Amal Clooney Reveals Why She Has Banned the Use of Phones Inside Her and George's Home

Yahoo

a day ago

As one of the world's most talked-about couples, George and Amal Clooney are used to being at the center of much media attention—scrutiny that has prompted them to take several drastic steps in order to protect their privacy, particularly when it comes to their life inside their family home.
According to human rights lawyer Amal, 47, who wed George, 64, in Venice in 2014, finding the space to enjoy 'private moments' with her husband and their two children is an everyday battle, but it is one that she is prepared to continue fighting, even if it means inconveniencing guests who are lucky enough to receive an invite to the couple's home in the English countryside.
In a new interview with Glamour, for which she was joined by her close friend, celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, Amal confessed that she has implemented a strict phone ban inside her opulent estate, noting that everyone who enters through her door must put their device inside a dedicated basket.
'Creating private moments and spaces is becoming increasingly difficult,' Amal admitted. 'But that's also why we entertain a lot at home. I now have a phone basket that I use to take everyone's phones away!
'It's important to get that balance where you have time alone with your family and with your friends where people feel like you can have a safe and frank exchange.'
Amal explained that her desire to safeguard her home and her private life was made all the more fervent by the arrival of her children, twins Ella and Alexander, who were born in 2017.
'I would say becoming a parent means you're more troubled by some of the intrusions,' she went on. 'So we do the best we can to minimize any impact on our children. We don't put our children out there, we've never put their photo out there or anything like that.'
Still, the human rights advocate manages to find plenty of 'joy' in her life at home, which she described as one of her greatest sources of happiness, telling the publication: 'The people I love—my husband, our children, our friends, filling our house with people we love. That's the greatest joy in my life and what gives me balance.'
The house in question was purchased by the couple for a reported $14 million back in 2014, just a few days before they tied the knot, and it was in the property that the couple spent their honeymoon, with Amal revealing in a 2018 interview with Vogue that the duo camped out together in their unfurnished abode.
Soon after their honeymoon came to an end, however, they embarked on a reported 18-month renovation process in order to transform the historic dwelling into the home of their dreams—where they have been raising their children together for the last eight years.
Located in Sonning Eye, overlooking the Thames River, the property dates back to the 17th century and still boasts many very historical touches, although George and Amal's renovations have also seen it outfitted with many more modern amenities.
These include a home theater and a pool house bar, which is used as both a 'party zone' for the duo when they host friends—and a shared workspace for the two of them.
According to the British Vogue piece, the duo's home is filled largely with photographs, as well as some sentimental pieces of art, including a tongue-in-cheek portrait of George's late dog, Einstein, posed as a professor at a chalkboard, and one of a giraffe's head in a nod to Amal's love of the animals.
While the property serves as the couple's main residence, it is far from the only home they own together.
In fact, the Clooneys boast an extensive portfolio of dwellings that crosses several countries—from Italy and France to New York City—having also owned homes in Los Angeles and Mexico in the past.
Long before he and Amal tied the knot, George already started building up his European property holdings, beginning with the purchase of two adjacent villas in Lake Como, which he is reported to have snapped up in the early 2000s.
The historic properties are located right on the water and have been frequented by a number of very high-profile guests over the years, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, and former President Barack Obama.
Around seven years after their wedding, George and Amal then reportedly added a French estate to their portfolio, which Vinepair states they bought for $8.3 million in 2021.
They are also understood to still own a luxury condo in Manhattan, which was purchased in 2016; however, George opted not to use it during a recent stay in the city, where he was performing in the hit Broadway show, 'Good Night, and Good Luck.'
Instead, the actor took up a temporary residence inside the luxury Mandarin Oriental Residences on Fifth Avenue, where he stayed in a rented property that boasted hotel-style beds, luxury Frette sheets, and Aqua Di Parma products.
The building itself features top-of-the-line conveniences, from a luxury spa and rooftop pool to reservations at Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud's in-house eatery, Boulud Prive.
Other impressive offerings include facials and massages, which are available in-unit to ensure maximum privacy.
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