What will happen to Richard Hammond’s Herefordshire castle in divorce?
The couple, who live in Herefordshire’s Bollitree Castle, at Weston-under-Penyard, near Ross-on-Wye, made the announcement on social media on January 9 after 28 years together.
They said: “A little update from us; this Christmas we were together as a family and this year we will still be a family but just structured a bit differently.
“Our marriage is coming to end, but we’ve had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters.
“We will always be in each other’s lives and are proud of the family we created.
ALSO READ:
“We won’t be commenting further and sincerely hope that our privacy and that of our children will be respected at this time. With Love, Richard and Mindy.”
The news has raised questions over what will happen to the Herefordshire castle the couple shared.
According to the Daily Mail, Hammond is staying at a nearby rented property, while the Sun reports that wife Mindy is believed to be asking to keep the £7 million castle in the divorce settlement.
The property dates from the 18th century but has earlier origins, and features a series of mock castellated curtain walls, alongside Bollitree Castle farmhouse, barns, and a dovecote.
Local legend claims that the castellated walls were built by an owner during the 18th century to impress a Spanish woman who he wanted to marry and who wanted to live in a castle.
Hammond has built strong ties over the years in Herefordshire, where the couple have brought up their children.
His Smallest Cog workshop based in Rotherwas is home to his classic car renovation business.
The former Top Gear presenter set up The Smallest Cog in Rotherwas in 2021.
The business was born when Neil, Anthony and Andrew Greenhouse, who had worked on Hammond’s cars for years, faced the loss of their workshop and the TV presenter stepped in.