In a surprising twist, flamboyant TV personality and interior designer extraordinaire Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has taken a bold step by transferring ownership of his stunning Cotswolds estate to his sons-in-law. This decision comes on the heels of an admission that he’s grappling with the aftermath of a near-death experience while filming for Netflix’s ‘Celebrity Bear Hunt‘.
The 60-year-old designer opened up in January about facing an “end of life crisis” following a terrifying incident during a challenging water task on the show, which left him unconscious after a brief struggle underwater.
No longer the “lord of the manor,” Llewelyn-Bowen resides in the main house alongside his wife, Jackie, 60, their youngest daughter Hermione, 27, and her husband. Their eldest daughter, Cecile, 30, also enjoys the family estate with her husband and two children, creating a vibrant, bustling environment.
In a humorous recount of the situation, Llewelyn-Bowen shared his predicament with lawyer”It was amusing sitting down with a solicitor to ensure Jackie and I weren’t coerced by our ‘bullying’ sons-in-law. Our friends simply can’t wrap their heads around it. They ask, ‘What if tensions rise?'”
The star, boasting an impressive £8 million net worth, elaborated in his Sunday Times column about the rationale behind his decisio”We won’t be those old folks sitting on a massive heap of cash, feeling miserable and lonely. We’ve made this choice consciously. We’re embracing our privilege in a new way.”
Interestingly, he revealed that the property deeds are in the names of his daughters’ husbands, with Hermione quippin”It’s hilarious because Cecile and I aren’t even on the deeds. We’re set to inherit it anyway!”
Reflecting on the life-altering incident during a risky challenge in Costa Rica, Llewelyn-Bowen noted that it’s still weighing heavily on his mind. He recalled the harrowing moment of becoming entangled in a bungee rope and being dragged underwater during filming, a risk that put his life in peril for several agonizing minutes.
Once rescued by the safety team, Llewelyn-Bowen contemplated the wild adventure and had to address the feelings of his wife, who he described as “incredibly jealous†of his daring exploits. She’s always been armed with an SAS Survival Guide, feeling slighted she’s never been invited on such adventures herself.
According to reports, the couple felt like they were merely “rattling around†their lavish home, leading them to invite their children and grandchildren back into their lives. This rejuvenation brought a whirlwind of energy back into their lives, with Llewelyn-Bowen statin”We aren’t sliding into our sixtieth year in boredom. We aim to spend our time wisely, and how we shape our surroundings impacts our feelings.”
The return of children filled their majestic manor with laughter, toys, and the joyful chaos reminiscent of a family home. “More folks should consider this,†he insisted. “For us baby boomers, it’s a pleasant surprise to reach 60. Most thought we’d burn bright and die young, rather than meander slowly into old age.â€Â