Alan Titchmarsh and his wife, Alison, recently transitioned to a new residence that boasts a 1.5-acre garden. Meanwhile, they are facing significant challenges amid the turmoil of selling their previous Grade II-listed home. The couple has drastically reduced the asking price of their old property located in Hampshire by £450,000, in hopes of attracting potential buyers.
Challenges in Selling the Hampshire Home
The Titchmarshs are eager to sell their five-bedroom house in Holybourne, which was initially listed for nearly £4 million last September. Despite generating public interest, the property has yet to receive any offers.
- Location: Holybourne, Hampshire
- Original Listing Price: Just under £4 million
- Price Reduction: £450,000
Alan expressed in his column for Gardeners’ World that it was a difficult decision to leave the Hampshire home but acknowledged that it was time to downsize. The couple’s move to Surrey is intended to bring them closer to their two daughters.
New Challenges in the Garden
In their new home, the garden presents a different set of challenges. Alan describes it as “overgrown and overshadowed,” with many rhododendrons having grown excessively large. He is eager to start working on the garden, noting that he must wait until spring to see which plants will bloom.
Spring Gardening Plans
As he prepares for the upcoming gardening season, Alan plans to:
- Cut back some plants and shrubs.
- Selectively cull overgrown rhododendrons.
He is optimistic about learning which plants might still thrive as the months progress. In the meantime, he is focusing on tasks he can complete, such as establishing new beds around his property.
Adapting to New Soil Conditions
Having spent four decades working with chalk soil, Alan finds joy in adapting to the new soil conditions in his garden. He is closely monitoring the sun’s path to ensure his plants receive the appropriate amount of light and shade.
He has also secured the necessary planning permissions for a greenhouse in the conservation area. Living in a National Landscape, while beneficial, presents its own set of planning challenges, which Alan understands are crucial for preserving the environment.
Upcoming Appearances
Alan Titchmarsh will soon return to television with his show “Love Your Weekend,” scheduled to air every Sunday morning. He will be joined by wildlife expert Michaela Strachan and cast members from the series “Call the Midwife.” This will mark nearly six years of hosting the beloved magazine program.
As Alan juggles the excitement of his new home and garden with the challenges of selling their previous residence, he remains dedicated to cultivating both his garden and his television career.
