Former Made In Chelsea star Binky Felstead has permanently moved to Connecticut with her three children to support her husband Max Darnton's career in America.
The 36-year-old reality television personality officially announced the relocation on Instagram on Sunday after heavily dropping hints that her family would not return to the United Kingdom for the new school year.
Felstead relocated to the United States with her sons Wolfie, five, and Wilder, three, alongside her nine-year-old daughter India, whom she co-parents with her former partner and television co-star Joshua Patterson.
Posing by the coast in a social media update, Felstead described the move as "a new adventure as a family in America" after spending the summer on the East Coast.
"After an incredible summer of exploring the East coast, we are very happy to now call this place home," Felstead wrote, explaining that the decision felt "so serendipitous and meant-to-be."
She confirmed there would be "plenty of back and forth across the pond for family, friends and work commitments" while reflecting on her previous visits to New York.
"The last time I was in New York I was filming MIC - late nights and crazy drama," she noted. "I'm pleased to say that there is a lot more to this place."
Felstead explained that her husband had been spending increased time at his firm's Manhattan office and that their regular family visits helped convince them to make the move permanent.
Specialist education and family life
A major motivation for selecting Connecticut was finding tailored educational facilities for her daughter. Felstead revealed that the family wanted somewhere to provide India with specialist support for her dyslexia.
"We were incredibly lucky to find an amazing school here for her, and already the difference has been quite something within a matter of weeks," Felstead wrote.
"Seeing her understand things in a way that works for her, and watching that confidence start to grow, has made the whole move feel so worthwhile," she added.
Felstead praised the local culture, observing "such a noticeable buzz of positivity, motivation, ambition and drive" where "confidence, hard work and success is celebrated."
She reported that her children have adapted well, writing: "Wolfie is so happy, Wilder is still running around like a complete madman - and having the beach on our doorstep has made this whole first stretch feel like one long summer."
She described the transition as a big change and an adventure, adding that the family is excited for new experiences, discovering new places, and making memories while planning frequent trips back home.
The New England rental home
Felstead gave followers a tour of the family's new accommodation on her Instagram Story, showcasing a large rental mansion complete with a hot tub and sprawling grounds.
The turreted property sits beside a lake surrounded by mature trees in the Connecticut countryside, providing a scenic setting within commuting distance of New York City, where Darnton will work.
Followers on Reddit have speculated that the high-end New England property commands a monthly rental price of $35,000.
The extensive backyard features space where the three children have spent their summer outdoors, and the couple also arranged to transport their family dog Pedro to their new residence across the Atlantic.
Max Darnton and corporate career moves
The move aligns with the career expansion of Felstead's husband Max Darnton, who works for the global executive search and advisory firm Fredriks.
Darnton recently transferred full-time to the company's Manhattan office to develop US business connections while commuting from their New England home, having previously split his time between New York and London.
In a LinkedIn post published in June for Fredriks, Darnton announced: "I'm joining my teammates in New York full time. New York has felt like a second home for years. Exciting new chapter - for me, my family, and the business."
To relocate to the United States, Felstead left behind her £3.6 million home in London, which she purchased and fully renovated in 2019.
Felstead and Darnton previously married in the summer of 2022 during a three-day celebration on the Greek island of Corfu surrounded by family and friends.
Summer arrival and London departure
Before leaving England, Felstead hinted at her lengthy stay abroad by hosting an American-themed garden party at her London home, wearing a figure-hugging red dress among friends in a backyard decorated with US flags.
In July, she documented her preparations on social media, sharing a photograph of herself collapsed on stacked moving boxes in her London hallway after a busy fortnight of packing.
She subsequently flew solo with her three children to the United States, arriving to find Darnton had prepared the home with a champagne welcome, a barbecue, and assembled toys for the children on an American holiday.
Felstead noted that her children immediately took over the large garden upon arrival, marking the start of their summer stay on the East Coast.
Co-parenting with Joshua Patterson
The permanent relocation follows recent praise from fans for the co-parenting relationship between Felstead and her former partner Joshua Patterson.
Patterson, who starred on Made In Chelsea alongside Felstead before the couple separated roughly 15 months after India's birth in 2018, flew to America to visit his daughter.
During his visit, Patterson joined the family for outings and spent time with India as well as Felstead's two sons, leading fans to describe their dynamic as "co-parenting goals."
Social media users commented on Instagram photos shared by Felstead, praising the former couple for setting a positive example for their children and maintaining a supportive relationship after their split.
Impact on Beyond Chelsea and TV future
Felstead's relocation to America leaves the future of her Made In Chelsea spin-off reality series Beyond Chelsea uncertain.
The television programme debuted in 2024 and follows the lives and families of original cast members Felstead, Lucy Watson, and Rosie Fortescue.
The series broadcast its first season in October 2024 and returned for a second series in March, with production on future installments now facing potential scheduling adjustments due to Felstead's move to Connecticut.
