Hugh Grant Buys Villa in Sweden

Celebrated Hollywood actor Hugh Grant, 55, has purchased a 122 square metre villa in southern Sweden. He will co-own the six million kronor ($704,000) property with Anna Eberstein, the Swedish TV producer who is also mother of his child.

Documents retained by the Swedish land registry confirm that Grant purchased five sixths of the property, while Eberstein bought the remaining one sixth.

The elegant property is located in Torekov, a seaside resort near Båstad, one of the country’s trendiest and most vibrant spots. Each year it hosts the Swedish Open tennis tournament each year, drawing crowds from everywhere.

Photos published by a local Swedish newspaper reveal that the property is a single-level building with a large lawn.

Torekov residents have taken the news of a celebrity neighbour in stride. One woman told reporters that Grant has visited the area many times over the past several years, and the fact that he has purchased property comes as no surprise. She added that the locals are used to celebrities, as many enjoy spending leisure time in Torekov.

Katarina Petersson, who manages major local property firm Lotsen Mäklarhus, said that reporters have been calling her constantly since the news broke, but she did not arrange the sale herself.

Ms Petersson said that the area has a lot of resident celebrities, and the news about Hugh Grant joining their ranks is a major boost for her business.

Other famous residents include Meja, the Swedish singer who became world famous in 1998 with 'All 'bout the Money'; Henrik Larsson, one of the country’s biggest football heroes, and celebrated Swedish businessman Bertil Hult.

Hugh Grant is not the first star to fall in love with Sweden in recent months. American rapper Wyclef Jean stated last May that he was planning to move to Sandviken in central Sweden in the next couple of years.