Cup Of Tea With Sarah Beeny

Property developer-turned presenter Sarah Beeny has become a familiar face on our TV screens since 2001, with programmes such as Property Ladder and Help! My House is Falling Down.

How do you like your tea?

I like a big cup of English breakfast with skimmed milk and ice cubes! Hot drinks don’t suit me and before I’d wait ages for it to cool down, which isn’t ideal when you’re busy. Now, I insert five ice cubes and it brings it to the perfect temperature for me almost immediately.

Who would you like to have a cup of tea with?

As well as friends and family, comedians like Dara O’Briain, Andy Parsons and Harry Enfield would be fun – I hope.

What’s been your proudest achievement?

It’s wonderful being involved in my three businesses, but renovating 19th-century Rise Hall, a Yorkshire property that Graham, my husband, and I bought, has been amazing. I can’t quite believe we dared to buy that building, which was at risk, and restore it to its former glory.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m trying to write a children’s book but I’m bad at focusing on it. With four kids there isn’t lots of time to relax, but I’m also trying to get fitter, ready for skiing next year, because the kids (aged seven to 13) are better than me!

What’s top of your bucket list?

To be a voice in a children’s film. I adore animated movies and if I could choose one to be involved with, it would be something like How To Train Your Dragon 3.

What would surprise people to know about you?

I can do the splits! I’ve always been weirdly flexible.

What did you want to be when you were little?

An actress, although I couldn’t act very well so I dropped that one! I was also interested in being a writer – escaping to somewhere quiet with just a pen and paper.

Is there anything that scares you?

I’m a bit claustrophobic, so I don’t like caves or tunnels. I’m also scared of illness, something happening to loved ones... The list goes on.

For more information on Rise Hall, Sarah’s events and wedding venue, and her online estate agency, Tepilo, visit sarah beeny.com

‘I’ve always been weirdly flexible’