legally, this was possible through a “permitted development” loophole, even though the local council had refused permission to extend it.
The decision did not sit well with locals.
Critics labeled the actor “arrogant” and “disrespectful,” especially when demolition notices were circulated last year.
Yet, ten months on, the cottage remains intact, completely unoccupied, and showing clear signs of neglect.
Neighbors Speak Out
One neighbor lamented:
“It’s a real shame. The house has been empty for four years.
I’ve only seen him once in all that time. It looks pretty run down.
There’s a collapsed wooden shed in the back garden and a lot of trees cut down.
Suggested Readings (News continues below)It feels totally unloved.”
They added that while demolition was initially expected last March, nothing happened, leaving the community uncertain about the property’s future.
Some residents even expressed quiet relief, noting that Kelsey’s original plans had sparked local opposition.
Grammer’s Career Keeps Him Away
While the Somerset home sits idle, Grammer’s career in the US has been bustling.
He reprised his Frasier role in a 2023–2024 reboot and is rumored to be planning a third series on another platform after Paramount canceled it in early 2025.
He also appeared in the film Turbulence, portraying a hot-air balloon pilot, and is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast in Avengers: Doomsday.
It’s clear his attention has been firmly on Hollywood rather than Somerset.
Family Ties and Local Connections
The choice of the Somerset property was deeply personal.
Kayte, a former air stewardess and Grammer’s wife since 2011, grew up in the Portishead and Clevedon area.
Her family still lives locally, with her brother Stuart in Portishead and her father, Alan Walsh, a former Bristol City footballer, considered a local legend.
Grammer once remarked in 2022:
“It’s a good spot – we bought a little place we’re going to work on.
We won’t be moving in for a while, but we’re excited about it.
We have a little view of Wales from the channel there.”
Wealth, Past Marriages, and Future Plans
Despite being one of the highest-paid TV stars in America twenty years ago, Grammer’s wealth has been impacted by multiple divorces.
His split from Camille Grammer in 2011 reportedly cost him £22 million, half of the £44 million amassed during their 13-year marriage.
Grammer still has until 2030 to complete the demolition if he chooses.
While the council rejected his extension plans, his legal team pointed out that no permission is needed to knock the cottage down.
Local objections cited the cottage’s historical significance, environmental concerns, and resistance to modern replacements.
Looking Ahead for Kelsey and Kayte
Though the Somerset home may appear abandoned, there’s speculation that Grammer’s plans are far from finished.
The cottage represents more than just real estate—it’s tied to his wife’s roots and a family dream.
With eight children and a thriving career in the US, it’s possible that the couple’s attention is simply divided.
Still, the local community watches closely, wondering whether this once-charming seaside cottage will ever be transformed or remain a relic of stalled ambition.
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