THE SEASIDE home of legendary Star Wars actor Peter Cushing has sold for a cool £1.4m.
Cushing, who famously portrayed Empire baddy Grand Moff Tarkin in 1977’s Star War Episode IV: A New Hope, died in 1994 aged 81, leaving behind his two-bedroom home in Whitstable, Kent.
Cushing became adored by Star Wars fans despite his on-screen brevity for his menacing portrayal of Tarkin, who oversaw the destruction of Princess Leia’s home planet by the Death Star.
The property on Whitstable’s beach front was Cushing’s home of 35 years, and boasts stunning seaside views from the cottage, which spans three floors with a wide balcony overlooking the sea below.
On the balcony a blue, circular plaque reads ‘Peter Cushing O.B.E, 1913-1994, actor, lived here 1959-1994.’
The property, which was listed for sale on right move by estate agents Harvey Richards & West, also includes a front patio and a small rear garden.
Harvey Richards & West describe the home as: “One of Whitstable’s most recognisable properties situated in a picturesque beach front position.
“Three Seaway Cottages, located in Wave Crest, was the former home of the renowned actor Peter Cushing OBE.
“This well-known property is nestled in the heart of Whitstable’s popular conservation area and tucked away at the end of Wave Crest.
“With wonderful far reaching sea views, this picture postcard period home is offered for sale, chain free, and is one not to be missed.
“The property itself is set back from the beach behind the seawall with a small front garden.
“A small white garden gate leads you into the front garden, which has a beautiful herringbone patio area, perfect to sit and enjoy Whitstable’s famous sunsets.
“The property is arranged over three floors and has two extremely large double bedrooms.
“The second bedroom is located on the first floor, this room has fantastic sea views and French doors leading out onto the balcony.
“The master bedroom is found on the second floor, this great sized bedroom has its own shower room and the most amazing views from a large viewing window.
The property was shared to social media by James McNiven on Monday, after he stumbled upon it whilst browsing online, recognising the home from a previous visit to the town.
He wrote: “Having had a lovely visit here a long, long time ago, there are few opportunities in life to buy the house of Grand Moff Tarkin – (ignoring the price!) I missed it…”
Speaking today James said: “My reaction when I first saw the home, and the blue plaque, was the thought of just how different it seemed as a choice vs what his most well known characters might choose – a beautiful and relaxing quiet seaside view.
“Could you imagine looking into the big windows from the footpath at the front and seeing Grand Moff Tarkin staring back at you, but from a pretty seaside cottage and not the Death Star?
“I first found the house when I visited in, I think, 2021 – just stumbled across it while walking along the beachfront path.
“For some reason I was just showing Whitstable house prices and how much they’ve risen to a friend when I saw it.
“I enjoyed most of the movies and now the many TV series.
“Don’t lots of young kids grow up dreaming of being in the Rebel Alliance, but as they get older realise they’d quite like the beachfront property of an Imperial officer?”
Peter Cushing gained acclaim not only for his portrayal of Grand Moff Tarkin, but for his various roles in horror movies by Hammer Productions across the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
The star was also a close friend of fellow actor Christopher Lee, who would later also go on to star in Star Wars Episode II and Episode III as villain Count Dooku.
