In mid-January, Didier Brémond, the mayor of Brignoles, had a big surprise in store for his constituents.
During his wishes addressed to the residents of the town, the councilor broadcast a video in which George Clooney wishes them a happy new year.
The sequence might have seemed incongruous.
However, the actor has been among the citizens of this town in Var for three years.
“Here, we love it,” the actor told
Paris Match
, as part of a report published on Wednesday February 7.
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In May 2021, the couple acquired the Canadel estate, a three-story house dating from the 18th century located on 900 square meters of land, for the modest sum of 8 million euros.
A residence with 180 hectares of land, ideal for the development of their twins Ella and Alexander, 6 years old.
But also their Saint Bernards Rosie and Nelson, the second being a gift given by the hero of
Monuments Men
(2014) to his wife for her 46th birthday, celebrated on Saturday February 3.
Also read “Thank you Didier”: George Clooney sends his surprise wishes to the inhabitants of Brignoles, in the Var
Lake, swimming pool and tennis courts
“He was looking for a family property and he liked this one for the beauty of the living environment,” revealed Vincent Sauvestre, owner of the company Terres & Domaines, to
Paris Match
.
He should have come to sign the sales agreement in person on May 6, 2021 for his 60th birthday.
Because of Covid, he had to make a power of attorney.”
A few weeks later, the couple left their luggage in this small town in the Var, in the hope of leading a “quiet life” there.
He took up residence on this estate, which has a lake, olive groves, a swimming pool, tennis courts and 5 hectares of vines producing white wine.
A property that the Clooneys have of course shaped to their taste, with the help of Parisian decorators, the magazine said.
“He redid everything in an Italian style, probably a bit like what he has in his house on Lake Como,” said Didier Brémond about George Clooney.
Landscapers work daily in the gardens of this sumptuous residence, decorated with lavender and rosemary, so dear to the heart of Amal Clooney.
The actor and the lawyer also allegedly brought in Italian workers and bodyguards, while employing locals.
“We take care of the earthworks and the plantations,” one of them declared to
Paris Match
.
The Clooneys are very polite, they always stop by to say hello.”
Gourmets
In addition to this development work, which lasted a year, people from Brignolais sometimes see Amal Clooney walking her dog, or buying salmon shuttles in a local shop.
George would rarely leave his vast domain.
Except for lunch at Picotte, a local restaurant, or at the Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle, whose menu is by Alain Ducasse.
“Brad Pitt, whose castle is only ten minutes from the Canadel estate… We never see him,” Didier Brémond told the weekly.
George Clooney is something else!
His presence brings a new spirit to the city, both internally and externally.”
In fact, the actor has invested a lot in the life of the town.
In 2024, it will notably finance a municipal farm project, revealed
Var Matin
.
“I told him about my idea of a farm to produce fruits and vegetables for the local schools,” Didier Brémond told
Paris Match
.
He accepted immediately.”
During the floods of 2021, the actor also gave a check for 20,000 euros to the town of Val.
During the summer, the Clooneys nevertheless have the custom of leaving their sumptuous property in Brignoles to go to Saint-Tropez, alongside Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.
And sometimes treat themselves to a getaway to the Caves du Roy, the city's legendary club.