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Alan Titchmarsh’s Unexpected Pastime: The Secret Dolls House Hobby
Beloved television personality and horticulture expert, Alan Titchmarsh, has recently disclosed an intriguing and lesser-known hobby that reportedly amuses his wife Alison. The celebrated gardener, known for his extensive television career and passion for the outdoors, revealed his fondness for a miniature pastime during a recent TV appearance. Alan and Alison Titchmarsh, who married in 1975 after meeting in their youth at an amateur dramatics society, are often seen as a picture of domestic bliss, dividing their time between their cherished Grade-II listed farmhouse in Hampshire and a coastal retreat on the Isle of Wight. While the presenter frequently delights fans online with picturesque images of his flourishing Hampshire garden, a recent revelation has unveiled a more unexpected side to the national treasure.
A Hidden Hobby Unveiled on TV
Viewers of the BBC comedy programme “Would I Lie To You” were surprised to discover the celebrated gardening guru possesses a humble hobby he typically keeps private. During his appearance, Alan Titchmarsh, who rose to fame in the 1990s through popular shows such as “Gardeners’ World” and “Ground Force,” proudly announced his ownership of an elaborate dolls house.
The 75-year-old presenter showcased exquisitely crafted miniature furniture and a tiny white labrador figurine as props on the show. He then humorously read from a card, stating: “These are three items from my dolls house. I have meticulously furnished it with everything I would include in my actual house, if only permitted.” Host Rob Brydon playfully inquired, “So, your wife is the decision-maker in your household?”, a suggestion Alan swiftly refuted.
He responded, “It’s not about being the decision-maker, but accommodating preferences within the house,” before Rob jokingly interjected, “Making most of the choices then?” Alan maintained, “Not making all the choices, no.”
Inside the Miniature Georgian Residence
“We have slightly contrasting tastes in home décor, and the dolls house allows me to indulge my personal preferences entirely,” Alan explained. When questioned about his preferred space within the miniature dwelling, he enthusiastically declared it was the kitchen.
The esteemed gardener elaborated: “It’s a Georgian-style dolls house spanning four levels, but the kitchen is my favourite due to the incredibly detailed and minuscule food items. I have miniature pork pies, eggs in a basket, even broken eggs scattered on the floor – the intricacy is remarkable. It’s truly an art form.”
He continued, “I’ve got a tiny trifle, a magnificent centrepiece on the table featuring a pineapple surrounded by fruit, and diminutive wine glasses filled with red wine. It’s a completed project now, but my grandchildren adore it. I open up the front, lift them up to see inside, and they’re captivated by the rooms.”
Grandchildren’s Delight and Wife’s Disapproval
Following the humorous interrogation on the programme, the presenter verified the veracity of his dolls house claim and proceeded to share glimpses of the beautifully appointed rooms within his four-story Georgian dolls house. While the miniature abode is a source of joy for his grandchildren, it seems Mrs. Titchmarsh remains less than enthusiastic about her husband’s diminutive domestic diversion.