Alan Titchmarsh and his wife Alison are navigating a turbulent period as their house sale faces significant challenges, compounded by the demanding task of revitalising a new garden. The couple recently moved to a property in Surrey to be closer to their two daughters, but their former home in Holybourne, Hampshire, remains unsold despite a substantial price reduction.
Property Sale in Turmoil with Major Price Cut
The Grade II-listed five-bedroom home was originally listed in September for just under £4 million, but has yet to attract a single bidder. In response, Alan and Alison have slashed £450,000 from the asking price, highlighting the difficulties in the current property market. Writing in Gardeners’ World, Alan described leaving the Hampshire property as a "wrench," but acknowledged it was "time to downsize" after many years there.
New Home Brings Garden Challenges
Their new Surrey residence includes a one-and-a-half acre garden, which Alan has found to be "overgrown and overshadowed." He notes that "many of the rhododendrons have turned into trees," presenting a substantial landscaping project. Having moved in December, Alan is eager to "get cracking" but must wait until spring to assess which plants will flourish.
Alan explains that some plants and shrubs will need to be "cut back," while others may require "selective culling." He plans to monitor the garden through April, May, and June to identify which specimens have the potential to flower. In the meantime, he has focused on practical tasks, such as creating new beds around the rear of the property, finding "joy" in adapting to different soil after decades working in chalk-based environments.
Planning and Seasonal Adjustments
Alan is carefully observing the sun's path to determine optimal placements for sun-loving and shade-preferring plants. He has also secured planning permission for a greenhouse, noting that living in a conservation area within a National Landscape brings both benefits and restrictions. "New gardens possess so many challenges," he wrote, emphasising the learning curve involved.
Television Return Amid Personal Transitions
Despite these personal upheavals, Alan continues his professional commitments. Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh returns to screens, featuring guests like wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan and Call the Midwife stars Annabelle Apsion and Cliff Parisi. The show will also highlight a couple who have dedicated over five years to running a hedgehog hospital in their garden, reflecting Alan's enduring passion for horticulture and wildlife.
As Alan balances the stalled house sale with the demands of his new garden, he remains optimistic yet realistic about the challenges ahead. The couple's move marks a significant lifestyle change, blending downsizing with the excitement and trials of cultivating a fresh outdoor space.
