Celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has issued a robust defence of his family's living arrangements, after critics labelled the multi-generational setup as 'strange'.
A Manor House Full of Life
The 60-year-old television personality lives with his wife, Jackie, in their six-bedroom Cotswolds manor house. However, they are far from alone. The couple share their sprawling home with their two adult daughters, Hermione, 26, and Cecile, 29, along with the daughters' husbands, Dan and Drew. The household is completed by the couple's four grandchildren: Albion, 8, Demelza, 3, Romily, 1, and Eleanora, who is 18 months old.
When Laurence first revealed the unconventional arrangement, it caused a significant stir. In an exclusive interview, he expressed delight in his close-knit family unit and directly addressed those who disagree with the concept. 'I still think a lot of people think it is a bit strange,' he admitted. 'But actually, it is a very straightforward and instinctive way of a family being together.'
Rejecting Modern Norms
Llewelyn-Bowen argues that the 20th-century ideal of children leaving the family home is a historical anomaly. He points to a more traditional model where families worked and lived together on farms or in family businesses. 'In a funny sort of way, we are just reviving that,' he explained. The decision was also a practical one. 'We live in a big house. It was very much just me and Jackie. Why do we not then bring the children and their children in with us?'
Naturally, with ten people, plus dogs and cats, under one roof, daily life requires effort. The designer acknowledged there are challenging moments but emphasised this is true for any family. 'We confront it and get on with it,' he stated, highlighting the importance of working through difficulties rather than giving up.
Marriage, Work, and 'Letting Freak Flags Fly'
Amid the bustling household, Laurence and Jackie, who celebrated 35 years of marriage this year, work to keep their relationship strong. Having been together for over four decades, he admits it requires continuous effort. 'It's not a Disney movie,' he said candidly. 'You do wake up in the morning and you do feel grumpy... but after 41 years together, you know the ins and the outs.'
Professionally, Laurence is preparing for the return of his property series, House Of The Year, on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland. The first five episodes will be available from Monday 5 January, with a grand final scheduled for February 9. He judges alongside Jane Larmour, James Fairley, and Patricia McGinnis.
He is enthusiastic about the creativity showcased in the new series, noting a shift in how people approach their homes. 'I think people no longer feel they must do things in a ‘grown-up’ way,' he observed. 'People are letting their ‘freak flag’ fly and are doing things their own way!'—a philosophy he clearly applies to his own unconventional and cherished family life.
