Inside Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne's quiet life in tiny remote UK village
The Nottinghamshire-born star has been spending more and more time in the Highlands and has even spoken about his desire to move there permanently
by Laura Mckenna · NottinghamshireLiveMathew Horne, best known for his role in the British sitcom Gavin and Stacey, is a man who cherishes a quiet life away from the spotlight.
The 46-year-old Nottinghamshire-born actor has developed a deep affection for a serene village in the Scottish Highlands, which he visits regularly. It's understood that Horne divides his time between the bustling city of London and the peaceful surroundings of Helmsdale on the east coast of Sutherland.
The actor, also known for his roles in the Catherine Tate Show and Dad's Army, has previously revealed that he spends most of his downtime in this picturesque yet secluded village when not on set. Speaking about his love for the Highlands on That Gaby Roslin podcast, Horne expressed his wish to move there permanently, stating he "would very much like to live there. I am all things Scotophile."
READ MORE: People swapping beach breaks for safaris because of nature fear
Now that filming for the eagerly awaited Gavin and Stacey Christmas 2024 special has wrapped up, it's thought that the cast has come together for the final time.
This could present the perfect opportunity for Horne to lay down more permanent roots in Scotland if he hasn't already done so.
Speaking to the Sunday Post, the actor lauded Scotland as "the best country in the world. My shoulders drop and I feel free.
"It is where my heart lies and hopefully one day I will have a place of my own there so I can retreat as and when I need to," reports Glasgow Live.
He went on: "I love the peace and tranquillity and the people. The food is wonderful, the weather is nowhere near as bad as everybody says and midges don't like me, so that's good."
"Most of my downtime when I'm not working is now spent in Scotland."
Helmsdale, situated along the renowned North Coast 500 (NC500) route, stretches over 516 miles and is a testament to the captivating grandeur of the Scottish Highlands. Further discussing his fondness for the area, he said: "I have a very special relationship with Helmsdale. It's partly because I discovered it tracing my great-great-grandparents who were from Huntly."
He added: "That makes me one-eighth Scottish, although I wish I was more."
Helmsdale has roots dating back to 1814 and flourished during the 19th century due to the herring boom, enriching various coastal communities in Scotland.
Today, its harbour remains bustling with activity from local fishing endeavours, providing an idyllic setting for visitors to amble along. Close by, a small pebble beach offers remarkable views over Moray Firth, and the area is home to the moving Emigrants statue—a symbol of Helmsdale's history—honouring those who had to leave their homes to find new opportunities.
The Timespan Heritage Centre, a cultural hub in the village, offers a local history museum, contemporary art exhibitions, herb gardens, a shop, a bakery, and a cafe for modern-day explorers.
For those who enjoy a wee dram, Helmsdale is conveniently located near Old Pulteney, Clynelish, Glenmorangie and Dornoch Distilleries.
However, it's not just the breathtaking landscapes and peaceful lifestyle that attracted the actor to the area. The star, who reportedly owns a two-bedroom flat in London's Barbican, has taken a different career path than his former best friend and Gavin and Stacey co-star, James Corden.
While James has found immense success as a late-night talk show host in America, Mat has chosen to stay closer to home. It's also reported that Mathew enjoys spending time on the Isle of Skye and holds a special place in his heart for the city of Edinburgh, where he made his comedy debut at the Fringe Festival in 2000.