Lily Allen recently revealed that being forced to sell her Cotswolds mansion to pay off a hefty tax bill was a soul-destroying experience. She often checks the housing market to see if the property has gone back on sale because she would love to have her dream house back. The singer, known for her hit song “Smile,” shared on her podcast, Miss Me?, that she always made an effort to pay her taxes and had put money aside for that purpose. However, being sued by a former tour manager for a large sum of money forced her to dip into those savings, making it impossible for her to pay her tax bill. This situation led her to sell her beloved countryside home.
The sold mansion, Old Overtown House, was a Grade II-listed property dating back to the 1600s with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and luxurious amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. Lily described the house as her life project and a place where she envisioned raising her children. The decision to move to the Cotswolds was part of her desire to step away from the music industry and focus on domestic life with her then-husband, Sam Cooper, a builder. Unfortunately, her marriage to Sam ended, and she later remarried Stranger Things star David Harbour.
Currently, Lily and David reside in a luxurious Brooklyn townhouse that they renovated with the help of interior designer Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff. The couple gave Architectural Digest a glimpse into their stunning home, showcasing rooms inspired by various themes, including an iconic kitchen reminiscent of The Godfather movies and a floral Parisian-styled bathroom. Lily highlighted the importance of their home as a space for communication and connection, particularly in their kitchen, which she views as the engine room of their lives.
The couple’s renovated townhouse features a mix of luxury and personal touches, such as an oversized chandelier hanging in the kitchen and a double-sided sofa in the garden room for relaxing and arguments, according to Lily. Their bathroom carries on the floral theme with blue walls and quirky pink accents, reflecting their eclectic taste. David incorporated gold swan taps and commode cabinets inspired by the opulence of Versailles, adding a unique touch to the space. Lily expressed her love for the Sunday ritual of cooking a roast dinner, emphasizing its significance for family bonding and creating a sense of home for her children.
Despite the challenges she faced with selling her Cotswolds mansion to settle her tax bill, Lily Allen continues to find solace in her current home in Brooklyn with her husband, David Harbour. Their shared love for design and personal touches in their living space showcases their commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment for themselves and their family. Lily’s experience highlights the importance of home as a place for connection and shared experiences, where rituals like Sunday dinners play a central role in fostering relationships and a sense of belonging.
