Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash are reportedly leaving their Essex home, Pickle Cottage, after five years, according to a source who spoke to the Mirror. The couple has found a new renovation project nearby, described as an eight-bedroom estate on 30 acres with a swimming pool and its own lake. The move is framed as a fresh start, as the source noted that Pickle Cottage has been associated with ups and downs in their relationship.
Background on Pickle Cottage
The couple purchased Pickle Cottage in 2021, naming it after their son Rex, nicknamed Pickle. The property sits on 2.5 acres and required significant work. Stacey, a former X Factor star, said at the time: 'The house needs lots of love and TLC which I cannot wait to show to you. But Pickle Cottage is going to be ours and we cannot wait.' She documented her renovations on social media, telling fans: 'I definitely don't tell myself often enough, how proud I am of all of the love and hard work I've put into Pickle Cottage. Not a day has gone by for the last year I haven't worked my little bum off doing whatever I could to make this special house our home.'
Renovations and Budget-Friendly Touches
Stacey gave son Rex's bedroom an animal-themed makeover for £900, including animal wallpaper, a flat-screen TV, an art desk, and a repainted fireplace. She painted the kitchen black, explaining: 'The kitchen is now black. I just went for it! It is the last f**k it year after all. So here she is. Let me know what you think! Or don't if you hate it. I actually didn't realise how much cosier and just all around prettier painting it black would be. I was worried it might be harsh and dark but it feels so much more homely and actually feels brighter!' She also added an £11.99 flower garland to her purple conservatory and used affordable Dunelm homeware throughout. Outside, she created a pond for her pet ducks, Daisy, Daphne, and Delphine.
Stacey admitted she sometimes feels embarrassed sharing her swimming pool, saying: 'So many of you asking to see the tiles. But I know this is the most unrelatable content ever, so I'm sorry. I do cringe sharing it. I almost feel embarrassed for some reason.'
Family and Financial Decisions
The couple has six children: Zachary (16), Leighton (12), Rex (5), Rose (3), Belle (2), and Joe's son Harry from a previous relationship. Stacey and Joe have stated they won't leave their £6,500,000 fortune to their children. Stacey told the Mirror: 'They're going to have their own lives and they need to have their own dreams, careers and that doesn't come from us giving them everything. It's a constant battle.'
Pickle Cottage was the site of major milestones, including Stacey's National Television Award win, their July 2022 wedding in the garden, and the backdrop for their BBC reality series Stacey & Joe. However, months of speculation about their marriage arose, especially after Stacey was photographed without her wedding ring. She dismissed the rumors on the Sort Your Life Out Unpacked podcast: 'Who cares if the whole world is like, “Oh, they’re on the brink of divorce”. Being in the public eye creates certain pressures, but not on our relationship. If we know it’s not true, who cares?' She added: 'Sometimes I fancy the pants off him and can’t wait to come home to see him. Sometimes I’m like, “Get out of my stratosphere – stay away from me.” I think we’re just like any other couple.'
Reasons for the Move
The source claimed Joe feels Pickle Cottage has brought 'bad luck' and that leaving it behind will help them move on emotionally. The new property reportedly appeals to Stacey's love of DIY. Another source told The Sun: 'This house needs a bit of love and work to make it the absolute dream home where they can make new memories.' The third series of Stacey & Joe is due to air later this summer, with cameras expected to follow the renovation.
