Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has generously handed the reins of his Cotswolds estate over to his sons-in-law, inviting the entire family to live together in what he’s dubbed “Chateau LLB” However, the 60-year-old design guru admits his “retirement is going very badly” as a result.
The star of the iconic BBC show Changing Rooms and father of two, who boasts a net worth of 拢8million, is keen on passing his business down to his daughters Hermione, and Cecile. The proud grandad refers to this gesture as “commonwealth.”
Donning a floral print linen suit and sunglasses, Laurence said: “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.”
He currently lives on his expansive property with his wife Jackie, 60, and his daughter Hermione along with her little ones Romily, two, and one year old Eleanora. Just a stone’s throw across their lush lawn, Cecile lives with her husband Dan and their children Albion, eight, and three year old Demelza, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Laurence had to convince his solicitor he wasn’t being pushed by his sons-in-law to give away the estate. He said: “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 stepping back, Laurence has found himself deeply involved in rejuvenating a dilapidated post-office into 11 Bibury, the new hub with a community centre, restaurant and shop in the idyllic Cotswolds village, which he sees as the pinnacle of his career.
However, Laurence reveals his plans for a leisurely retirement are not going according to plan: “That doesn’t seem to be happening mind you – my retirement is going very badly,” he jests.
The concept of “manifesting” one’s desired life has been embraced by Laurence, who once said: “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. “.
Lady Anne Evans leads the transformation of 11 Bibury, envisioned as a more “inclusive” alternative to exclusive clubs. Together with Laurence, they present it as a refreshing contrast to Soho Farmhouse situated near the Beckhams’ Chipping Norton home.
Dismissing the established private members’ club as “patronising”, Laurence criticises it, suggesting it sports a “metro design with a thin veneer of countryside and a couple of wellington boots strewn around.”
He said: “This is kind of my legacy – as well as the fact that Hermione is now running the business.”
Speaking about his collaboration with Lady Anne, he added: “I’ve never had the opportunity to let rip before meeting this creature, so she’s completely ruined me for all other clients.
“When you hit 60, you start pondering ‘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 sleek lines and understated colours of 11 Bibury are intentionally reminiscent of the South of France rather than the Cotswolds, according to Laurence.
The tributes to William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement are understated yet present.
He said: “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.”