Ant McPartlin Trades Bustling London for Serene Surrey Village in £10 Million Property Move
Television personality Ant McPartlin, a household name in the UK, has reportedly made a significant lifestyle change, relocating from his long-time London residence to a picturesque village in Surrey. The move, which saw the purchase of a substantial new-build mansion on an exclusive street, comes with a hefty price tag exceeding £10 million. This substantial investment also incurred over £1 million in stamp duty alone, highlighting the scale of the transaction.
The 50-year-old presenter, known for his long-standing partnership with Declan Donnelly, had previously resided in a luxury home in Wimbledon, South-West London. He sold this property approximately two months ago, a move that followed a planning dispute with his neighbours.
Locals in the unnamed village have been abuzz with the news of McPartlin’s arrival. One resident commented that the sale is believed to be a record for the area, and the acquisition has become a dominant topic of local conversation. The property in question is described as a prime private estate set within an acre of grounds, suggesting that any potential for future neighbourly disputes is significantly reduced.
This move to a more secluded setting is further bolstered by McPartlin’s recent signing of a lucrative £30 million “golden handcuffs” deal with ITV, alongside his long-time television partner and close friend, Declan Donnelly. This substantial contract ensures his continued presence on the network for years to come. Interestingly, Donnelly has also been making significant property investments, reportedly acquiring his third house on the same London street where he previously resided.
McPartlin, who became a father for the first time over 18 months ago with his second wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, 47, is likely to find himself in familiar surroundings in this new celebrity enclave. Locals have observed the couple out and about with their young son, Wilder, and describe McPartlin as content and friendly. Despite his public profile, residents believe he will not face excessive public attention in the area, as they are accustomed to a number of celebrities frequenting local establishments.
The sale of his London home occurred in the aftermath of a planning dispute, although McPartlin himself has denied that the row was the sole reason for his relocation.
The dispute centred on McPartlin’s proposal to cut down six mature, healthy trees in his garden. Neighbours accused him of wanting to remove them based on a “personal whim.” Their objections gained traction when the local council granted him permission for his landscaping project, even though a tree preservation order was in place.
McPartlin had purchased his previous three-storey Wimbledon home for £6 million in 2019. He moved into this property with Anne-Marie, having previously lived next door to Declan Donnelly in Chiswick, West London. During their time at the Wimbledon address, the couple invested “hundreds of thousands” of pounds in renovations, adding two extensions and a swimming pool complete with Victorian-style changing rooms.
The acquisition of that house followed a period of personal challenges for McPartlin. He had grappled with a painkiller addiction, stemming from a botched knee operation, and issues with alcohol, which at one point threatened to derail his highly successful career.
In 2017, McPartlin spent two months in rehabilitation, followed by another spell in rehab the subsequent year after a car accident where he was found to be more than twice the legal alcohol limit. Earlier in 2018, it was publicly confirmed that he had separated from his wife of 11 years, Lisa Armstrong.
He took an extended break from his television commitments during this difficult period. McPartlin has since credited Anne-Marie, whom he married in 2021, with playing a pivotal role in helping him to overcome his personal struggles and turn his life around. McPartlin is also a stepfather to Anne-Marie’s two teenage daughters, Daisy and Poppy. The arrival of his son, Wilder, in May 2024 marked a joyous new chapter in his life.
