Anita Dobson, the spouse of iconic Queen guitarist Brian May, recently shared a glimpse into their private life after relocating from the lively city of London to the serene countryside. The couple had to leave their £7 million London home due to severe flood damage and have now settled in a luxurious £25 million estate in the heart of Windlesham, Surrey.
Anita, aged 76, revealed that since moving to the rural setting, her 78-year-old husband has found immense happiness. Their current residence, built in the 1920s on the grounds of a 16th-century farmhouse that was replaced to create their Regency-style home, has brought them contentment.
Their former residence faced a sewage incident in 2021, causing distress as it damaged Brian’s cherished collectibles, particularly his Star Wars memorabilia. Despite his passion for collecting items, Anita mentioned that Brian’s interest has waned with age, as reported by the Express.
Even though they attempt to declutter, their home remains filled with possessions, leading the couple to postpone downsizing. In a conversation with the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden, Anita humorously referred to themselves as “the world’s greatest collectors of clutter in the universe.”
Anita disclosed that Brian was captivated by the natural surroundings of their new home even before seeing it, emphasizing his love for the trees, flowers, grass, and lake. However, the transition from London to the countryside brought about mixed feelings for Anita, who acknowledged missing the city’s vibrancy but appreciates the tranquility for her retirement.
Brian’s collecting habits extend to items for his grandchildren and his personal collection, with a soft spot for Star Wars memorabilia, particularly Yoda. Anita mentioned his love for dinosaurs and prehistoric figures, similar to a child’s fascination, while also acknowledging her struggle with hoarding tendencies.
Despite periodic attempts to declutter, Anita finds it challenging due to the abundance of possessions. She often donates clothes to the local hospice but admits that there is still an overwhelming amount of stuff in their home.