Alan Titchmarsh and his wife Alison are grappling with 'so many challenges' as the sale of their Hampshire home remains in turmoil. The former Gardeners' World presenter recently reduced the asking price of his Grade II-listed property by £450,000, yet it has failed to attract a bidder since being listed in September for just under £4 million.
The couple moved to Surrey in December to be closer to their two daughters, describing the departure from their five-bedroom home in Holybourne as a 'wrench' but acknowledging it was 'time to downsize'. Their new property comes with a one-and-a-half acre garden, which Titchmarsh describes as 'overgrown and overshadowed', with many rhododendrons having turned into trees.
Writing in Gardeners' World, Titchmarsh admitted he is 'keen to get cracking' in his new plot but must wait until spring to see which plants will thrive. He noted that some shrubs will need to be 'cut back' while others will be 'selectively culled', and he is monitoring the sun's path to ensure plants receive appropriate light. He has already found joy in making new beds around the rear of the property, adapting to his new soil after four decades working in chalk.
Titchmarsh has also secured planning permission for a greenhouse in the conservation area, acknowledging that living in a National Landscape brings restrictions but benefits everyone. His programme, Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, returns to screens on March 8, featuring guests including wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan and Call the Midwife stars.
