Tucked away in the serene Essex countryside, Pickle Cottage, a £1.3 million Tudor-style mansion, serves as the idyllic home for television star Stacey Solomon, her husband Joe Swash, and their blended family of six children. Purchased in March 2021, this sprawling estate, set on 2.5 acres of lush land, has been transformed through Stacey’s creative vision and DIY prowess into a haven that blends charm with modern luxury. Recently, the addition of a grand rabbit hutch—described by fans as a “palace” fit for royalty—has sparked excitement, showcasing Stacey’s knack for turning even the smallest details into something extraordinary. This article explores the journey of Pickle Cottage, its stunning renovations, and the latest pet-friendly addition that has fans buzzing.

A Dream Home in the Making

Stacey Solomon, a household name from Loose Women, Sort Your Life Out, and her I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! victory, acquired Pickle Cottage in 2021 for a reported £1.3 million. The purchase, made solely in her name, was a significant milestone for the Dagenham-born star, who wanted to return to her Essex roots to be closer to family. Named after her son Rex, affectionately called “Pickle,” the mansion was far from move-in ready, requiring extensive renovations to become the family’s “forever home.” Stacey shared her excitement on Instagram, where her five million followers have followed the transformation, noting that the house needed “a lot of love” but offered endless potential.

The Tudor-style property, with its expansive grounds, swimming pool, library, and conservatory, provided the perfect canvas for Stacey’s creative talents. Her hands-on approach to home improvement, popularized through her “Tap to Tidy” Instagram posts, has turned Pickle Cottage into a personalized sanctuary for her family and their growing menagerie of pets.

A Family Retreat for Six Children and Pets

Stacey and Joe Swash, who married in a heartfelt ceremony at Pickle Cottage in July 2022, share the home with their six children: Zachary (17) and Leighton (12) from Stacey’s previous relationships, Harry (16) from Joe’s, and their three shared children, Rex (5), Rose (3), and Belle (2). The estate’s vast space accommodates their bustling household, including dogs Teddy and Peanut, ducks, and now a pair of pampered rabbits.

Their journey at Pickle Cottage has been documented on Instagram and in their BBC reality series, Stacey & Joe, which premiered in April 2025. The show offers an intimate look at their family life, showcasing both the joys and challenges of raising a large family while renovating a historic home. From bespoke children’s rooms to eco-conscious upgrades, every project reflects Stacey’s commitment to creating a warm, sustainable, and stylish environment.

The Rabbit Palace: A Luxurious Pet Haven

In July 2025, Stacey’s father, David Solomon, revealed a new addition to Pickle Cottage that stole the spotlight—a custom-built rabbit hutch crafted from a repurposed Wendy house. Shared on Instagram, the hutch, complete with dormer windows and intricate detailing, was dubbed a “palace” by fans, with comments like “Those rabbits are living better than me!” and “Royalty vibes!” flooding the post. David’s craftsmanship transformed the dilapidated playhouse into a stunning home for the family’s rabbits, aligning with Stacey’s passion for upcycling and sustainability.

This project exemplifies Stacey’s ethos of reusing materials to create something beautiful and functional. Rather than buying a new hutch, the family opted to repurpose an existing structure, adding a playful yet luxurious touch to the estate. Stacey praised her father’s work, commenting, “You’re amazing, Dad,” to which he replied, “Love you lots.” The rabbit palace has drawn comparisons to the lavish pet homes of celebrities like Paris Hilton, cementing Pickle Cottage’s reputation as a place where every resident—human or animal—lives in style.

Transforming Pickle Cottage: Renovations Fit for Royalty

Since moving in, Stacey and Joe have poured their energy into modernizing Pickle Cottage while preserving its historic charm. Their renovations, shared with fans through social media and their BBC series, have turned the dated mansion into a luxurious yet welcoming family home. Here are some of the standout transformations:

1. Whimsical Mermaid Bathroom

One of the first projects was the main bathroom, reimagined as a mermaid-inspired retreat. With shimmering blue tiles, seashell-shaped fixtures, and nautical accents, the space combines fun with elegance. Stacey’s attention to detail, including custom storage solutions, has made this bathroom a fan favorite.

2. Rex’s Dinosaur Kingdom

For their son Rex, the couple created a dinosaur-themed bathroom, unveiled in early 2022. Featuring T-Rex motifs, fossil-like floor patterns, and a spacious tub, the room brought joy to Rex’s face, a moment Stacey shared on Instagram. This personalized space reflects the couple’s dedication to their children’s happiness.

3. Sustainable Kitchen Upgrade

The kitchen, a focal point of the home, was revamped in 2022 with sustainability in mind. Stacey replaced the gas-powered Aga oven with an electric model, reducing the family’s carbon footprint. New pastel green cabinets, sleek tiles, and a farmhouse-style sink create a bright, modern space that balances practicality with charm.

4. Resort-Style Swimming Pool

The outdoor swimming pool, completed in June 2022, is a highlight of the estate. Surrounded by lush greenery and stylish landscaping, it serves as a luxurious retreat for family gatherings. Stacey’s vision for the pool area turned it into a resort-like oasis, perfect for summer days.

A Legacy of Creativity and Family

Pickle Cottage is more than a home; it’s a testament to Stacey Solomon’s creativity, work ethic, and love for her family. From the rabbit palace to the mermaid bathroom, every project reflects her ability to transform spaces with heart and ingenuity. The estate has also become a backdrop for her professional ventures, including her homeware line with Asda and collaborations with brands like Air Wick, showcasing her influence in the lifestyle and design space.

Fans have praised Stacey and Joe for their down-to-earth approach, with many inspired by their ability to balance fame, family, and home improvement. The couple’s commitment to sustainability, seen in their upcycling projects and eco-friendly upgrades, resonates with a generation increasingly focused on environmental consciousness.

Living Like Royalty

As Pickle Cottage continues to evolve, it stands as a symbol of Stacey and Joe’s shared vision—a place where their children, pets, and even rabbits live like royalty. The £1.3 million mansion, once in need of love, is now a vibrant, luxurious home that reflects their personalities and values. With the addition of the rabbit palace, Stacey has once again proven that no detail is too small to transform into something extraordinary.

As fans eagerly await more glimpses of Pickle Cottage through Stacey’s Instagram and Stacey & Joe, one thing is clear: this Essex mansion is more than a house—it’s a palace of love, creativity, and family. Whether it’s the children playing in the dinosaur bathroom, the rabbits lounging in their bespoke hutch, or the couple enjoying a swim in their resort-style pool, life at Pickle Cottage is nothing short of regal.