Chris Evans' former home to be recognised in national scheme (From This Is Cheshire)

Chris Evans' former home in Orford to be recognised in national scheme

6:40pm Monday 28th November 2011 in News

AN Orford home that once housed a celebrity is to be honoured in a national scheme.

Chris Evans – well-known presenter and Radio 2 DJ – planned his broadcasting career in the walls of the Greenwood Cresent property.

Along with former homes of David Cameron, Liz Hurley, Gary Barlow and Lewis Hamilton, the Warrington terrace will be awarded a ‘Purple Plaque’ by property site Zoopla.co.uk.

Current owners of the property, Chris and Terri Goodstat, think that it is a good idea. They said: “We think it’s a really fun scheme. It’s a great idea, and we have had such positive comments.

“We love that Chris used to live here and are proud to acknowledge it with our very own unique plaque which looks absolutely great.”

The initiative takes its inspiration from the ‘Blue Plaques’ presented by English Heritage to properties associated with notable figures of the past, such as Sir Isaac Newton and Lord Byron.

Zoopla believes that many of us are now more interested in the former residences of Stephen Fry and Katie Price than Sir Edward Elgar. Surveys conducted with estate agents reflect the celebrity interest, revealing that a link to a famous person could significantly increase the desirability of a house and even its market value.

Nicholas Leeming of Zoopla, said: “Our hunger for anything celebrity-related has as much impact on the property market as it does fashion, food or anything else. A property is more than just bricks and mortar and a unique history can improve a home’s marketability.

Chris and Terri agree: “It’s not on the market now, but if we do ever decide to sell it will help it stand out.”

Zoopla will award more plaques in the near future and encourage people to get in touch by visiting zoopla.co.uk/purpleplaques.