With their hoards of wealth, fame and cultural capital, it’s no wonder that many celebrities boast impressive property portfolios. Amongst these, you will, of course, find the obvious: New York penthouses, sprawling California mansions and lakeside piazzas in Como.
Celebrity Homes in Underrated Destinations
Words by
Clara Taylor
11th November 2026
Discover celebrity homes in underrated destinations and why savvy property buyers should take note.
The pool at Vermelho. ©Vermelho Melides.
Yet with travel hitting peak fever pitch, it’s no surprise that the glitterati are looking for quieter destinations, even further off the beaten track to avoid the prying crowds. No matter how glamorous it is, there will always be busloads of tourists on the Amalfi Coast. Drawn by privacy and authenticity, some of the world’s biggest names are quietly buying homes often overlooked by international travellers and buyers alike. These are the destinations to have on your radar for your next property play – before the rest of the world catches on.
Antiparos – Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
The beautiful streets of Antiparos.
Each year, it seems that one Greek island captures the internet’s attention. Last year it was Sifnos, the year prior Milos, and a few before that, Paros. The appeal is obvious: the domed white architecture and cobbled streets found in Mykonos and Santorini, without so much footfall. It seems, however, that Hollywood juggernauts, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, were well ahead of the curve when they bought their island home, on Antiparos, reportedly in 2004. With the remote beaches, low-key tavernas and the honeyed smell of thyme on the breeze, it’s a quieter corner of the Cyclades – perfect for those who like their luxury, low-key.
Why buy here: privacy is the ultimate luxury, and the island still has it in spades.
Melides – Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin's Vermelho Hotel. ©Vermelho Melides.
So the tale goes, after an ill-fated sketching-related accident (who knew that was a thing), iconic shoe designer Christian Louboutin stumbled upon Melides en route back from the hospital. No stranger to the Alentejo coastline, Louboutin was immediately charmed by the town’s pastel stone architecture, wind-sculpted cliffs and salt-scented air; he bought himself a dilapidated fish shack – which he swiftly transformed into a sprawling 148-acre plot. If the subsequent opening of his Vermelho hotel isn’t an indication of the region’s stock, I don’t know what is.
Why buy here: With its glut of wild Atlantic beaches and forest walks, it’s a great second home for the outdoorspeople amongst you.
Perugia – Ed Sheeran
The beautiful Umbrian countryside, home to the Sangiovese vines.
I recently waxed lyrical about my newfound love of Umbria, following a particularly lovely stay in Assisi. As it turns out, Ed Sheeran is already all too aware of the region’s rustic allure, thanks to his purchase of a villa and adjoining vineyard near Paciano, Perugia. Right in the centre of Italy’s green heart, it’s a gourmand’s heaven. Make sure to buy a property with an adjoining olive grove and a few rows of Sangiovese for the sheer pleasure of living off the land.
Why buy here: For the truffles and wine, of course.
Saint Paul de Vence – Rod Stewart
Saint Paul de Vence - the hilltop medieval town.
Dubbed the best-kept secret on the Côte d’Azur, Saint Paul de Vence is a medieval town, nestled in Nice’s scenic hills, with a rich tapestry of art history. Having welcomed the likes of Chagall, Picasso and Matisse, all of whose art hangs on the walls of the beloved local restaurant, La Colombe D’Or – a Matt Tebbutt favourite, no less. Today’s high-profile property owners in the area include Rod Stewart, who is said to have originally purchased a house as a romantic gift for his wife, Penny Lancaster. I’m sure she was more than pleased, as frankly, it feels very much like the town in Beauty and the Beast.
Why buy here: It has the romance of Provence, with the investment credentials of the Côte d’Azur.
Bernalda – Francis Ford Coppola
Palazzo Margherita - Francis Ford Coppola's property.
When James Bond zipped his Aston Martin through the historic streets of Matera in No Time to Die, he firmly put Puglia in the spotlight. A little further south and closer to the Ionian coast, Bernalda offers an oasis of languid piazzas, family-run trattorias, and centuries of history. It’s here that famed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola put down roots by purchasing a 19th-century palazzo. Now the 9-room property, Palazzo Margherita, is one of the region’s most exclusive and decadent addresses. You too can own a slice of this lesser-known corner of Italy, transforming a crumbling masseria into a baroque beauty, fit with marbled floors and frescoed walls.
Why buy here: For the romantic restoration story of reviving a faded aristocratic estate.
The courtyard at Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda.
Ekali – King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima
Athens has skyrocketed in popularity post-pandemic, thanks to a thriving creative scene and the expected culinary chops that come with it. What was once seen merely as a gateway to Greece’s islands has firmly become a destination in its own right. Yet the city still has an edge, so it's little surprise the Dutch royalty chose the neighbouring suburb of Ekali for their latest Greek residence. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have joined a growing population of affluent buyers drawn to the leafy northern suburb. While Athens enjoys its cultural renaissance, Ekali thrives as one of the country’s most coveted residential enclaves, with ample space for a sprawling pile.
Why buy here: To experience the best of Athens without the intensity.
