Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty announce separation as their ambitious £5 million Hampstead renovation, inspired by LA mid-century modern style, continues
Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty announced their separation two years into their home renovation(Image credit: Getty Images)
Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty have announced their separation just two years after beginning an ambitious renovation of a £5 million home in Hampstead.
The couple had hoped to create a long-term family base after relocating from Los Angeles, where they experienced a home break-in and growing concerns about safety.
Their decision to part ways comes as major structural work continues on the mid-century-inspired North London property, but it has not been confirmed whether or not the renovation works contributed to their decision to separate.
Purchased in 2023, the detached 1950s home in Hampstead has been undergoing a full transformation to reflect the couple’s shared love of Californian architecture.
Plans approved by Barnet Council show extensive changes to the layout, including a double-height open-plan living space, extended bedrooms and terraces, and new additions such as a nanny suite, children’s playroom, his-and-hers dressing rooms, a home bar and an office.
The design takes cues from their years in LA, including alterations to the distinctive blade-style roof to allow more daylight into the core living areas. Landscaping is also part of the redesign, with planning permission granted for tree removals and excavation work to reshape the rear garden.
Deeley briefly shared progress on Instagram earlier this year, posting a video showing a largely demolished interior with the caption, “Not much house, lots of air.” While there have been no recent updates from either party, planning records show no change to ownership or status, suggesting that the project remains active.
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In a joint statement Deeley and Kielty said: “We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. Our priority is to continue lovingly co-parenting our boys. We ask for privacy at this time. There will be no further comment.”
The news follows months of quiet speculation, intensified when Deeley did not attend the funeral of Kielty’s mother earlier this year.
The couple had been married since 2012 and share two sons. Neither has commented publicly on how the separation might affect the Hampstead home, which was expected to become their long-term base.
A return to the UK shaped by personal safety
Deeley and Kielty’s decision to leave Los Angeles was prompted by a home break-in and a later incident in which Kielty and one of their sons were caught up in a mall shooting scare.
In interviews, Deeley recalled questioning a school about live shooter procedures and described the moment as pivotal. Shortly afterwards, they relocated to the UK to seek what they called a “simpler, safer” life.
The renovation project was intended to mark that fresh start, a home that blended LA design with London roots. Now, it’s unclear whether the house will ever serve the purpose they once envisioned together.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
