Huge TV star is unlikely heir to Paddington Bear fortune and selling £2.8m home

The Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm has become a huge hit with viewers and now two of the stars are looking to sell their properties as they aim to boost their bank balances
Two stars from the Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm are looking to boost their bank balances as they list their properties on the market for some eye-watering figures - with one of the lavish houses having a link to a very iconic British institution.
Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson 's childhood home, Rowland Bridge House, is on the market for a whopping £1.5 million, while one of his co-stars is looking to sell their £2.8 million Cotswolds country home in a raffle!
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Located in the historic market town of Tickhill, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Clarkson's childhood home is a Grade II listed property that boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms, four reception rooms, and a 'large living kitchen'.
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The Clarkson family moved into this 17th-century detached house back in 1987. Jeremy lived there with his mother Shirley, who famously crafted the world's first 'plush' Paddington Bear, initially without authorisation from the character's creator, Michael Bond.
Clarkson's mother hadn't asked for permission to use the bear's likeness, but all worked out for her after Bond bumped into Shirley and her husband Eddie and struck up a friendship with the couple and officially awarded her company the licence.
The author recalled to The Sunday Times in 2014: "I got in the lift with Shirley and Eddie. They were terribly nice and pretended it had all been a mistake - and we were friends by the time we got out of the lift. I gave them a licence."
Bond's approval helped Shirley set up a fortune for the Clarkson family, with her Paddington venture allowing the income she generated through Paddington Bear to fund her son's private school education which helped launch his career in showbuisnsess.
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She once told AutoTrader magazine: "I've got a Paddington bear on the dashboard of my car. I looked at it recently and thought if it hadn't been for the success of the toys, Jeremy wouldn't have had all the chances he's had in life."
Just a stone's throw away from Hill House School, where Clarkson spent his school years, the property offers waterside views over a large duck pond, This two-storey property, complete with a walled south-facing garden and orangery, is now up for grabs with a guide price of £1,475,000.
The 5,000 square-foot home, which is just a two-hour journey from London by public transport, comes fully equipped with a range of Miele appliances, including an Aga cooker, and features a laundry and utilities room.
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Additional perks include a security system, integrated multimedia system, smart heating, and an outdoor kitchen. The main bedroom boasts an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding roll-top bath, and a dressing room. Other features include a conservatory, and a detached garage block with a workshop, gardener's toilet, and a self-contained office and gym.
Nick Talbot from Lister Haigh highlighted the captivating past of Rowland Bridge House: "Rowland Bridge House is full of history and during the 1970s it was the childhood home of motoring journalist and star of Clarkson's Farm, Jeremy Clarkson." Nick then added: "It's also where he famously played with the world's first ever Paddington Bear, after his mother, Shirley Clarkson, started making the soft toys without consent. However, she was later granted licencing rights by Paddington's author, Michael Bond, to manufacture and export the bears throughout the world."
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Commenting on the features of the home, Nick was enthusiastic: "It's a magnificent family home in the highly sought after, historic and picturesque market town of Tickhill which is very popular due to its excellent range of independent shops, restaurants, and amenities, as well as offering easy access to the A1(M), M18 and M62."
He also mentioned the appealing mix of old-world allure and contemporary comforts found in the home: "The property blends period features and charm with an excellent finish, which includes media and sound systems together with remote heating and security systems, which will all appeal to buyers looking for a standout family home."
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It's noted that the Clarksons sold the greatly-loved house back in 2016, and it's now believed to be owned by a semi-retired estate agent.
Rachel Hawkins, who assisted Clarkson in launching his Cotswolds pub The Farmer's Dog, resides nearby the presenter's site and is now raffling off her £2.8 million country home.
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The hospitality entrepreneur, known for reviving dilapidated pubs, has put her six-bedroom house located in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold up for grabs with tickets starting at just £10.
Rachel, along with her long-term partner Will Kennedy, moved into the property in November 2015 after purchasing it for £750,000. The 40-year-old star has decided to relocate with Will and their five dogs, opting for an unconventional method to sell their home.
The detached 4,000sq ft property is perfect for hosting, should any of the increasing number of Cotswolds A-listers decide to drop by, boasting a unique bar area.
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It also features a living area and a kitchen with dining space, flanked by a separate dining room on one side and a stylish family room on the other. The family room comes with bi-fold doors that open onto a stone terrace, complete with a garden room for sunny days.
The ground floor also houses a cosy sitting room, study and cellar, as well as visitor-friendly features such as a boot room for wellies and a custom-made dog bed.
The two upper floors of the Cotswold stone house accommodate six bedrooms, each with its own en suite. A spacious master suite, several guest rooms and a quirky loft room with two single beds tucked under the eaves of the house make it an ideal home for those who love to host.
The plush residence comes fully furnished with chic furniture, and Raffle House also takes care of the stamp duty costs and fees, ensuring the lucky winner can move in without any additional expenses.

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