The Yorkshire-born gardener and broadcaster, and his wife Alison, have lived in the Grade II-listed residence in Holybourne, near Alton, for 23 years.

However, earlier this year, they put the property on the market for nearly £4 million.

Alan Titchmarsh reveals why he’s moving out of Hampshire home

Alan, 76, revealed why they made the decision in an interview with BBC Gardeners’ World magazine.

He said: “[It’s] time to downsize – a little – as those of us of relatively senior years are regularly told we would be wise to do.

“To be honest, we had no plans to move.

“When you restore an old house and make a garden around it, you pour so much of your heart and soul into it that moving on is bound to be a wrench.”

The house, set on four acres of land, is listed for sale with Savills at £3.95 million.

“Looking after four acres and a Grade II-listed house has been – and still is – a treat beyond measure,” he added.

“But the day will come when it starts to be overwhelming, and I’d rather move on to fresh pastures before that becomes the case.”

Amid Alan and Alison moving out of their Holybourne home, it has emerged that a housing development is being planned for the village.

Plans were lodged by developer Redbrown with East Hampshire District Council in July this year, and are currently under consideration. 

This would see 160 homes built on the eastern edge of the village on 15.6 hectares of land if given approval, which would be close to the Grade-II listed farmhouse.

Speaking with the Daily Mail about the development, Alan shared: “While plans have certainly been submitted for a housing development nearby this has nothing to do with our decision to move.

“We are simply downsizing and moving to be closer to our two daughters and our grandchildren who live a few miles away.

“Tempting as it might be to suggest that the proposed development (which may or may not come to fruition) has influenced our decision is completely wide of the mark.”

He added: “The village will remain a delightful place to live, with or without additional housing which will not impinge on the enjoyment or convenience of where we live at present.”

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Alan and Alison plan to downsize to another Hampshire village house with a couple of acres and spend more time with their grandchildren.

In a message to the future owners, Alan expressed his hopes that they would continue to care for the land.

He said: “They [the new owner] must make of this piece of Hampshire earth a sanctuary that fulfils their needs and – hopefully – that of the wildlife that has made home in our organically-run haven.”

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