Lord Ivar Mountbatten & James Coyle: A First Look Inside Their Marital Home
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A Glimpse Inside Lord Ivar Mountbatten & James Coyle’s First Marital Home: Blending Tradition with Modern Love
Lord Ivar Mountbatten, the first openly gay hereditary peer in the UK House of Lords, and his husband, James Coyle, have finally settled into their first marital home together – a charming country estate near Dorchester, Dorset. Hello! Magazine recently granted an exclusive peek inside this beautiful space, revealing a unique blend of historical grandeur, personal touches, and a conscious effort to create a haven reflecting both men's personalities and shared life. The story goes beyond just showcasing interior design; it offers insight into their relationship, the challenges they’ve navigated as a pioneering couple, and the joy of building a home together after years apart.
For those unfamiliar with Lord Ivar’s background, he is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria through his father, George Mountbatten, 2nd Marquess of Milford Haven. This lineage places him firmly within British aristocracy, adding an intriguing dimension to their modern relationship and the merging of two very different worlds. He's previously been married to Lady Penelope Chetwynd (née Sweetingham-Fisher), with whom he has three daughters – Amelia, Selina, and Alexandra - a union that ended in 2017 after 18 years. His journey towards embracing his sexuality publicly was a significant moment for the House of Lords, demonstrating a gradual shift within traditionally conservative institutions.
James Coyle, a former estate agent and interior designer, brings a different perspective to the household. While Lord Ivar’s life has been steeped in tradition and aristocratic duty, James' background is more grounded and his professional expertise shines through in the home’s design aesthetic. They met in 2016 while James was working as a waiter at a Chelsea club, and their relationship blossomed quickly, culminating in a fairytale wedding at Lord Ivar’s family seat, Devonshire House, in 2019 – a particularly poignant moment given the historical significance of the location.
The couple's new home, purchased two years ago after living separately for a time, is a sprawling estate that perfectly balances rustic charm with sophisticated design. While specific details about the property’s history remain relatively scarce (beyond being described as "historic"), Hello! emphasizes its original features – exposed beams, stone floors, and grand fireplaces – which Lord Ivar deeply values due to their connection to his family's heritage. However, rather than simply preserving these elements in a museum-like fashion, the couple has actively integrated them into a contemporary living space.
James’ design flair is evident throughout. He’s skillfully blended antique furniture with modern pieces, creating an eclectic and inviting atmosphere. The color palette leans towards neutral tones – creams, greys, and soft blues - punctuated by pops of richer hues like emerald green and burgundy in the form of artwork and textiles. The couple has prioritized comfort and functionality, ensuring that the house feels lived-in rather than overly formal or sterile.
One particularly striking feature highlighted in the article is the extensive use of personal touches. Family photographs adorn walls and surfaces, showcasing Lord Ivar's daughters and their extended family. James’ collection of vintage maps adds a touch of wanderlust and reflects his passion for travel. The couple also showcases artwork collected during their travels, further emphasizing their shared experiences and individual passions. The living room, in particular, is presented as a cozy gathering space with comfortable seating arranged around a roaring fire – a testament to the importance they place on creating a welcoming environment for family and friends.
While Lord Ivar’s daughters are not currently residing full-time at the Dorset estate (they have their own lives and families), the house is designed to accommodate them comfortably, reflecting the continued close relationship he maintains with his children. The article subtly emphasizes the importance of blending two families – Lord Ivar's existing family unit and the new one he’s built with James – into a cohesive whole.
The Hello! piece isn't just about aesthetics; it underscores the emotional significance of creating a shared home after years of individual journeys. It represents a fresh start, a symbol of their commitment to each other, and a tangible manifestation of their love story. It highlights how they are consciously building a life that honors both tradition and progress, embracing their unique place in British society while forging a path for others who may follow. The house itself becomes a character in this narrative – a backdrop to their evolving relationship and a testament to the power of blending two lives into one beautiful home. The exclusive glimpse offered by Hello! provides a heartwarming look at a couple redefining what it means to be both aristocratic and authentically themselves.
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Read the Full HELLO! Magazine Article at:
[ https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/875846/lord-ivar-mountbatten-husband-james-coyle-inside-first-marital-home-exclusive/ ]