Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen gives away stunning estate and says it's 'going badly'
TV star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has embarked on a family venture by handing over his Cotswolds estate to his sons-in-law, coining it "Chateau LLB" and uniting the family under one grand roof. Yet, the 60 year old presenter, renowned for his role in BBC's hit show Changing Rooms during the 90s, amusingly admits his "retirement is going very badly' due to this change.
Boasting a fortune worth £8 million, the doting dad is keen to ensure the future of his thriving enterprise is with his daughters Hermione and Cecile. The flamboyant grandfather affectionately refers to his estate planning as "commonwealth."
Donning a distinctive floral print linen suit paired with sunglasses, Laurence explained: "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."
Now enjoying the lush life at his sprawling residence, Laurence spends his days with his spouse Jackie, also aged 60, their daughter Hermione, 27, and her young children Romily, two, and Eleanora, aged one. Meanwhile, just a stone's throw across the green, Cecile, 30, resides with her husband Dan and their two youngsters Albion, eight, and three year old Demelza, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Laurence has divulged that he had to assure his lawyer that his sons-in-law were not influencing him in handing 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 contemplating stepping back, Laurence is reinvigorated by the reinvention of 11 Bibury into a new community hub, eatery, and shop nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds. He's excited about transforming what was once a rundown post office, which he considers a pinnacle achievement in his career.
However, he quips that his plans for retirement seem to be faltering: "That doesn't seem to be happening mind you - my retirement is going very badly," he said with a laugh.
Known for his frankness on creating the life he desires, Laurence spoke of 'manifesting' as more than just a buzz word: "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 restoration of 11 Bibury is spearheaded by Lady Anne Evans, who envisions the project as a welcoming space for everyone. Together with Laurence, they offer it as an alternative to the likes of Soho Farmhouse, nearby neighbours to the Beckham residence in Chipping Norton.
Laurence didn't hold back in critiquing the elite retreat, dismissing Soho Farmhouse as "patronising". In his view, the establishment presents a facade of country aesthetics—"a metro design with a thin veneer of countryside and a couple of wellington boots thrown about."
He expanded on his work, expressing: "This is kind of my legacy - as well as the fact that Hermione is now running the business."
Discussing his teamwork with Lady Anne, he shared: "I've never had the opportunity to let rip before meeting this creature, so she's completely ruined me for all other clients."
Contemplating what he'll be known for, he reflected: "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."
The design choice at 11 Bibury exudes a relaxed vibe reminiscent of the South of France rather than the Cotswolds, something Laurence acknowledges was deliberate.
His nod to William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement in the decorations is subtly elegant.
Elucidating further about his aim, 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 inspired 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."
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