Alex Jones, the presenter of The One Show, is documenting the extensive renovation of her recently purchased Georgian mansion in Ascot, Berkshire.

Historic Property with Starry Past

The four-bedroom property was purchased for £2.8 million in July 2024. Remarkably, Jones secured the house before her husband, Charlie Thomson, even had a chance to view it.

She wrote a heartfelt letter to the previous owner, Penelope, explaining why the house would be ideal for her family. Penelope was moved by the letter and agreed to the sale.

Upon returning from New Zealand, Charlie Thomson immediately loved the house, stating it felt like home.

Family and Wellbeing

Alex and Charlie moved their three children – Teddy, nine, Kit, six, and Annie, four – from West London to the countryside. A key motivation for the move was to improve the children’s health.

Alex noted that her children’s persistent coughs, common in London, have disappeared since relocating.

Extensive Renovation Plans

The renovation is expected to be a long-term project, potentially taking decades to complete. Plans include a single-storey extension for a large kitchen diner overlooking the gardens.

The couple also intends to add four new bedrooms upstairs and combine four downstairs rooms into a more open living space.

Interior Overhaul

The interior requires a complete redesign, described as ‘care home chic’ due to the previous owner’s tastes. The 1976 kitchen, featuring an antique fridge and a heated towel cupboard, is particularly outdated.

Alex jokingly compared stepping into the kitchen to entering a ‘time machine.’ The couple may also need to live in the property’s outbuilding during the renovation work.

Future Projects and Speculation

Alex is sharing her renovation journey on social media, keeping her followers updated on the progress. Rumors are also circulating about a potential role for Alex as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing.

A new hosting position could provide additional funds to accelerate the renovation process.