Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash often share their idyllic life in their beloved Pickle Cottage on Instagram – which the couple have branded their “forever home.”
But last week, it emerged that their dream renovation project is in ruins after a planning application was rejected for a second time. It was revealed that the couple’s plan to extend their home was denied once again, with reports saying the council were keen for the couple not to modify their 16th century property.
And sources now say the setback has left Stacey distraught.
A source says, “Stacey and Joe are gutted their second bid was rejected, and while it might seem like a first-world problem, it’s hampered their dreams to make Pickle Cottage their forever home. Stacey had already planned out with the architects and designers exactly what she wanted to do with the new floor. With six kids and two dogs, they were pinning their hopes on extending for some extra space, as it’s understandably crowded.”
The insider adds that the knockback has caused some doubts – particularly over whether their picture-perfect cottage can stand the test of time when it comes to their family’s needs.
The source adds, “Stacey is really upset. She feels like their dream is over and has been tainted as they now debate whether they can stay in it long-term. They bought Pickle Cottage with the view of growing and raising their family there, but now they’re questioning if that’s going to be viable – which has left Stacey heartbroken.”
Stacey, 33, and Joe, 41 – who tied the knot in their garden last summer – have lived in the property since 2021, spending the last two years transforming their home. The cottage includes plenty of room for the couple’s growing brood – including son Zachary, 15, who Stacey shares with her childhood sweetheart Dean Cox, Leighton, 11, who she shares with ex-fiancé Aaron Barnham, as well as Rex, four, Rose, one, and Belle, three months, who she shares with I’m A Celeb! star Joe. She is also stepmum to Joe’s son Harry, 15, from a previous relationship.
Last week also saw Joe break down in tears on I’m a Celeb All-Stars – which was filmed last September – after struggling with homesickness. Emotionally opening up to his campmates, Joe said, “I’m really missing my kids… I don’t know how to get rid of the feeling.”
In the same episode, he also thanked ITV for introducing him to Stacey – after he met the Loose Women panellist while crowning her Queen of the Jungle in 2010.
And the source adds, “Joe’s tears on I’m A Celeb! show just how much Stacey and his family mean to him. The airing of that episode came at a good time – it made Stacey and Joe remember what’s important, and that’s their family rather than having their perfect dream mansion. So they’ve decided to just sit on it for a while, let the dust settle and not put any pressure on themselves to make any big decisions for now.”