Inside Antonio Banderas’ ‘Magical’ County Home Where He Healed from Heart Attack before Returning to Spain

• Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas lived in a serene county house where he suffered a heart attack and his beloved partner, Nicole Kimpel, “saved” his life.
• Photos of “The Mask of Zorro” star’s “magical” house have been shared.
• Reports stipulate that Antonio and Nicole relocated to Spain in 2021.

Antonio Banderas, 63, is a Spanish actor and director well known for playing iconic roles in film and television. Outside of his acting prowess, the “Puss in Boots” star is a loving father to the child and stepchildren he shares with his ex-wife, Melanie Griffith, 66.

Banderas and Griffith tied the knot in 1996, but their love story began in 1995. The pair met while co-starring in “Two Much.” At the time, Griffith was already a mom of two to Alexander Bauer and Dakota Johnson. Thus, when she and Banderas got serious, a big decision had to be made concerning where they would live. According to Banderas:

“…It would have been very difficult if we moved to Europe, because those kids needed to visit their parents…I was alone — in my first marriage I didn’t have kids. So it was clear: I am the one.”

After moving to Los Angeles, the actor valiantly took on the role of becoming a stepfather to Griffith’s kids, and the same year they wed, they welcomed their daughter Stella Banderas. Over their almost two-decade-long marriage, they faced and made it through challenging times. One such time was when Banderas helped Griffith combat her substance abuse issues.

According to the Spanish director, though the experience was hard, it brought them closer together, especially once they told their kids and the whole family made a concerted effort to do what they could to help. Despite the former couple divorcing after so many years together, the dissolution of their relationship ended amicably. In fact, while giving details about their split, Banderas revealed:

“Melanie is not my wife anymore, but I think she is my best friend. I love her and will love her until the day I die. She’s my family…”

While the parents may not be together anymore, Banderas still spends holidays and participates in special occasions with Griffith and their family, a family that now includes his girlfriend, Nicole Kempel. Banderas and Kimpel sparked dating rumors when they were first seen dancing together at a Cannes party in 2014.

Given the timeline of their romantic start, Kempel, a Dutch-German investment adviser, claimed she was not interested in fully exploring a romantic relationship with Banderas until his divorce from Griffith was finalized. Of their relationship and the timing of their romance, Banderas also expressed:

“I think I would not have got on so well with her at another time in my life, when Melanie’s effervescence was still intoxicating and I was very attracted to that whole world.”

In suiting his desire for a life away from Tinseltown’s intense glitz and glam, Kempel, unlike her husband, is not famous. In fact, her dashing beau once described her as extremely discreet and rational.

Similarly, Banderas’ beloved, who also speaks five languages, considers herself a stable person with both her feet firmly planted on the ground. Of her life with the actor, Kempel stated:

“…Fame is part of my life because my partner is famous…To me, he’s the man in my life. He has so many great qualities and talents without even taking into account his professional success.”

Some time into their relationship, Banderas and Kempel faced a scary moment. One day, “The Mask of Zorro” star started experiencing acute pain in his chest while working out. After making a distress call, Banderas was transported by ambulance to a hospital and kept for observation before being released.

According to reports, Banderas also built a theatre in his hometown, Málaga, and has a home in Marbella.

Three years after overcoming his heart attack at 56, Banderas discussed some details concerning the scary incident in an interview. Interestingly enough, he explained how pivotal Kempel was in saving his life.

According to Banderas, the night before the incident, Kempel had gone to the pharmacy to pick up some aspirin for her headache because they didn’t have anything for her to take in the house. That medication ended up being the intervention that Banderas needed when he was suffering a heart attack. He explained:

“…The next morning, when I start having symptoms, and I clearly knew that—what was going on, she put one of those aspirins on my tongue, and that saved my life.”

Banderas was living with Kempel in his home in Surrey, England when he suffered a heart attack. He moved into the home situated in Huf Haus, near Cobham in 2015. A year later, he boasted about finding joy in the serene lifestyle the location offered.

Banderas described how he no longer had an interest in the hustle and bustle of the party life. Instead, he had taken a shining to riding his bike around the scenic spots in Britain, adding:

“I find Surrey magical…I have the space and peace to write and really get inside my own head…Above all, I am surrounded by nature. I love watching the deer and foxes that come to my garden.”

Banderas also has a home in New York and home bases in Spain. However, the five-bedroom Surrey residence was his favorite, boasting 6,000 square feet of living space, over an acre of gardens, three stories with a split roof, and woodland areas.

The home, sprawling with wood and glass finishes, had stone and carpet floor coverings, and furnishings that adorn a neutral touch. All this made the house light up when the sunshine rushed through the windows.

Banderas said that the residence was bought as a turnkey project that he and Kimpel were slowly evolving over time. In addition to the sitting room, which boasts a grand piano, there is a gym, a sauna, a cinema room, and, of course, a well-managed kitchen where Banderas liked to cook risotto for Kempel.

After living there for some time, Banderas decided to sell his Surrey home in 2021. The stylish home’s price was listed at €3.51 million ($3.94 million). He also sold the Los Angeles home he and Griffith lived in for $15.75 million.

Banderas cited the stage of his life he found himself in as the reason for selling his houses and relocating to Spain. According to the actor, he felt that moving back to Spain when he did was the perfect time because his kids had grown up.

According to reports, Banderas also built a theatre in his hometown, Málaga, and has a home in Marbella.

Banderas and Kempel have reportedly been living in Spain since their relocation in 2021.