Celebrity chef James Martin, renowned for his vibrant cooking shows and culinary expertise, is openly debating a significant move back to his beloved Yorkshire. Despite currently residing in Hampshire and managing multiple restaurants across the UK, Martin’s heart remains firmly planted in the county where he was raised.
Born and brought up on a 100-acre farm within the historic Castle Howard estate in Yorkshire, Martin’s upbringing deeply influenced his respect for food and its producers. “We farmed 100 acres, so we learned the value of graft but also about food,” he reflects. This hands-on childhood instilled in him a profound understanding and appreciation for the journey of food from farm to plate.
Now 53, Martin divides his time between homes in the Cotswolds, Manchester, and Hampshire, where he lives in a spacious seven-bedroom house on 1.5 acres. His Hampshire residence boasts a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen complete with a wood-fired pizza oven and a greenhouse, serving as the backdrop for his ITV show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, which is filmed in a custom-built kitchen space on the property.
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Despite these southern ties, Martin’s affection for Yorkshire shines through. During a recent summer hiatus from his show, he announced plans to spend time back in what he affectionately calls “God’s County.” He credits Yorkshire’s distinctive character—the honesty and friendliness of its people, its stunning coastline, the moors, and the diverse woodlands—as his enduring inspiration.
Martin contrasts Yorkshire’s warm community spirit with bigger cities like London, sharing a wry observation that Londoners often seem guarded, while Yorkshire locals remain welcoming and genuine. This strong sense of community and belonging is a magnet for him, compelling thoughts of eventual relocation despite the logistical challenges posed by his professional commitments spread across the country.
He admits, “I know where I’m going on which day, every week, and the travelling isn’t too bad,” but concedes that living permanently away from Yorkshire is difficult to imagine. “I’ll get lynched if I don’t end up in Yorkshire. I love Yorkshire,” he says with heartfelt conviction.
As James Martin continues to balance his dynamic culinary career with personal ties, his deep-rooted connection to Yorkshire remains a defining aspect of his life and identity.