Kirstie Allsopp Biography
Kirstie Mary Allsopp is a celebrated British television presenter famous for co-presenting popular Channel 4 property shows such as Location, Location, Location, Love It or List It UK, and Relocation, Relocation. Her expertise in property and home design has made her a trusted and familiar face in British television as well as a recognized property market authority.
Childhood
Kirstie Allsopp was born on August 31, 1971, in Hampstead, London, England. She is the eldest child of Charles Allsopp, 6th Baron Hindlip, a former chairman of Christie's, and Fiona Victoria Jean Atherley McGowan. Kirstie grew up in a distinguished family with two younger sisters, Sofie and Natasha, and a younger brother Henry. Due to her father's peerage, she carries the courtesy title "The Honourable Kirstie Allsopp." She moved frequently during her childhood, attending a total of ten schools, including St Clotilde's in Gloucestershire and Bedales near Petersfield, Hampshire.
Education
Kirstie Allsopp's education was diverse, attending various schools during her childhood, one well-known being Bedales School. She later studied History of Art at Christie's, where she developed a passion for property and design. Early in her career, she also spent time teaching English in India, an experience that influenced her perspective on design and culture.
Career
Kirstie began her professional journey working with lifestyle magazines like Country Living and Food & Home and at Hindlip & Prentice Interiors. In 1996, she launched her own home search company called Kirmir, focusing on luxury property purchases in Central and West London. She gained television fame when she was headhunted to co-present the Channel 4 series Location, Location, Location alongside Phil Spencer. The show became hugely successful and led to spin-offs like Relocation, Relocation. Kirstie has also presented other shows such as Kirstie's Handmade Christmas and The Great Interior Design Challenge. Besides television, she’s an accomplished author and has launched her own range of home accessories.
Family Life
Kirstie Allsopp has been in a long-term relationship with property developer Ben Andersen since 2004. The couple married in January 2025 after 21 years together. They have two sons together, Bay (born 2006) and Oscar (born 2008), and she is also a stepmother to Ben Andersen's two sons from a previous relationship. The family resides in London and also restored a house in rural Devon, which was featured on her TV program Kirstie's Homemade Home.
Achievements
Kirstie Allsopp has established herself as a leading property expert and television personality with a career spanning over two decades. She has won accolades including the National Television Award for Best Factual Presenter in 2011. Her influence extends beyond television, with successful ventures in property consultancy and homeware, solidifying her reputation in the home and lifestyle industry.
Controversies
In 2022, Kirstie faced criticism for her comments about housing affordability, where she suggested that many people are unwilling to make sacrifices like cutting out luxuries to afford a home. Given her privileged background and family support in purchasing her first home, some viewed her remarks as out of touch, which led to public backlash and her eventual departure from social media platforms.
Kirstie Allsopp Summary
Kirstie Allsopp is a prominent British television presenter and property expert known for her engaging presence on property-related shows. Born into a privileged family, she has built a successful career through television, business ventures, and authorship. Her personal life, dedication to property expertise, and occasional controversies have kept her in the public eye, making her an influential figure in UK media and property sectors.