MUM-to-be Kate Winslet has secretly bought a pounds 800,000 [most reports say 250,000] dream house in the country to bring up her baby.

The Titantic star and film director husband Jim Threapleton moved in to the converted industrial property just a few weeks ago.

The couple, whose first child is due in two weeks time, have spent pounds 80,000 converting the stunning, riverside property in the Home Counties.

The four bedroom house with large gallery areas is surrounded by water and can only be reached via a bridge. It has also been fitted with sophisticated alarms and lighting. The high security measures come after a string of email death threats left on Kate's fan club website.

Kate, 24, has told friends she loves the house especially the river at the bottom of the garden. One said: "It is extremely quiet and miles from anywhere. She is very keen to keep her domestic life as far away from her career as possible."

Kate and Jim, 26, have been looking for a home to bring up a family since marrying two years ago.

After finishing her new movie Enigma several months ago the star told friends she wants to take a lengthy break from acting.

She and Jim moved out of their flat in North London last month and have also bought a pounds 200,000 secluded holiday home in Cornwall.