Only Fools and Horses legend John Challis’ widow, Carol Challis, has decided to bid farewell to the family home they shared for 26 years. This heart-wrenching move comes three years after John’s passing due to cancer at the age of 79.
Taking to X, Carol shared the news, expressing the overwhelming emotions tied to leaving their cherished country mansion. In her post on February 26, she wrote, “Farewell old house, our home for the past 26 years. I’m leaving today for a different life down in Somerset, and it’s all a bit overwhelming.”
Accompanying her post were snapshots of their picturesque home, including a touching photo of John Challis in the garden, gazing over the serene countryside. The comments section overflowed with support from fans and well-wishers. One user reassured Carol, saying, “Take all of those wonderful memories with you. Wishing you all the best and sending lots of love.”
Another empathised with the difficulty of leaving a long-term residence, adding, “Oh my goodness Carol that must be overwhelming. I recently left my house of 14 years & it was tough, but nothing compared to you. I hope that your move goes well & that you can make some more happy memories in your new life down in Somerset.”
The couple’s country mansion, located in Herefordshire, became famous as the backdrop for the spin-off sitcom The Green Green Grass. This series explored Boycie and his family’s move to the countryside after escaping Peckham criminals, with their actual home serving as the exterior shots for Boycie’s new residence.
Sale of home sparks dedications to John Challis
Challis’s passing in 2021 marked the end of an era for Only Fools and Horses fans. His co-star, David Jason, fondly remembered him, highlighting the stark contrast between Challis’s real-life persona and his on-screen character, Boycie. Jason remarked, “A lot of people think that was John, but it wasn’t. It just shows his skill as an actor. It was so different to his natural nature.”
The spacious estate, now on the market for £1.5 million since April 2023, boasts seven bedrooms, a library, stables, paddocks, and extensive outbuildings. The Grade 1 listed property spans over five acres of land, making it a historical gem.
The Green Green Grass, a spin-off of the beloved Only Fools and Horses, received a warm reception upon its debut. The first episode garnered an impressive 8.88 million viewers, holding a 41.7% audience share. However, viewership tapered off over subsequent years, closing at 4.38 million viewers (18.8% share) for the fourth series in 2009.
The sitcom, starring John Challis and created by John Sullivan, centred around Boycie, his wife Marlene, and their son Tyler as they fled Peckham for a farm in Shropshire to escape the Driscoll brothers. Despite its declining viewership, The Green Green Grass remains a nostalgic continuation of the Only Fools legacy.