King of the castle Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage has spent nearly £5 million on a British castle.

The 'Ghost Rider' star intends to move into Midford Castle, which is located near Bath, with his wife Alice Lim and 21-month-old son Kal-El this September after his bid of £4.75 million was officially accepted.

Isabel Briggs, the seller of the 18th Century gothic abode, told Britain's The Independent newspaper: "There is a bit of fantasy about the castle but what appealed to him is the rather romantic landscape - we have a beautiful valley with its own woods. When he visited in May he walked all around the estate and decided that this was for him."

The 60-acre estate boasts an orangery, two cottages, a ruined chapel and 11 acres of woodland.

Cage already has an impressive property portfolio, with 14 homes worth around £33 million. They include a Californian beach house which once belonged to John Wayne.

Last year, he bought a crumbling 28-room fortress in Bavaria for £1.2 million.

Cage joins a growing list of Hollywood stars who have set up home in the UK.

Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Spacey, Cate Blanchett all own properties, while Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna both moved to the UK after marrying British men.
July 30 2007 -
by BANG Showbiz