Alan Titchmarsh has finally sold his stunning £3.5 million Hampshire farmhouse, closing the door on a much-loved countryside retreat just as a major housing row continues to grip the village around it.
The beloved broadcaster and gardening icon, 77, has found a buyer for Manor Farm House in Holybourne, near Alton — a beautiful Grade II-listed home surrounded by four acres of carefully designed gardens.
But while the property offers peace, history and classic rural charm, the land behind it may soon look very different.
Plans have been put forward to build up to 156 new homes directly behind the former Titchmarsh residence, sparking anger among many locals in the small village, which is home to around 1,500 people.
Alan Titchmarsh and his wife Alison have finally found a buyer for their £3.5million country retreat in Hampshire after putting it on the market in September
Manor House Farm in Holybourne boasts four acres of gardens – and was originally listed for £3.95million
Broadcast legend Alan has insisted his decision to leave was nothing to do with plans to build 160 homes in fields immediately behind his house (pictured: the zone where homes could go)
Around 850 objections have reportedly been raised against the masterplan, with residents warning that the development could bring traffic pressure, flooding concerns, parking issues and a dramatic change to the character of the area.
Alan and his wife Alison, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year, have now moved to a modern £2.6 million five-bedroom home in Surrey. The property was previously won in an Omaze prize draw by childcare worker Rachael Reid with a £10 ticket.
The TV favourite has insisted his move had nothing to do with the proposed development. Instead, he said he and Alison wanted to downsize and live closer to their daughters, Polly and Camilla, as well as their grandchildren.
He previously explained that maintaining four acres of gardens and a listed house had been a joy, but admitted that, as he gets older, he wanted to move before the responsibility became overwhelming.
Still, the timing has inevitably raised eyebrows.
The development plans emerged last summer, and Manor Farm House was placed on the market just weeks later. Originally listed for £3.95 million, the asking price was later reduced by almost half a million pounds before a buyer was found.
The proposed housing scheme, submitted by developer Redbrown, would include gardens, play areas and 40 per cent affordable housing. Supporters argue it could help meet local housing demand.
But many villagers remain deeply concerned. Redbrown’s own analysis suggests the new estate could add around 700 extra car journeys per day, all using one access road.
There are also fears over possible archaeological remains in the area, with residents pointing to Roman pottery and coins previously found nearby.
Despite the controversy, Alan has remained clear that the village will continue to be a “delightful place to live” whether or not the homes are built.
For him, the move marks the end of an emotional chapter. After more than 20 years shaping the garden into what he described as an organic haven for wildlife, leaving was never going to be easy.
But now, as Manor Farm House begins a new life under new ownership, Alan and Alison are settling into a fresh chapter of their own — one closer to family, with a smaller garden, and far from the village debate still unfolding behind the home they once loved.
