Hollywood star renovates house for refugee family to move in

The Oscar winner who has lived in Watlington for 35 years, last year formed the group the Watlington Welcome who have been fixing up the two-storey cottage in High Street to make it fit to live in.

The former shop, which is near Watlington Library, had lain empty for 12 years.

The building has been unused since the charity Age Concern moved out in 2009 and was badly in need of repairs.

Mr Irons himself worked with a team of nine of volunteers on the property, refurbishing the kitchen and bathroom, insulating the walls of the former shop unit and fitting new doors.

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A Ukrainian grandmother, mother, and her two sons have now moved in and will stay in the house until summer 2024.

Mr Irons, who is known best for his roles in Dead Ringers, Lolita, and Die Hard with a Vengeance, said he first acted on his desire to transform the house in 2021.

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He said: “A few days after Christmas, I interrupted my evening dog walk by calling on our Catholic priest, Father Andrew Foster in Watcombe Road, for a cup of tea.

“During our chat, I posited the idea that we in Watlington should do our bit in the refugee crisis.

“I knew that 33 High Street had been inexplicably and disgracefully empty for around 12 years. Surely we could house a family there?"

Local developer David Wilson Homes Southern has now helped complete the project by donating and installing concrete and turf for the garden.

The lawn and patio has provided a space for the family of four to relax and play outside during the summer.

Having previously lived on the eighth floor in a block of flats, they said they have loved being able to make use of the extra space.

One of the family members, who did not wish to be named, said: “We are very happy with our new home. It is very comfortable, quiet and the right size.

“We love the garden too and are growing vegetables, herbs and flowers in it.”

Everything within the newly restored property has been donated, and volunteers, including Mr Irons, have helped to furnish both the interior and exterior.

The property and the neighbouring library was left by Charlotte Coxe to Oxfordshire County Council for the benefit of the people of Watlington in her will in 1949.

Watlington Parish Council had been trying to negotiate the transfer of the ownership since 2017.

In 2018 it agreed to become the sole trustee of the property and the deal with the county council was finally secured.

Campbell Gregg, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “The work that has been carried out by the volunteers to make this all happen is admirable, and we hope that our donation of lawn and patio give that extra bit of space for the family to enjoy spending time outdoors.”