How Eric Idle Built His Home in France from ‘Nothing at All’ to 22 Acres, Including ‘8 Years without Electricity!’ (Exclusive)

**Eric Idle Chronicles His Life and Home in Provence in New Memoir**

Eric Idle, the celebrated former Monty Python member, has unveiled an intimate look at his life in southern France with the release of his latest memoir, *Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme*. The book details how Idle transformed a modest property into a stunning retreat spanning over 22 acres, encapsulating more than five decades of experiences tied to his home.

Idle purchased the Provence estate in 1971 while immersed in the whirlwind of Monty Python’s early success, shortly after the comedy group began its groundbreaking work. At 83, Idle reflects on that pivotal time when he and his then-wife, Lyn Ashley, took a much-needed holiday. “We’d started Python in ‘69… I think we were tired and we needed a vacation,” he explained. When friends suggested Provence as a travel destination, Idle admits he had little knowledge of the region but was immediately captivated by its charm.

At that time, the property was an “absolutely nothing” space, described in Idle’s memoir as a “crumbling ruin set in the hills.” The estate stood in stark contrast to the bustling life Idle led in London, where he and Ashley, an actress known for her work on *Monty Python’s Flying Circus*, struggled to find a home they could afford.

The memoir also delves deeply into the myriad famous faces that have graced the Idle household over the decades, including legendary figures such as Robin Williams, David Bowie, and George Harrison. Idle reminisces about the property taking on a “second life” following his marriage to Tania Kosevich in 1981. The couple met at a New York party in 1977 and later welcomed their daughter, Lily, in 1990.

Reflecting on the house during its early years with Tania, Idle recalls, “We had to decide what to do with this house. It was only a little tiny three-room space by that point.” The couple opted to expand the property to create more room for guests, opting to utilise the land effectively. With the estate’s vast 22 acres primarily dedicated to olive trees, Idle also mentioned the satisfaction of producing their own olive oil, which he playfully states is “better than wine” and “much less hard work than vines.”

One of Idle’s proudest additions to the estate is a large kitchen he affectionately named “The Spamalot Kitchen.” Built in 2007 and 2008 after the enormous success of his Broadway musical, *Spamalot*, this kitchen has become a central gathering space during family visits. “We always lacked some big room,” he said, explaining how the kitchen serves as a comfortable environment for hosting friends and family.

As he nears the conclusion of his property narrative, Idle paints a picture of how the home has shaped both his life and that of his family. The land and the house have fostered countless memories and enriched his life in ways that extend far beyond the area’s scenic beauty.

*Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme* not only serves as a memoir but also acts as a personal travelogue filled with rich anecdotes and loving reflections. It’s a homage to a place steeped in personal history and the evolution of a life intertwined with both laughter and creativity.

The book is now available for purchase, providing readers a glimpse into Eric Idle’s remarkable journey and the enchanting world of his Provence residence. As Idle continues to celebrate this unique chapter of his life, his memoir offers an inviting invitation to share in the warmth and joy he has found in his beloved home.