For decades, Alan Titchmarsh has been one of Britain’s most recognisable gardening experts and television presenters, yet away from the cameras, he has built a private and peaceful life with his wife Alison.
Alan began his broadcasting career on BBC Radio 2 before moving onto television, where he became a household name through shows like Gardeners’ World and the hugely popular Ground Force in the late 1990s. More recently, he has launched his own YouTube channel and continues to host Love Your Weekend, while also penning best-selling novels.
Despite his professional success, Alan often says that his biggest achievement is his marriage. He and Alison, who first met in the early 70s at an amateur dramatics society, are now approaching their golden wedding anniversary. Reflecting on their long marriage, Alan told Saga magazine: “It’s amazing that we have lasted for 50 years. We haven’t got there yet, mind. We might not make it. Take nothing for granted!”
The couple married in 1975 and went on to welcome two daughters, Camilla and Polly. Since 2002, they have lived in a Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse in Hampshire, which Alan has transformed into a rural sanctuary. The estate boasts four acres of gardens, including 10 miniature waterfalls, a huge greenhouse, a potting shed, and lush landscaping, all a testament to his lifelong love of horticulture. The property is estimated to be worth around £1.25 million.
Their home sits in the market town of Alton, a historic settlement once lived in by Jane Austen. Described by lifestyle guide Muddy Stilettos as “pretty and commutable,” the town is known for its thatched cottages, barn conversions, and Edwardian homes, with average house prices currently around £385,000.
In addition to his Hampshire base, Alan also owns a coastal retreat near Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where he spends about a third of his time. There, properties average just under £384,000, making it a charming yet affordable escape.
Whether in his sprawling Hampshire gardens or overlooking the Solent from his island hideaway, Alan has crafted a lifestyle that perfectly mirrors his deep love for the British countryside.
