At 91, Dame Judi Dench remains an iconic figure in the world of acting, best known for portraying M in the James Bond series. Celebrated as one of Britain’s finest actresses, her expansive career has earned her numerous awards, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. Her journey in the arts began on stage with the esteemed Old Vic company, where she excelled in various Shakespearean roles such as those in Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth.

Her career further blossomed when she took on the lead role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in British theatre. She worked with prestigious institutions like the National Theatre Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In addition to her stage work, Dench starred in beloved television series such as A Fine Romance and As Time Goes By and appeared in films like A Room with a View (1985), taking on significant supporting roles.

Her international acclaim soared when she assumed the role of M in the 1995 film GoldenEye.

Subsequently, she captivated audiences in a variety of movies including Shakespeare in Love (1998), Mrs Brown (1997), Chocolat (2000), Notes on a Scandal (2006), and Philomena (2013).

Outside her illustrious career, Dame Judi cherishes a peaceful life in her picturesque Surrey farmhouse. She and her late husband, Michael Williams, who passed away from lung cancer in 2001, purchased this charming home 40 years ago.

The property is located near the village of Outwood, which is home to around 720 residents.

The property, which was built in 1497, is said to be worth approximately £8million and reportedly features a barn, a pond, a separate cottage, workshops, and a swimming pool.

However, the 91-year-old has previously stated that the property is home to some furry inhabitants and has some structural problems, according to the Mirror.

She said: “The mice have moved in since lockdown, and I’m battling the mice. They have moved in and taken over a bit.

“My house is falling down a bit here and there.”

According to House and Garden, Dame Judi can occasionally be spotted dining at her favourite Italian restaurant in the nearby town of Redhill.

The tiny village is quiet, close to London and Gatwick Airport, making it an extremely sought-after area.

According to Rightmove, house prices in Outwood had an overall average of £827,000 over the last year.

The majority of properties sold in Outwood during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £657,000, while detached properties sold for an average of £871,250.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Outwood over the last year were 2% higher than the previous year and 9% lower than the 2021 peak of £905,763.

Dame Judi isn’t the only celebrity to live in the affluent county of Surrey. Dubbed Britain’s ‘Beverly Hills’, Surrey offers celebs space, quiet and privacy just 30 to 40 minutes away from the UK capital.

As well as Dame Judi, actor Tom Hardy, legendary musician Elton John, former Chelsea captain John Terry, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and Queen guitarist Brian May.