Alan Partridge creator Steve Coogan is understood to be buying a historic Sussex home.

The star is said have bought Ovingdean Grange, Ovingdean, which had been on the market for £2.45 million.

The Grade II listed home, dating from the 16th Century, was immortalised in the W Harrison Ainswor th novel Ovingdean Grange in 1849.

According to legend, King Charles II reportedly stayed there for 24 hours while fleeing to France – hiding in the chimney breast from his Parliamentary pursuers during the English Civil War. The house has a billiard room, study and a home cinema, as well as three en-suite bedrooms and three without bathrooms. Its garden covers two-thirds of an acre.

Father Martin Morgan broke the news of Mr Coogan’s arrival to his cong regation at St Margaret’s Church, Rottingdean, on Sunday.

Members of an Ovingdean dramatic g roup had mentioned to him that they had been invited for drinks with Mr Coogan at the house after their open-air play at The Green this month.

The production, based on the novel Ovingdean Grange, is taking place on July 9 and July 10.

Staff at Ovingdean Village Stores said they are used to famous customers.

The village is home to Julie Cowell, mother of television impresario Simon.

One worker said: “It does cause a bit of excitement.

They get on well with everyone.”

James Willings, who lived at a house opposite Ovingdean Grange until moving away recently, said: “It would be fit for a millionaire.”

Estate agent Strutt and Parker, of High Street, Lewes, confirmed a sale was taking place but said it had not been completed yet.

A spokeswoman for Mr Coogan’s publicist, Freud Communications, declined to comment on the sale, describing it as a “private matter”.