Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, an interior designer, has spoken about how he lives in an unconventional way with his wife Jackie, their two daughters, their husbands, and their four grandchildren.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has responded to critics who find his unconventional living arrangement ‘strange’. The 60 year old interior designer shares his home with his wife Jackie, their adult daughters, Hermione, 26, and Cecile, 29, along with their husbands Dan and Drew, and their four grandchildren, Albion, 8, Demelza, 3, Romily, 1, and Eleanora, 18 months.
Laurence sparked a mixed reaction when he first revealed the unique setup of the entire family residing under one roof in his six-bedroom Cotswolds manor house. The former Changing Rooms star expressed joy about his close-knit family unit and countered those who disapprove and find the arrangement ‘strange’.
He told the Daily Mail, “I still believe that many people find it odd.” He argued that “it is actually very straightforward and instinctive way of a family being together.”
The idea of children leaving the house is a very, very strange idea that emerged in the 20th century. Actually, you typically stay if you work on the farm or in the shop together, so in a funny way, we just kind of revived that idea, but it made sense for us.
We have a large house, you may know. I and Jackie were completely separate things. Why don’t we then bring the kids and their kids with us?
Discussing how the family manages being in each other’s space every day, Laurence added: “There are moments where you’ve got to work quite hard. But I think that happens in any family.”
Laurence and his wife Jackie manage to maintain their romantic relationship despite the chaos of their busy lives. This year, the enamoured couple celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. They have been together for more than 40 years.
He said, “We will basically be together for 41 years in January. That is a significant portion of a lifetime, to be sure.
We made a commitment very well, and we’ve always had to work very hard to keep things moving forward and keep things moving forward. And I believe that some people are very reluctant to give up on that.
The designer continued, “You do have to find advantages.” You wake up in the morning and feel grumpy, but it’s not a Disney film. You do experience situations where you are offended by things. I have a lot of tolerance for people. That is cool. That is very effective. I have a good amount of restraint.
Jackie may feel very energised at times, but after 41 years of dating, you are familiar with the ins and outs. You are aware of the warning signs.
Along with judges Jane Larmour, James Fairley, and Patricia McGinnis, Laurence is getting ready for his next property series, House of the Year.
House Of The Year returns to BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland with the first five episodes available to watch from Monday 5 January. In each episode, three new homes will compete for one of five places in the grand final where they could be crowned – House Of The Year. The grand final will broadcast February 9.
