Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash shocked their fans on Wednesday evening when they dropped the bombshell that they are bidding farewell to their iconic 'Pickle Cottage' after living there for five years. Hours later, Stacey was forced to issue a separate statement for clarity.
In an Instagram Story, she penned: "For all of you asking about Joe's lake... it's not at pickle cottage and is very much still Joe's passion project that he will continue to love and grow…" In the past few months, the former EastEnders star has shared updates from his own customised two-acre fishing lake.
Joe and Stacey are set to move imminently along with their large brood, which is made up of: Rex, seven, Rose, four, and Belle, three, alongside Stacey's sons Zachary, 18, and Leighton, 14, and Joe's son Harry.
Stacey confessed that this massive decision was one she "never, ever thought" she would be making, originally believing that they would stay at the property indefinitely. The couple kept the life-changing transition under wraps until now, to ensure everything was official with new owners securing the cottage.
The unique property holds a key place in the couple's hearts. Not only is it where Stacey and Joe tied the knot in an intimate, fairytale garden ceremony on the grounds in July 2022, but it is also where Stacey welcomed two of her daughters into the world. Plus, it has been a labour of love for Stacey who has embarked on many DIY projects in and outside the house.
The stars forked out £1.2 million for the sprawling estate and Tudor-style property, with highlights including an outdoor swimming pool, a utility room and traditional features like fireplaces and wooden beams inside.
Where are Stacey and Joe moving next?
After revealing that they will be leaving Pickle Cottage behind, the pair hinted about the type of place they will be heading next - but didn't explicitly name an area or type of property. They said they wanted to "move further out" and "get a bit more land".
© InstagramStacey then got excited about the space where they can have a huge vegetable patch, keep their horses on site and even rescue animals.
It was described also as a "project", followed by "it's somewhere really really different, and it does need a lot of love."
"If you're sad we're leaving, we're sorry," added Stacey. But it sounds like Pickle Project will be one to watch!
