Melanie C's life in 'secluded' valley where houses sell for £1m

Spice Girls legend Melanie C has found tranquillity in a "secluded" valley where houses sell for £1m. The singer and television personality, who was born in Whiston and grew up in Widnes, has been living in the serene countryside of Monmouthshire, Wales, for some years.

Despite her worldwide fame, Melanie has kept her life in the Wye Valley of Monmouthshire, where she reportedly splashed out £1m for her stunning home in 2004, largely private, but has previously spoke about her life there. Prior to her purchasing the expansive property, it had been in the same family for nearly a century.

Monmouthshire is not only celebrated for its natural splendour but also its rich history and culture. The county is speckled with ancient castles, charming market towns, and welcoming pubs, Wales Online reports.

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Melanie and property developer Thomas Starr, her then-partner, purchased the house around 20 years ago. The pair split in 2012 after being together for a decade.

In 2007, Wales Online reported that Melanie said: "We have friends in the village and we go to the local pub - we were so lucky to find our house and we have been here for three years. The house is very old. It is made of Welsh stone and is very beautiful and we are still learning about it. It had been lived in by a family for a long time, they obviously cared about it and there are some great old trees in the garden. It's quite secluded, although it is near the village."

The six-bedroom period country home comes with a sprawling 1.4 acres of enclosed space, replete with lush greenery and the tranquil sounds of a nearby stream. Boasting a classic charm, this residence features exquisite herringbone floors, traditional open fireplaces and an impressive count of four reception rooms.

When it comes to property prices in Monmouthshire, there's quite a range to consider based on the property type, precise location, and sheer size. Those now eyeing detached homes commonly at the higher end of the market, especially if they're nestled in rural spots or boast views to die for, are looking at anything between £400,000 and well above the £1 million mark, particularly if the property comes with a generous slice of land or is steeped in history.

The more modest semi-detached homes tend to be easier on the wallet, typically presenting buyers with price tags in the £250,000 to £450,000 bracket, with variations influenced by where you're buying and how much house you're getting. And for terraced properties, expect to shell out somewhere in the region of £200,000 to £350,000, again dependent on locator factors and dimensions.

Despite usually keeping her personal affairs away from the public gaze, Melanie has lent her voice to endorse the local recycling initiative. In 2009, she said: "Recycling is so important for the future of our planet, and I think we should all do our bit for the environment.

"It feels good to know that a little effort goes a long way. All we have to do in Monmouthshire is pop our cans, paper, glass and textiles into the black boxes provided."