Rumours have returned that Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has bought a stately home on the outskirts of Burnham Market.

It was believed at the weekend that the 48-year-old megastar had bought Burnham Westgate Hall, a 13-bedroom house which came on to the property market in June last year for �7m.

The mansion is not currently on the market, according to the website Rightmove, which read today: 'Savills, Country Department have removed this property. It may now be sold, under offer or temporarily withdrawn from the market.'

Burnham Westgate Hall is described on the Rightmove website as a Grade II* Georgian country house in a parkland setting.

It was described by Country Life as 'the most significant country house sale to take place in Norfolk in 20 years' when it came onto the market.

Louis de Soissons, director of Savills and head of residential in Norfolk and North Suffolk, said today: 'We have had notable people look at this house (Burnham Westgate Hall) but I cannot confirm or deny who any of them are.

'It is extraordinary how persistent this rumour is about Johnny Depp buying a house in the area. It resurfaces about once a year.

'I can confirm that Burnham Westgate Hall has not sold as we speak. Contracts have not exchanged. Nothing has changed.'

A Burnham Market resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said yesterday: 'There has been a rumour about this for four or five months that Mr Depp has looked at Burnham Westgate Hall.'

They said that the reclusive actor had been spotted in Burnham Market over the past few months by villagers but did not know if he had bought a home in the area.

In September, the EDP reported that rumours were rife on Twitter that the Pirates of the Caribbean star was buying Burnham Westgate Hall, which is set in 38 acres of leafy grounds.

But at the time, Mr Soissons said: 'There's no substance to it at all, I'm afraid. It's completely unfounded.'

He added the property had been viewed by a number of interested parties. But Mr Depp was not amongst them.

Mr Depp does not reportedly frequent social networking sites. When asked why in a rare interview, he said: 'What is 'Tweeting'? I'm glad not to be part of it. I just want to go and read a book.'