Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen: ‘I’ve relinquished my role as lord of the manor’

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, currently shooting the second season of Outrageous Homes, a series highlighting the country’s uniquely themed residences, has made an unexpected decision regarding his living situation. At the age of 60, he has opted to step away from homeownership.

The flamboyant television personality, known for his appearances in Changing Rooms and Celebrity Bear Hunt, is seated on a burnt-orange velvet couch in his recently refreshed drawing room. Here, he reveals how he has transferred ownership of his Cotswolds manor house, which he purchased in 2007, partially to his daughters and their families.

“I’m no longer lord of the manor,” he states dramatically, gesturing with a flowing purple sleeve. Considering the family dynamic, his 26-year-old daughter Hermione, who manages their design studio, is also present, handling business calls and overseeing three lively dogs. “It’s a cult,” she remarks on their familial situation.

The household includes Laurence’s wife Jackie, married since 1989, who humorously leads what Laurence describes as a “mammocracy.” Their older daughter Cecile, 30, along with her husband Dan and their children Albion (8) and Demelza (4), reside in a converted garage across the driveway. Meanwhile, Hermione and her spouse Drew, 28, along with their two children, Romilly (nearly 3) and Eleanora (18 months), reside in the main house alongside their grandparents.

Hermione explains: “It’s funny, Cecile and I aren’t on the deeds since we’re set to inherit it anyway — it’s technically the husbands.” Laurence shares a humorous moment about a meeting with solicitors who assessed whether he and Jackie were being pressured into this arrangement by their sons-in-law. “Our friends can’t fathom what would happen if we have a falling out,” he adds.

This brings up a valid concern, to which Hermione replies: “We argue frequently. But we have to either resolve it or face cooking for ourselves.” The thought of forgoing Jackie’s signature spaghetti Bolognese acts as a strong motivator for maintaining family harmony.

In the decision to split the property, the garages had already been transformed into a residence for Cecile’s family. The next phase involved dividing the main house into two separate living spaces, each complete with kitchens, bathrooms, guest rooms, and staircases. Laurence states the renovations are “90 percent complete”, leading to an opportunity to showcase the evolution of their living spaces.

The renovations to the Elizabethan property are thoughtfully designed to accommodate the elderly. “The staircase includes multiple power points for a future stairlift. Both Jackie and my mother suffered from MS, so we’re considering potential challenges as we age. You can utilize design to ease those transitions.”

“Yes, we’ve planned for a stairlift and even a minibar for when it’s stuck; you’ve got to stay hydrated,” he jokes. “But why not address these realities in our sixties while we can still enjoy life? Let’s not dwell on it.”

The renovated kitchen stands out as a key addition. They have constructed a narrow extension topped with an orangery-style roof, while Laurence adapted a design for the kitchen that showcases Jackie’s culinary talents. Another smaller galley kitchen is designed for Hermione and Drew in what was once the Great Room.

The contrasting styles between the grandparents’ area and Hermione’s personal touch highlight the evolution of the space. Hermione’s renovations were especially time-sensitive, as they commenced on October 16, 2023, and completed just in time for the arrival of her second daughter, Eleanora, on December 11.

However, Laurence noted the project hit a snag around Easter 2024, stalling due to a lack of space, time, and funds. “We reached a stage where we couldn’t continue, and only resumed the renovations towards the end of last year. We resemble that couple on Grand Designs who have possibly taken on too much,” he reflects.

With most of his domain nearing completion, Laurence considers what elements he would highlight in a “Grand Designs” showcase. After years of experience on Changing Rooms, he thrives on dramatic reveals. One unique feature is a secret door that conceals the entrance between the two residences, cleverly disguised as faux book spines created by son-in-law Dan’s company, Original Book Works. A hidden booze cupboard is cleverly placed behind a painting in the sitting room’s library wall, while he cheekily reveals a coral-pink walk-in makeup station, humorously dubbed Jackie’s “deep, dark drag secret.”

In the corridor outside the bedroom is Laurence’s dressing room, featuring indigo flock wallpaper designed to appear vibrant against his eclectic clothing collection.

The kitchen’s flooring, with its striking Festivo pattern designed by Laurence, stands out as the most captivating feature. “They questioned my color choices. But while it’s tasteful for Fulham, I was bringing 1982 back to life—think vibrant parties reminiscent of the era,” he shares, referencing the bold kitchen styles of his youth, which are now back in vogue.

As he embraces this phase of life, Laurence reflects on his role as a design curator in retirement developments. “I’m passionate about discussing mortality,” he reveals, as his cocker spaniel Bridget nonchalantly drops a toy at his feet. “It feels like the Addams Family here, doesn’t it?” he jokes.

Hermione remains focused, steering clear of her father’s dramatic musings. One of the house’s most charming spaces is her older daughter’s bedroom, painted a delightful shade named Fudge Cake from Albany, complemented by wallpaper portraying a Cherry Tree design inspired by their garden view. Laurence compliments her efforts, acknowledging her ability to redefine their family design business for a contemporary audience. He admits, “I’m becoming obsolete in this domain.”

Hermione humorously points out her father’s social media habits, likening him to older users on Facebook. “Oh no, my boiler’s broken,” she mimics with exaggerated concern. “That was a one-time thing,” Laurence admits sheepishly. “It’s tragic,” she quips.

While setting up household ground rules continues to evolve, Hermione manages practical issues. “I’m essentially the family PA, which I dislike. I’ll deal with the local contacts because I’m the one managing it all.”

Laurence shares one irritation: “The hall has turned into a chaotic space filled with post, keys, a bicycle, and a pram.”

Hermione also brings to light an ongoing annoyance: her father’s tendency to place forgotten items outside their door overnight, resulting in surprise collisions with toys upon opening it in the morning.

Despite the minor conflicts, this multi-generational living arrangement suits Laurence perfectly. Reflecting on his past experiences with family dynamics, he shares, “I’ve never done multi-gen living. Quite the opposite occurred when my father passed away when we were young, and my mother lived in care due to illness, where she thrived.”

The familial chaos they’ve created together embodies their vision of a happy life. Laurence emphasizes, “We aren’t going to be the elderly with unspent wealth, isolated and dissatisfied. We cherish our fortunate situation and have actively chosen this life.”