George Michael’s life was marked by his iconic music and the properties that helped shape his story. A new film, George Michael: The Faith Tour, documents his live performances in Paris in 1988. One of the properties that played a significant role in his life was Mill Cottage, a 16th-century riverside property in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
George bought Mill Cottage in Goring-on-Thames in 1999, where he lived out his last days. The secluded riverside home gave him the solitude he needed after years of global fame. During a 2004 visit with Oprah Winfrey, he opened his doors to the public for the first time, offering a rare look at his private world.
The cottage had lots of historical character and a homely atmosphere, with original beams and an old fireplace, a library filled with antique books, and an Aga in the kitchen. George died at Mill Cottage on Christmas Day in 2016, aged 53. His family sold the property for a reported £3.4 million in 2019, asking fans to respect the privacy of its new owners.
Another significant property in George’s life was The Grove, a substantial historic house in Highgate, north London. The property was close to the city, allowing George to remain connected to its cultural life, but was also tucked away in a residential enclave favored by artists, actors, and musicians.
Following his death, George’s Highgate residence became a spontaneous tribute site. Supporters placed bouquets, personal notes, and photos outside the house, highlighting the emotional bond his music had forged with fans over decades—accompanying love, loss, and life’s milestones for countless listeners.
Before settling in Mill Cottage and The Grove, George lived in simpler homes across northwest London and Hertfordshire. Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in East Finchley in 1963, he spent his early years in the area, including time in Burnt Oak, where his family first rented a flat on Holmstall Parade before moving to Redhill Drive.
George’s family later moved to Radlett, where he attended Bushey Meads School and met Andrew Ridgeley, with whom he would form Wham! This meeting set in motion one of the defining pop careers of the 1980s. The properties that George lived in played a significant role in shaping his life and career, and continue to be an important part of his story.