Anne Robinson, 81, has confirmed she will be leaving her £4 million converted barn in the Cotswolds, near the village of Hatherop, after calling the area home for around 40 years. The iconic TV presenter and former host of BBC’s The Weakest Link described the move as a “heartbreaking decision.”
Speaking to The Telegraph, Anne explained that her decision to leave is motivated by a desire to be near her daughter, Emma, as she grows older. Despite being fit and healthy, she worries about the future and doesn’t want her daughter, with whom she shares a close bond, to be concerned about her living far away should she become infirm.
Anne said, “I’ll be 82 this autumn. I’m fit but I see many of my friends struggling to care for elderly mothers who live miles away. I don’t want anyone dictating my future.”
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She has purchased a beautiful fourth-floor terrace apartment overlooking Hyde Park in London, complete with a small attached flat. Crucially, it is only a few streets away from Emma, providing peace of mind for both.
Reflecting on her years in the Cotswolds, Anne noted the significant changes to the village of Bibury, once a quiet retreat but now bustling with day-trippers. She also commented on the recent influx of tech moguls and celebrities moving to the area, saying, “The draw of the Cotswolds is stronger than ever. Two major tech titans have moved in—Apple’s Jony Ive at Ablington Manor and designer Marc Newson at Bibury Court. Some even call it Silicon Valley.”
Anne praised TV personality Jeremy Clarkson, who lives nearby at Diddly Squat Farm, for his genuine respect and support for the local farming community.
Although saddened to leave the countryside behind, Anne is optimistic about her new life in London. She shared plans with Emma to explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene, including visits to the Tate and attending theatre performances.