Alan Titchmarsh, the celebrated broadcaster and gardening expert, has finally sold his £3.5 million countryside retreat in Hampshire, just as plans to build nearly 160 homes directly behind it have sparked controversy. The property, Manor Farm House in Holybourne near Alton, boasts four acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, a testament to Titchmarsh's green-fingered expertise.
Property Details and Sale
The 17th-century bolthole, a Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse, was originally listed for £3.95 million in September 2023. After reducing the asking price by almost half a million pounds, the Titchmarshes successfully found a buyer. The sale price has not been disclosed, but sources close to the star confirm the transaction has been completed, and Alan is "very happy" in his new home.
Alan and his wife Alison purchased Manor Farm House for £1.2 million in 2022 and undertook sympathetic renovations. The property spans 7,930 square feet and features five bedrooms. The couple, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year, have now moved to a £2.6 million luxury five-bed retreat in Surrey. This new single-storey home was previously won by Rachael Reid in an Omaze prize draw with a £10 raffle ticket.
Reasons for Moving
Titchmarsh, 77, has stated that the decision to downsize was driven by a desire for a smaller garden before it became "overwhelming" to maintain the four acres in Hampshire. He also wanted to be closer to his daughters Polly and Camilla, as well as his grandchildren. Despite the timing of the sale coinciding with the housing development proposals, Alan insists the move is unrelated.
"We are simply downsizing and moving to be closer to our two daughters and our grandchildren who live a few miles away," he said in December. "Tempting as it might be to suggest that the proposed development (which may or may not come to fruition) has influenced our decision is completely wide of the mark."
Housing Development Controversy
Developer Redbrown submitted proposals for 15.6 hectares of land behind Manor Farm House in July 2023, earmarked by East Hampshire District Council as suitable for new homes. The plans could see up to 156 new homes built, along with gardens and play areas. According to Redbrown's analysis, the development would add an extra 700 car journeys daily to local roads, all accessing the estate via a single road.
Holybourne, a village with a population of just 1,500, has seen about 850 objections to the masterplan. Concerns include flooding, loss of parking, traffic congestion, and the potential destruction of Roman artifacts from the ancient town of Vindomi, as pottery and coins have been found nearby since the 1930s. Only 38 comments have been received in support, largely due to the inclusion of 40% affordable housing.
One neighbour told the Daily Mail last year: "I'm sure anything like that is going to make you think, if someone's going to build in the back of your house." Another objection stated: "Even (redacted) knew when it was time to quit. The village does not want it... the catastrophic effect on the nature and structure of the village is self evident for all of us who can see." The name in the objection was redacted by council officials.
Titchmarsh's Gardening Legacy
Writing in BBC Gardener's World last year, Alan reflected on leaving the garden he had nurtured for over 20 years. "Looking after four acres and a Grade II-listed house has been - and still is - a treat beyond measure, but the day will come when it starts to be overwhelming and I'd rather move on to fresh pastures before that becomes the case," he wrote. "Whoever takes on my garden will want to do their own thing - and they must. They must make of this piece of Hampshire earth a sanctuary that fulfils their needs and - hopefully - that of the wildlife that has made home in our organically run haven."
Consultation on the development plans continues until June 21.
