Ben Shephard’s £3.5M Bishop’s Mansion: A Dream Home with a Renovation Nightmare

In a bold move that reflects his rising star power, This Morning host Ben Shephard, 50, has invested £3.5 million in a breathtaking 10-bedroom mansion in West London, once the grand residence of a bishop. The purchase, fueled by a significant pay rise following his 2024 transition to co-hosting This Morning with Cat Deeley, marks a new chapter for Shephard, his wife Annie, and their two teenage sons, Sam and Jack. However, the Grade II-listed property, steeped in 300 years of history, comes with a major flaw that threatens to turn their dream home into a logistical nightmare. “It’s our dream home, but there’s a catch,” Shephard reportedly said, hinting at the challenges ahead. From its storied past to the renovation hurdles, this mansion’s tale is one of ambition, beauty, and unexpected obstacles.

A Grand Purchase

The mansion, located in an idyllic riverside conservation area of West London, spans nearly 6,000 square feet and boasts 10 bedrooms, making it a significant upgrade from the family’s previous £4 million home in Richmond. Purchased in early 2025, the property’s historic charm and expansive layout captivated Ben and Annie, who saw it as the perfect canvas for their family’s future. “It’s an absolutely beautiful house,” a source close to the couple told Daily Mail. The mansion’s serene setting along the River Thames, coupled with its architectural pedigree, made it an irresistible choice for the couple, who have a passion for transforming properties.

The Shephards’ move comes at a time of professional triumph for Ben. After a decade on Good Morning Britain, he joined This Morning in 2024, replacing Phillip Schofield alongside Cat Deeley. The role came with a reported £550,000 annual salary for presenting four days a week, a substantial increase from his previous earnings. With an estimated net worth of £3.6 million, Shephard’s investment in the £3.5 million mansion reflects his financial confidence and desire to create a lasting family legacy. However, the property’s hidden challenges have cast a shadow over their excitement.

A Historic Gem with a Storied Past

The mansion’s history is as grand as its architecture. Built around 1725, it was originally the home of Thomas Twining, founder of the Twining tea empire, whose first tea house opened in 1706 on London’s Strand. The property remained in the Twining family for seven generations until 1889, when artist and social reformer Elizabeth Twining bequeathed it to the church. It served as a lavish vicarage before becoming the official residence and offices of a bishop, its 10 bedrooms and sprawling reception areas hosting ecclesiastical gatherings. The Grade II listing, which protects its historical features, adds to its prestige but also complicates any modifications.

The mansion’s 6,000 square feet include elegant reception rooms, high ceilings, and period details like ornate fireplaces and large windows overlooking the riverside. Its location in a conservation area ensures a tranquil, green setting, with views of the Thames and proximity to Richmond’s botanical gardens and cultural hubs. For Annie, an interior designer and self-described “welly-wearing veg grower,” the property’s potential is immense. Her previous projects, including the year-long renovation of their Richmond home, showcase her ability to blend style and sentiment, as seen in her Instagram posts on The House Editor. Yet, the mansion’s unique flaw poses a challenge even for her expertise.

The Major Flaw: A Renovation Nightmare

The mansion’s allure is undeniable, but its layout presents a significant hurdle: there is no driveway or rear access, with the only entry through a small front gate. This lack of access makes it nearly impossible to bring in large materials or machinery needed for modernization, a critical issue for a 300-year-old Grade II-listed building requiring updates. A public footpath running alongside the property adds another layer of complexity, as passers-by can peer into the garden through a side gate, compromising privacy. “It’s the only blot on the horizon for what is otherwise their dream home,” a source told Daily Mail, noting Shephard’s hope to find a solution.

Renovating a Grade II-listed property is already a delicate process, requiring approval from local authorities to preserve historical features. The lack of access exacerbates this, potentially turning minor updates into logistical nightmares. Annie, who has overseen major renovations before, faces a daunting task. Her previous Richmond home, purchased in 2016, was transformed into a stylish haven with a sprawling garden, gin bench, and fire pit, as seen in Ben’s Instagram posts during the Covid lockdown