Take an intimate tour of cricketer Ben Stokes' family home in England

Indian Express

4 days ago

Ben Stokes might be known for hitting centuries and delivering game-changing spells, but at home, he's just Ben. A dad, a dog owner, and someone who's still figuring out where the TV remote went (hint: it's on his phone now).
His house isn't some ultra-minimalist mansion. It's lived-in, and full of stories; from a snug where he kicks back to stream after training, to a memorabilia room packed with cricket history. There are puppies running around, toys scattered in the hallway, and a kitchen he and his wife, Clare, completely tore apart and redesigned to make it feel like theirs.
'We moved in back in 2017,' he says, 'and while it was already a great place, we really wanted to put our own stamp on it.' They've since built a full home media system, to a cinema room and even a dance studio for their daughter.
Stokes is quick to point out the toys on the floor ('we've got two kids so there's mess everywhere—I'm not going to clean it up for you guys'), and proudly shows off a sleek new staircase they installed last summer. There's also a piece of modern art in the hallway—he admits they have no idea what it means, but says it 'goes quite well with the house.'
The snug is where the family really unwinds. If Ben's wife, Clare, isn't in there, he's usually watching a stream. The couches are the kind you can just sink into, especially after a long night or a tough match. Fun fact: the room used to be rabbit-proofed, but after their pet rabbits sadly passed away, the dogs took over.
Ben and Clare completely redid the kitchen after moving in. 'It was all the wrong way around,' he says. Now the space flows better, with more storage and a central island that actually makes sense. The house also has a full media system—no remote controls anywhere. Everything runs through their phones.
The couple now has a house full of dogs, led by Shelby, their first pup, who recently had six ridiculously cute puppies. One of them, nicknamed Samson Jr., is already showing off some serious personality. 'We've got six, and we can only keep one. I don't know how I'm going to choose… Clare's going to have to do that.'
The dining room is one of the calmest corners of the house. It's where they host Christmas dinners or hang out with friends and neighbours. No TV here, on purpose. Ben explains it's where they go to switch off from the world.
Outside, there's a beautiful garden with a putting green (though it mostly collects leaves, he said). There's even a weather-proof outdoor TV, still working perfectly, much to Ben's amazement.
If there's one room that really reflects who Ben Stokes is, it's the memorabilia room. From his first five-wicket haul to his World Cup final shirt (yes, still unwashed), each piece means something.
There's even a stump from the 2015 Ashes win, only signed by 8 teammates because, as Ben puts it, 'There's only eight signatures on the stump, we'd obviously had enough booze that day that I forgot to get the others to sign it.'
The home bar isn't just for drinks, it's part shrine for his trophies. The shelves are lined with unopened bottles of champagne from 'Man of the Match' awards and medals from a long and decorated career. There's even his old Sports Personality of the Year trophy (you get to keep it for a year, then get a replica).
There's a gaming room too, complete with triple monitors, pro lighting, and a massive streaming setup. There's also a golf simulator, but Stokes clearly prefers cricket to clubs.
The cinema room is equally impressive. Initially unsure about the design, the Stokes' have grown to love it. It's their go-to spot for family movie nights (once they restock the snacks).
Upstairs is still a work in progress. But there's already a custom-built dance studio for daughter Libby, who's into gymnastics and cheer. Ben even put up the mirrors himself.
The master bedroom is simple and elegant, with a high-end ensuite that features a no-handle door and a bathtub with a TV across from it. The dressing room has been fully remodelled too, his-and-hers sinks, custom shelves, and enough space for Clare's handbags and his sneakers.
In late 2024, their family home was the scene of a break-in. While Ben was away, masked intruders broke in while Clare and their two children were inside. Among the items stolen: Ben's OBE medal and priceless memorabilia. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and an investigation is still ongoing.