Alan Titchmarsh has revealed the real reason behind his and his wife Alison's decision to leave their Georgian Grade II-listed home in Holybourne, Hampshire after 23 years. The couple have moved to a more modern property in Surrey, prompted by their daughters.
Speaking to Yours Magazine, the 76-year-old gardener explained that the move was not originally planned. "We were both happy staying where we were," he said. "We had no plans to move and then they showed us the house. It's in the same village as our daughters and it's literally a two-minute walk from them and the grandchildren. It was their instigation, not ours."
The new home is "totally different" from the old one, being "long, low and modern" and only about four years old, with air source pumps. The proximity to family has brought more quality time, with Titchmarsh adding: "I love spending time with the grandchildren. I love that they make a big fuss when you go in and give you a big hug, 'Grandpa!'"
With the move comes a new garden project, which Titchmarsh is developing patiently. He said he is taking time over spring and summer to assess what to keep and what to change, describing the process as "a challenge".
In other news, Titchmarsh has warned gardeners against common watering mistakes, advising to water at the base of plants rather than spraying leaves. He also shared tips on deterring rats by placing bird feeders in open spaces away from hedges and walls.
