He has been dubbed the King of Pop so it was only a matter of time before Robbie Williams got himself a castle.

The 29-year-old icon plans to move into a £7 million, 22-bedroom mansion in the village of Kirdford, near Billingshurst.

Robbie has already flown in by helicopter to see the house in Whithurst Park which has been fashioned in the style of an 18th Century fort.

Builders are still putting the finishing touches to the property, which they hope to finish by March.

Robbie is then expected to rent the home, owned by entrepreneur and farmer Richard Taylor, for about six months so he can take some time out from his hectic schedule.

Surrounded by rolling grassland and dense woods, the pop star will certainly benefit from some peace and quiet.

Kirdford is a straggling village, with a scattering of cottages and houses.

Robbie may find few neighbours his own age, as just 14 per cent of the 106,500 population is aged between 20 and 35.

The majority of people living in the area -23 per cent - are over 65.

He will undoubtedly be much better off than his neighbours - figures from the Land Registry show the average house price is £337,963, or £444,590 for a detached home.

His night life may also become a little more sedate but he will be able to enjoy a pint at one of his locals - the Foresters Arms or the picturesque Half Moon Inn.

If Robbie ever feels the urge to indulge his passion for football - he is a diehard fan of Stoke City - Kirdford Football Club is just down the road.

Foxbridge Golf Club is also close by should he want to improve his back swing.

There was a buzz about the normally serene village of Kirdford yesterday as people got wind of the star's imminent arrival.

Marlene Oliver, landlady at the Foresters Arms, said: "We found out because the guys who have been working on the site come in here for a drink.

"We heard he is renting the property for six months from March.

"We definitely want him to come and stay and it would be nice if he came into the pub.

"This is a tiny village so most people hear about these things within about ten minutes."

So are people looking forward to having a celebrity in town?

Ms Oliver said: "Oh God, yes. We are all in love with him. People are very excited and it should bring a little life to a sleepy village.

"We party a lot in the summer but it's quiet in the winter and this livens things up."

Debbie Tucker, 35, who lives next door to Whithurst Park and has two boys aged nine and ten, said: "I like his music and both my boys like him too.

"I'm not going to go and say anything but he's welcome to come round here."

Bridget Orchard, 27, is a carer for a couple who also live next door.

She said: "I won't be here because I'm leaving in March so I'll miss him, unfortunately.

"It's a shame because I won't be able to drop muffins off or anything."

Some neighbours were a little more cautious in giving the move their blessing.

Julia Quinn, 44, lives opposite the entrance to the park.

She said: "I just hope that there are not going to be any restrictions on us walking around."

Gli Kleet, of Plaistow Road, was wary of Robbie's reputation for enjoying a good party.

He said: "I'm not a fan but I don't mind him coming - as long as he doesn't make too much of a nuisance of himself.

"I've heard he's a bit of a hellraiser and my parents live near his house."

Others were downright scathing.

A shop assistant at the village newsagent's, who did not want to be named, said: "I don't really care to be honest.

"Julie Walters lives in Plaistow and she's much more interesting."