Changing Rooms star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen unveils plan to turn studio into a granny annex for his growing family at their 16th century Cotswolds farmhouse
- Former DIY SOS star, 55, wants to convert detached stone outbuilding
- Create two-bedroom home for his daughter Cecile, her partner and son
- Currently used as an office but planning permission has been applied for
- The 16th Century manor house near Cirencester is Grade II Listed
Changing Rooms icon Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has unveiled plans to turn a studio into a granny annex for his growing family at their Cotswolds farmhouse.
The former DIY SOS star, 55, wants to convert a detached stone barn-style outbuilding into a two-bedroom home for his daughter Cecile, her partner and grandson Albion.
It is currently used as an office and store but the TV presenter now wants to turn the ground floor into a kitchen and living area.
In 2014, he put the 16th Century manor house near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, on the market to build a modern retirement home for himself and wife Jackie but decided to stay put after failing to find a buyer.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, 55, wants to convert a detached stone barn-style outbuilding into a two-bedroom home for his daughter Cecile, her partner and grandson Albion. Pictured, their 16th-century Grade II listed home
Now he has lodged a planning application at the local council for the studio conversion which would involve taking out an external staircase to create a new driveway. He needs permission because the main six-bedroom house is Grade II listed.
In an interview, he told the Mail on Sunday: ‘We wanted to move because the girls were away at school and stuff but now they are all back.
‘Cecile’s got a child, we are grandparents and the fact we can actually be able to continue to have the same base for this flourishing burgeoning family that is going into the third generation, is amazing.’
In a statement to the council, his planning agents added: ‘In the first instance, it is one of the applicants’ children, their partner and child who will occupy the annex.
‘Mr and Mrs Llewelyn-Bowen’s son-in-law works (on site) for the family’s design company and, as part of their day-to-day living arrangements, the extended family regularly share meals in the main house.
‘The applicants’ daughter and her spouse will also continue to make use of ancillary domestic facilities available at the main house (e.g laundry, utility, garden, parking, etc). They are also dependant on the applicants for childcare support.
‘Depending on future need, it may be that the proposed annex is used by Mrs Llewelyn-Bowen’s elderly mother whose health is such that she is likely to require additional care and support in the near future.
Mr Llewelyn-Bowen (pictured) wants to convert the studio into a teo-bedroom home
‘If in due course the annex is no longer required by family members, it is anticipated that the accommodation could be used as staff quarters which would be befitting of a property of this size and stature.’
Llewelyn-Bowen’s home was once owned by John Roberts, a founding member of the Quaker movement who fought with Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War and was later imprisoned in Gloucester Castle.
The sprawling grounds include a 17th Century Quaker burial ground, a former orchard and decorative pond but the site is not in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or conservation area.
The studio was added 10 years ago and Llewelyn-Bowen was last year given the go-ahead to build a garden room and archway in a garden wall.
Planners at Cotswolds Council are expected to make a decision on the conversion next month and there have been no objections from neighbours so far.
Other famous residents who live in the area include former Arsenal captain Tony Adams and actor Jamie Dornan.