George Clooney has long considered Italy his second home, a place where he could escape the hustle and bustle of Hollywood life. But now, an exclusive source tells Closer that the actor is growing territorial as more of his peers flock to the picturesque shores of Lake Como. It seems that George's pride in his Italian retreat might be rubbing some of his fellow celebrities the wrong way.
George's Italian Turf Wars
According to an insider, George has a certain air of arrogance about him. "George has an arrogance about him, and it comes across as though he doesn’t like other stars encroaching on his Italian turf," the source explains. The legendary actor sees Lake Como and much of Europe as his own private haven, and he's quite selective when it comes to inviting other celebrities into his world.
Brignoles: A New Home for the Clooneys
George, now 63, and his wife Amal, 46, have recently made a secluded estate in Brignoles their full-time residence. This $8 million estate, nestled in the sleepy French commune, offers the couple the privacy they crave for their family life. "As much as they both love big cities like Los Angeles and London, they feel that a smaller town offers a lot more for their kids, especially when it comes to privacy," reveals a second source.
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The Clooneys have embraced the countryside lifestyle, with Amal and their twins speaking French and George taking lessons to keep up. While their French retreat remains relatively quiet, the first source insists that George is growing increasingly annoyed at how famous an attraction his beloved Lake Como has become for his Hollywood peers.
George's Irritation Over Lake Como
Privately, George finds it irritating that so many famous people are flocking to the shores of his A-list getaway. "Privately, George finds it quite irritating that so many famous people are flocking to the shores of his own A-list getaway," the insider says. This sentiment is felt far and wide, with some finding his attitude less than welcoming.
Despite rumors of selling his onshore mansion, which he purchased in 2002 for between $7 and $10 million, George insists he has no plans to part with the property. The villa, he once told reporters, "changed my life in a very pleasant and unexpected way." It's clear that this Italian haven holds a special place in his heart.
George's Inner Circle
George has played host to a slew of famous friends at his 25-room lakefront villa, including Barack Obama, David Beckham, Julia Roberts, and Matt Damon. However, beyond his close acquaintances, the source suggests he's less than hospitable to the idea of more American movie stars mucking up his European fairytale. "His attitude is being felt far and wide and rubs people the wrong way," the source argues. "The way he walks, the way he must have his favorite seat at his favorite restaurant, the way he wants his food prepared says it all."
George's swagger and diva-like tendencies might not be sitting well with everyone outside his inner circle. But for those lucky enough to be part of it, Lake Como remains a magical place, a true retreat from the chaos of Hollywood life.
