London, UK – June 03, 2025, 05:35 AM BST – Britain’s beloved presenting duo, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, have made an unexpected move by purchasing a £500,000 farmhouse in the rural outskirts of Newcastle upon Tyne, but the Geordie pair aren’t planning to live there—instead, they’re transforming it into a retreat for children with special needs, a purpose that has caught the UK by surprise, sources exclusively reveal to The Sun. The 49-year-old stars, known for hosting Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, are channeling their passion for community support into this heartfelt project.
The farmhouse, a quaint 18th-century property spanning 10 acres with four bedrooms and a barn, was purchased on May 28, 2025, through their joint trust, Ludlow Trust Company Limited, the same entity Dec used to buy a neighboring property in Chiswick in 2022 for £2.25 million. While Ant and Dec already own luxurious homes—Dec’s £7 million Chiswick mansion and Ant’s £6 million Wimbledon residence—their latest acquisition isn’t for personal use. “They wanted to give back to Newcastle, where they grew up,” the source said. “The farmhouse will be a safe haven for kids with autism and learning disabilities, offering respite care, sensory activities, and family support.”
The unexpected purpose stems from Ant’s personal journey as a new father to son Wilder, born May 14, 2025, and Dec’s role as a dad to Isla, 6, and Jack, 2, with wife Ali Astall. “Fatherhood changed their perspective—they’ve seen how hard it can be for families with special needs kids,” the source added. The duo plans to partner with local charities, drawing on their history of philanthropy, like their support for the Prince’s Trust, where Dec represented them at a Buckingham Palace event in May 2024. The retreat will feature sensory gardens, animal therapy with rescued livestock, and a renovated barn for art and music sessions, with an opening slated for early 2026.
Fans were blindsided by the news, expecting the farmhouse might be a holiday home or filming location for a new show, especially after their £40 million ITV contract in 2019. On X, #AntAndDecFarmhouse trends with reactions like, “A retreat for special needs kids? Ant and Dec are legends!” and “Didn’t see this coming—thought they’d film Saturday Night Takeaway there!” Colleagues have praised their vision, with Simon Cowell posting, “This is why they’re the best—always thinking of others.” ITV issued a statement: “Ant and Dec’s commitment to making a difference is inspiring—we’re proud to work with them.”
The project aligns with their roots in Newcastle, where they first met on Byker Grove and recently celebrated Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup win in April 2025. Despite their wealth—estimated at £124 million combined in March 2025—their focus remains grounded. The farmhouse, while modest compared to their London properties, symbolizes a return to their origins with a purpose that resonates deeply, proving Ant and Dec’s hearts are as big as their on-screen presence.