Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen gives away £8m estate and admits it's 'going very badly'

Edinburgh Live

3 hours ago

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Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the iconic face from BBC's hit 90s show Changing Rooms, has taken a significant step by handing over his Cotswolds estate to his sons-in-law, uniting the family at what he affectionately calls "Chateau LLB". Despite his success, the 60 year old admits that his attempt at retirement is proving quite troublesome.
With an impressive net worth of £8 million, Laurence plans to pass on his thriving business to his daughters Hermione and Cecile, a move he whimsically terms as "commonwealth."
Dressed in his signature style with a floral linen suit and sunglasses, Laurence shared: "We've worked very hard to make the life we want. After thirty years on television, I've worked very hard to get here. With things now like us all living together and how we've split the house up, which everyone is so intrigued about, that's a decision.
"And it is a straightforward decision as far as I'm concerned. It's sharing resources with the next generation - we call it commonwealth - to me it is a very ordinary thing to do."
The stylish grandad enjoys his days at the expansive estate with his wife Jackie, also 60, and their daughter Hermione, 27, her children Romily, two, and Eleanora, one. Close by, Cecile, 30, resides with her husband Dan and their little ones Albion, eight, and Demelza, three, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, reports the Mirror.
Laurence opened up about having to assure his lawyer that he wasn't being influenced by his sons-in-law to hand over his estate. He shared: "My son's in law, they're at the beginning of their career, they're starting to do well and that's the point, this is an opportunity for them.
"It is my sons-in-law that are rising and it gives me an opportunity to quieten down."
Despite planning to take a step back, Laurence has been invigorated by the project to transform a run-down post office into 11 Bibury, a new community hub, eatery, and shop in the picturesque Cotswolds village, which he describes as a career highlight.
"That doesn't seem to be happening mind you - my retirement is going very badly," he quipped.
Laurence has spoken candidly about his approach to creating the life he desires, explaining his interpretation of 'manifesting': "I do talk a lot of b******. I know this has become a real buzz word - for me 'manifest' just means you make - you just line your ducks up to make the life you want. ".
The renovation of 11 Bibury is overseen by Lady Anne Evans, who envisions the venue as welcoming and "inclusive". Together with Laurence, they offer it as an alternative to Soho Farmhouse, near the Beckhams' Chipping Norton home.
Criticising the exclusive members' club, Laurence called it "patronising" and mocked its attempt at rural charm, which he sees as merely "a metro design with a thin veneer of countryside and a couple of wellington boots thrown about."
He reflected on his contribution to design, stating: "This is kind of my legacy - as well as the fact that Hermione is now running the business."
Discussing his venture with Lady Anne, he remarked: "I've never had the opportunity to let rip before meeting this creature, so she's completely ruined me for all other clients."
Touching on what he hopes to be remembered for, he commented: "There is that game that you start playing when you get to 60 which is asking yourself 'what would I like to be remembered for?' And I'm immensely proud of the reach and scope of Changing Rooms - that changed so many lives but if there's one design scheme just taken on its merits - it would definitely be this."
Laurence admits that the chic simplicity and calm palette of 11 Bibury are designed to evoke the laid-back elegance of the South of France rather than the traditional Cotswolds vibe.
An homage to William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement is artfully woven into the fabric of the place.
Elaborating on his approach, he asserted: "I want people to walk away from 11 Bibury and not feel patronised - I want them to leave and google William Morris - I want them to be empowered by the Cotswolds and not just feel they've been sold a cup of coffee, a tea towel and some fudge, patted on the head and moved on."