Caroline Quentin has sold her six-bedroom Devon farmhouse and moved to a rented cottage in Somerset, saying she does not think she will buy another property. The Men Behaving Badly star, 66, said the large garden at her previous home had become "exhausting" after her children left as empty nesters.
Downsizing after becoming empty nesters
The actress previously lived at the Devon property with her husband Sam Farmer and their children Emily, 26, and William, 23. After selling the house, the couple have been renting in Somerset for just over a year.
Speaking about the sprawling garden, Caroline said: "It had a two-acre vegetable garden, a two-acre orchard and a pool. The veg alone was exhausting. We've been in Somerset for just over a year, with a more manageable garden. We're really happy."
Emotional admission about home ownership
In an interview with Gardens Illustrated, the actress made the emotional admission: "I don't think we'll buy again." She explained that despite being a keen gardener, the property grounds were "getting a bit too much" for her.
Caroline told the publication: "My big beautiful garden in Devon came with a big house, and it was all getting a bit too much for me. My husband Sam and I are renting a lovely cottage in Somerset and are looking for a cottage nearby where I can start a new garden and a new gardening adventure."
Nature and mental health
The Dorothy star also spoke about the importance of outdoor space, saying: "Nature has saved my mental health. My mother was bipolar, and I have a volatile emotional life. I get lows sometimes, and I get highs as well ... The best thing is stepping outside, just listening to birds, being quiet, settling myself, listening to the wind in the trees, my blood pressure drops, my heart slows down."
Although her children have moved out, she previously told the Daily Express: "Mind you, these days it seems as though everyone comes back and no one leaves home until they're 57. But I'd be fine with that, I don't want my children ever to leave, and I'm already planning extensions for their boyfriends and girlfriends. If I have my way, they'll still be right here with me."
Career highlights
Caroline is known for starring as Dorothy in the hit sitcom Men Behaving Badly alongside Martin Clunes, Neil Morrissey, Leslie Ash and Henry Enfield. She also appeared in Jonathan Creek, Kiss Me Kate, Life Begins and Blue Murder.
