James May has been in a long-term relationship with Sarah Frater, a prominent UK dance and art critic, since they began dating in 2000. The couple has never married and does not have children, with May playfully describing himself as a "late developer" regarding family choices.
Private Relationship and Home Life
After years of temporary living, May and Frater designed a custom forever home in West London, fully tailored to house May's extensive collection of cars and motorbikes. Despite enjoying the new space, May admitted finding a permanent residence "slightly disturbing," joking that settling down feels like "waiting for the end."
The couple balances their busy lives by dividing chores equally, though May admits to becoming "highly neurotic" about maintaining Frater's gardening tools.
Connections to the TV World
Sarah Frater has strong ties to May's television universe. She is famously close friends with Mindy Hammond, the estranged wife of May's long-time Grand Tour and Top Gear co-star Richard Hammond.
May once gave a rare glimpse into their low-key dates, advising other men to make an effort as he cooked Frater a simple Valentine's Day meal of supermarket chicken pie and frozen peas.
Properties and Renovations
While their primary custom-built base is in West London, the couple also owns a second home in Wiltshire to escape the city bustle. Creating their dream London home required a five-year renovation that involved completely rebuilding a property.
Decision Not to Have Children
May opened up about choosing not to have kids, stating that being an older father felt "unfair" and "weird." He pointed to actor Al Pacino's late-in-life fatherhood as something he preferred to avoid.
