Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have announced the sale of their family home, affectionately known as Pickle Cottage. The couple, who purchased the Essex property in 2021 and undertook several renovations, are preparing for a move to a new location with more extensive land.
This sale marks a significant transition for the family, which includes their children Rex, Rose, and Belle, as well as Stacey's older sons Zachary and Leighton, and Joe's son Harry. The decision to move stems from a desire for more space to expand Stacey's vegetable gardens and to accommodate rescue animals.
The past year has seen increased public attention on the couple's relationship. In April, questions arose when it was revealed that Solomon and Swash had not yet formally registered their marriage, four years after a ceremony believed to have taken place at Pickle Cottage in 2022. Solomon had previously explained on Instagram that their home, not being a licensed venue, precluded a legal ceremony at the property, with plans to register their marriage afterward.
This revelation, coupled with Solomon being photographed without her wedding band, fueled rumors about their marital status. Further speculation emerged when Swash described a recent holiday with Solomon as "disastrous," attributing some of the difficulties to challenges in managing his ADHD. He shared on social media his intention to seek professional help and find a better balance in managing the condition.
Solomon addressed the rumors directly on the podcast "Sort Your Life Out Unpacked," stating that public scrutiny does not impact their relationship. She characterized their dynamic as typical of many couples, with varying moods and interactions.
Despite these discussions, the couple's reality television series has been renewed for a fourth season. However, Swash's cooking show, "Batch from Scratch: Cooking For Less," has reportedly been canceled by Channel 4 after two seasons.
In an emotional Instagram video, Solomon announced the imminent departure from Pickle Cottage, emphasizing it was a substantial decision involving their children and community. She expressed deep affection for the home where significant family events occurred, including the births of their daughters and their wedding ceremony. The search for a new property was driven by their long-held ambition to rescue more animals and cultivate larger gardens. They have found a new location that they believe will support their growing family and aspirations, describing it as a project requiring significant effort but one they are enthusiastic about starting.