TV presenter Clare Balding and her wife, Alice Arnold, recently featured on a repeat episode of Celebrity Lingo from 2022, competing against Charlotte Church and Carys Eleri, as well as Rickie Haywood-Williams and Melvin Odoom.
The couple resides in the picturesque London suburb of Chiswick, a location chosen by Alice with Clare having little say in the matter.
Clare, a sports broadcasting icon, endured a challenging period starting in 2009 after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
The pair met in the late 1990s but didn’t begin their relationship until autumn 2002. Clare initially struggled to accept her sexuality but has since become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and rights.
The surprising condition Alice Arnold set before moving in with Clare Balding
Before moving in together, Alice set a firm condition: the couple had to live in Chiswick. Clare recounted Alice saying, “‘We can live anywhere you want, as long as it’s Chiswick.’ So that was it really,” she shared in an interview with ChiswickW4.
Luckily, Clare has grown to love the area. “I enjoy walking along the High Road and chatting with the fruit and veg stall holders—they always ask me for racing tips,” she shared. “Chiswick’s variety of shops and excellent transport links make it a fantastic place to live. Plus, it’s convenient for visiting my parents near Newbury.”
In a 2021 talk at The Upper Room Spring Lectures, Clare expressed her deep appreciation for Chiswick, describing it as her sanctuary. “I make sure to walk every day. The towpath between Chiswick Bridge and Kew Bridge is very well-trodden for me,” she told Hello! Magazine. “I try to do five miles a day minimum. It’s a key part of keeping me on track.”
The couple became civil partners at the historic Chiswick House in 2015, an 18th-century villa set in 65 acres of gardens, which also markets itself as a prime proposal spot.
Inside Clare and Alice’s life in Chiswick
Clare Balding has often spoken about life in Chiswick, revealing tidbits about her daily routine and favorite spots. A third member of their household, their Tibetan terrier Archie, completes the family dynamic.
She describes Chiswick as having “that perfect feel of living in London without the hustle and bustle of the city.” Clare’s go-to shopping destinations include Waitrose for groceries, Chiswick Pets for animal supplies, and Marmalade Jewellery on Turnham Green Terrace for gifts.
For a romantic outing, Clare recommends a picnic by the waterfall in Chiswick Park with mini bottles of champagne, an ideal first-date idea. When in central London, she enjoys exploring bookstores like Waterstones and Hatchards on Piccadilly.
Have you visited Chiswick? Leave a comment and share your experience!
