Alan Titchmarsh has announced the emotional decision to sell his Hampshire farmhouse, valued at £4 million. The renowned broadcaster and gardening expert, who has called the Grade II-listed property home for over two decades, credits his daughters with helping him embrace this significant change in his life.
Having lived in the Georgian farmhouse in Holybourne since 2002, Titchmarsh transformed the four-acre estate into a picturesque haven, filled with memories of family gatherings and gardening projects. The decision to part with a place that has been central to his family’s life was not easy. He described the process as “a wrench,” but expressed optimism about the future.
Titchmarsh, who moved into the farmhouse with his wife, Alison, reflected on the numerous cherished moments spent there. He wrote in BBC Gardeners’ World, “So why go? Well… it’s time. Time for a new challenge. Time to downsize – a little – as those of us of relatively senior years are regularly told would be wise to do.”
The couple listed their home for £3.95 million in September 2023. While Titchmarsh emphasized that he had no immediate plans to move, the realities of age and practicality began to influence their decision. Maintaining a historic property and its extensive grounds is a considerable undertaking, even for someone with Titchmarsh’s expertise.
He candidly admitted, “To be honest, we had no plans to move. When you restore an old house and make a garden around it, you pour so much of your heart and soul into it that moving on is bound to be a wrench.” Over the years, he and Alison have meticulously restored the farmhouse, ensuring that every room and garden space reflects their vision.
Acknowledging the challenges of aging, Titchmarsh noted, “When you are knocking on a bit (which I refuse to believe, despite what the numbers tell me) age puts one’s muse on the future – a future which I hope will be long and fulfilling.” He expressed gratitude for the time spent caring for the property, saying, “Looking after four acres and a Grade II-listed house has been – and still is – a treat beyond measure.”
As the couple prepares for a new chapter, their daughters played a pivotal role in finding a new home. Titchmarsh described the property as “long, low, modern – a complete contrast to a Georgian farmhouse.” Even with this exciting transition, he wrestled with the decision.
“After making the decision, I hummed and haa-ed about the wisdom of it all,” he shared. Yet, once he realized that this move was about embracing a new challenge rather than giving up, his apprehension transformed into enthusiasm.
While he looks forward to the future, Titchmarsh cannot overlook the emotional weight of leaving the farmhouse behind. He fondly reminisced about the years spent there, stating, “I will look back on the years spent here as some of the best of my life; seeing grandchildren come into the world and grow up running through our meadow. It has enriched our lives beyond measure and I will never forget it.”
As Titchmarsh embarks on this new journey, he carries with him a wealth of memories and the hope for a fulfilling future in their new home.
