Alex Jones, beloved host of The One Show, is embracing a major life shift—one that’s got her swapping the hustle and bustle of city life for the serene countryside. And it’s not just about fresh air and more space for her kids. Alex is diving headfirst into a monumental renovation project on her stunning new Berkshire home. 
Nestled in the heart of Ascot, the £2.8 million Georgian beauty, once owned by music legends John Lennon and Ringo Starr, is set for a major overhaul, and Alex is documenting every step on social media. But here’s the twist—she bought it before her husband, insurance broker Charlie Thomson, even saw it! Talk about making a bold move. 
Sealing the Deal With Heartfelt Letters
When Alex first laid eyes on the house, she knew it was the one. The only problem? Her husband was miles away, traveling in New Zealand. Determined, Alex took matters into her own hands, even writing a personal letter to the elderly owner, Penelope, begging her to sell it to her. And guess what? Penelope loved Alex’s heartfelt appeal and agreed. Talk about a fairytale home purchase! 
She’s one of the favourites to become the new host of Strictly Come Dancing but Alex Jones already has a seismic job on her hands – renovating her country mansion (pictured)
The One Show host, 49, has been documenting her big plans to overhaul the sprawling £2.8million property (pictured) in Ascot, Berkshire, on social media
She purchased the four-bedroom Georgian pile in July 2024 before her husband Charlie Thomson even stepped foot in it. Pictured: Alex giving a house tour to followers in a video shared to her Instagram
Indeed, so desperate was Alex to seal a deal for the house (pictured), she wrote a letter to its elderly owner pleading to sell it to her
However, Alex’s dream home is still far away from completion. This is certainly not going to be a straightforward flip. Pictured: An artist’s impression of her proposed renovations
“I had to make sure it was ours,” Alex recalled. “I wrote to Penelope explaining how wonderful it would be for our family, and when Charlie returned, I had to break the news. Luckily, he loved it too!”
A Renovation Journey Like No Other
But, of course, the house isn’t ready for prime time just yet. Alex’s grand vision includes transforming the property into a home that perfectly suits her growing family. A new, supersized kitchen diner overlooking sprawling gardens is in the works, along with four new bedrooms upstairs. Downstairs? Think open, flowing spaces—goodbye to the small, isolated rooms, including the dining area and study! 
Alex and Charlie (pictured, after Alex’s special 15th anniversary episode of The One Show) lived in West London for over a decade but felt the need to move to the country to offer their children more room to play
She’s already noticed the benefits of the cleaner air, revealing her kids – Teddy, nine, Kit, six, and Annie, four – have stopped coughing. Pictured: Alex with Annie at their new home
She said: ‘For the children, it’s been an absolute game-changer’. Pictured: Charlie with the couple’s children at the family’s new home
The Welsh TV host claims herself and Charlie may take decades to finish the transformation of the property. Pictured: An artist’s impression of her proposed renovations
And then there’s the vintage charm—the kitchen, for example, hasn’t been updated since 1976. Yes, you read that right. It’s like stepping into a time machine! Alex herself joked that her kitchen is “older than I am” and totally stuck in another era, but that just adds to the fun.
A “Care Home Chic” Vibe
Alex’s been upfront about the challenge: the current state of the house is, well, a little… vintage. She calls it “care home chic,” thanks to the rails and handbars installed by the previous elderly residents. But instead of shying away, she’s planning to restore and refresh many of the original Georgian features, like the charming playroom fireplace that had been hidden for years.
A Country Life Fit for Family
For Alex and her husband Charlie, moving to the countryside is about more than just the property—it’s about providing a better life for their three children. The cleaner air is already making a noticeable difference—no more coughing fits for the little ones! 
Alex admitted that this move has been life-changing for the family, and it’s all about space. “We wanted our kids to have room to play outside and grow up close to nature,” she said. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave London after 14 years, but the family feels incredibly lucky to have found their dream home after years of searching.
And What’s Next for Alex?
With a massive renovation on her hands, you’d think Alex would have her hands full. But she’s not just busy with DIY projects—she’s also reportedly on a shortlist of potential hosts for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. Could Alex Jones be the next big name to step into the Strictly spotlight? 
From TV Stardom to Country Renovation Queen
As Alex and Charlie take their time with the house, they’re committed to getting it right. No rush here! With her savvy design sensibilities and strong family values, Alex is clearly making this house her home—one room at a time.
So stay tuned! This transformation is only just beginning. 
