Anne Robinson has made the "heartbreaking decision" to leave her home in the Cotswolds. The BBC star, who resides in a Grade-II listed barn with "breathtaking" views outside the village of Hatherop, has lived in the idyllic region for around 40 years. And, while she said she was "thrilled" when Jeremy Clarkson arrived in the area after purchasing Diddly Squat Farm in 2008, she had now decided that the time is right to sell her 18th-century property.

Speaking with The Telegraph, Anne, 81, said: "The barn is in the hands of estate agent Sam Butler, who is, comfortingly, the grandson of my parents' hero, Tory Chancellor Rab Butler." Anne's residence is currently listed for £4.25million.

Reflecting on the "massive changes" which have impacted the region in recent decades, The Weakest Link star noted that "The draw of the Cotswolds is further reaching than ever before," with the arrival of tech titans sparking new nicknames for the area, including "Sili-Coln-Valley".

Expanding on her decision to leave the Cotswolds, Anne noted that she'll be moving closer to her daughter, Emma, who shares two sons, Hudson and Parker, with her husband, Liam.

"I will be 82 in the autumn. I'm fit, but aware of how many of my girl friends are trying to cope with an elderly, infirm mother miles away. I wouldn't pass a driving test. I don't want anyone to dictate my future," the presenter said.

"I've bought a beautiful fourth-floor terrace filled with trees and plants overlooking Hyde Park. A small flat is attached. Importantly, it is only a few streets away from Emma. I will have to adapt to living – as Emma encouragingly puts it – 'in one of the most vibrant capitals in the world'. We've booked visits to the Tate and lined up plays to see."

When she eventually makes the move to London, Anne will be joined by her Australian labradoodle, Martha, whom she jokes will have to "learn to love parakeets and cockapoos."