As he begins a new chapter in his life and faces a “new challenge,” Alan Titchmarsh has shared details about a significant upheaval that marks the culmination of a 23-year journey.
Alan Titchmarsh has revealed the reply he gives to those who enquire whether he’s planning to “retire”. He admitted that he’s “knocking on a bit” as he opened up on a significant move that has brought an end to a 23-year chapter. In September, Alan listed the expansive four-acre property that he shares with his wife, Alison, for £3.95 million.
The former Gardeners’ World host purchased the Grade II-listed manor house in Holybourne, Hampshire (known as Manor Farm House), in 2002, but it had finally reached the stage where it was “time to downsize.”
He told BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine that the motivation behind the change was to embrace a “new challenge”, though he also admitted that people of a certain age are frequently told that downsizing is something they’d be “wise” to contemplate.
The 76-year-old explained that moving on would always be a “wrench” when you’ve invested your “heart and soul” into a property because they hadn’t originally intended to leave their Georgian home.
He said, “But when you are knocking on a bit (despite what the numbers tell me), you do muse on the future, which I hope will be long and fulfilling. “
Are you retiring, Alan added? I’ve been asked. ‘Er, no! More like “consolidating.” The day will come when it starts to be overwhelming, so I’d rather move on to new pastures before that becomes the case, despite the fact that looking after four acres and a Grade-II listed house has been and continues to be a delight beyond measure. “
He continued to explain that his daughters discovered his new home, which he described as both “low” and “modern”, a stark contrast to his previous property. It’s a more modest acre and a half in size, but Alan and Alison are apparently “smitten”.
The new place also presents an exciting gardening opportunity for Alan; it boasts acidic soil (unlike the previous chalk), meaning he can finally cultivate rhododendrons.
Alan emphasized that since he was 20 years old, he hasn’t been able to do this.
In other news, Alan recently revealed that he doesn’t like a particular plant and has warned others against using it “anywhere near my garden.” He also admitted that he detests being “unkind” to any particular plant.
Despite this, he labelled the offending species, ornamental kale (also known as purple kale), a “bit of a weirdo”. He shared his views about this particular variety on his YouTube channel, Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh.
Where have you seen a more vibrant rosette, the most exquisite plant life ever? he quipped. Oh no, I’m not kidding. I couldn’t have imagined that.
Source: Mirror
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