If you’ve spent any time swooning over Anthony Bridgerton or watching the Wicked press tour with a sense of awe, you’ve probably wondered where Jonathan Bailey actually hangs his hat. Is he tucked away in a glitzy Hollywood mansion? Does he have a massive townhouse in Mayfair?
Honestly, the truth is way more low-key and, frankly, a bit more charming than the typical celebrity setup.
While most stars of his caliber are tethered to the bustling streets of London or the hills of Los Angeles, Jonathan Bailey chose a different path during the pandemic. He packed up and moved. But he didn't just move for the sake of it—he moved for a reason that hits home for a lot of us: family.
The Shoreline Shift: Where Does Jonathan Bailey Live?
So, let's get into the specifics. Jonathan Bailey lives in Hove, East Sussex. If you aren't familiar with UK geography, Hove is the slightly more "grown-up" neighbor to the vibrant, neon-lit city of Brighton. It’s a stunning seaside town where the buildings are that classic buttercream color and the gardens feel a bit more manicured than the wild energy of central Brighton. He’s been very open about the fact that he moved to the Sussex coast between lockdowns to be closer to his parents, his grandmother, and at least one of his sisters.
Family is basically everything to him.
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He once told the New York Times that his mom’s side of the family was always by the sea, so he felt like he just "inherited that gene." It wasn’t a career move; it was a soul move. He’s often spotted around town, and not just in the "I'm a celebrity, look at me" kind of way. He’s been seen with local running groups like the Brighton & Hove Frontrunners and is a self-proclaimed lover of cold-water swimming.
Why the Sussex Coast?
You might think a guy who was just named People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025 would want to be in the thick of the action. But Hove offers a specific kind of anonymity.
- The Vibe: It’s "Brighton’s slightly more genteel other half," as some locals call it. Think grand avenues and independent shops on Church Road rather than massive shopping malls.
- The Water: Bailey is obsessed with the outdoors. He’s an avid cyclist and loves the freezing English Channel. Apparently, those cold-water swims even helped him prepare for the intensity of filming Bridgerton.
- The Escape: After a "brilliant cacophony" of work—like the massive press tours for Wicked or his run in Richard II at The Bridge Theatre—he needs the opposite. He needs still and calm.
Does He Still Have a Place in London?
While his primary residence is definitely the coast, it’s basically impossible for a West End and Hollywood star to stay away from London entirely.
He treats certain central London hotels as a "home away from home" when he's working, but rumors and common sense suggest he keeps a flat in the city for those late-night rehearsals and early call times. However, when he’s off the clock? He’s heading back to the sound of the seagulls.
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In 2025, his schedule was absolutely relentless. Between filming Jurassic World Rebirth and the Wicked sequel, he’s been living out of a suitcase more than a house. But even when he’s at the Time100 Next gala in New York or a premiere in LA, he talks about Hove like it’s his anchor.
Life Inside the Hove Flat
Jonathan is famously private about his home life. He’s mentioned dating a "lovely man" back in late 2023, but he’s clear that while it’s not a secret, it is private.
Don't expect a Vogue "73 Questions" tour of his kitchen anytime soon.
He has joked about his "deal-breakers" in interviews, though. If you want to share a home with Jonathan Bailey, you apparently need to like Lego and be a good communicator. He’s also mentioned reading up on adoption, showing that while his current lifestyle is too hectic for kids, he’s thinking about what a future home might look like with a family of his own.
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Growing Up in Oxfordshire
To understand why he loves the quiet coast, you have to look at where he started. Jonathan was born in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, and grew up in villages like Benson and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.
His childhood was the definition of English countryside—three older sisters, a dad who was the managing director of Rowse Honey (yes, the honey you see in the supermarket), and a lot of local stage productions. Moving to Hove wasn't about finding fame; it was about getting back to that sense of community he had as a kid in the country, just with a better view of the ocean.
How to Channel the Jonathan Bailey Lifestyle
If you’re looking to live a bit more like Jonny, you don't necessarily need a flat in Hove. It’s more about the mindset he’s adopted since moving there.
- Prioritize the People: He moved to be near his "Nana" and his parents. In a world of "grind culture," he chose proximity to loved ones over proximity to the industry.
- Get Outside: Whether it's cycling or jumping into a freezing ocean, he uses nature to reset his nervous system.
- Keep it Private: He values having a life that isn't "up for grabs." There's a lot of power in keeping the most important parts of your life off the internet.
Jonathan Bailey’s choice of residence tells you a lot about the man behind the characters. He’s someone who values the "still and calm" just as much as the "brilliant cacophony." So, next time you see him on a red carpet, just know he’s probably counting down the minutes until he can get back to the Sussex coast for a quiet walk and a very cold swim.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're planning a trip to the UK and want to see the scenery that Jonathan loves, skip the tourist traps in London for a day. Take the train down to Brighton, walk along the promenade toward Hove, and grab a coffee on Church Road. You’ll quickly see why one of the world's biggest stars decided that this quiet, salty-aired corner of England was the perfect place to call home.