A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson is in the business of showcasing dream properties to prospective buyers but her own abode may truly surpass expectations.
Born in Kenya and raised in Port Glasgow by way of Inverclyde, at 42 years old, Jean has seen much of the world throughout her hosting duties. Nonetheless, few places hold a candle to her personal ‘sanctuary’ that she’s created for herself and her family.
The Scots host had done many things throughout her career, from dousing youngsters with goo on CBBC to sitting down with Sir Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, at a Scottish Labour event, the Mirror reports.
Here we take a closer look into Jean’s fascinating life behind the scenes including her marriage to a celebrated footballer and her idyllic fairy tale like home.
Footballer husband
Jean first met her former Rangers star beau during her teenage years while working at a golf club located in Langbank. This tiny Scottish community was where she first encountered Jonatan Johansson, then a 22-year-old strapping Finnish footballer with a passion for golf.
Reflecting on those initial moments with the Glasgow Times, Jean shared how at just 17, their paths crossed: “I was still at school and had a part-time job at a golf club in Langbank. He used to come in and play a lot of golf. We met there.”
It was love at first sight for Jonatan, but Jean wasn’t quite so smitten initially. She opened up about their early days, saying: “I had no interest in settling down with anyone. I was getting ready to finish school and go off travelling. I was just starting my life and not looking for a boyfriend at all.”
Nonetheless, fate had different ideas, and Jean fell head-over-heels for Jonatan. The pair first wed in 2008 and said ‘I do’ once more a decade later amidst the beauty of Majorca.
Discussing their vow renewal, Jean mused: “I can’t believe it. We were just a pair of kids running around Glasgow and here we are 20 years later.” From Glasgow’s streets to international success, Stockholm-native Jonatan has enjoyed an illustrious career which included playing for notable clubs such as Rangers and Charlton Athletic, not to mention representing Finland on the field.
At 48, he now imparts his wisdom to young talent as a youth team coach at Ibrox. The couple’s pride and joy is their 13-year-old son Junior, who seems to be taking after his dad in the footballing department.
Just last summer, Jean couldn’t help but share her pride on Instagram with a photo of Junior outside Manchester United’s prestigious Carrington Training Centre. Emblazoned over the image, Jean wrote ‘big day for Junior’, later adding: “Great game at Carrington, you did us proud against Manchester United Junior”.
The rising sporting talent made a key move to Ayr United’s youth academy last June, having been polished at Wemyss Bay outfit Ardgowan Thistle alongside another promising peer. A club spokesperson expressed their pride in an announcement reported by Largs and Millport Daily News: “As a club we are delighted to have helped in the development of these two great players.
“Both of these lads have been at Ardgowan Thistle FC 2010s since the beginning of their football journey. Their hard work, dedication and love for the game is being rewarded with this fantastic opportunity.”
Sanctuary home
Jean found her ‘sanctuary’ home when she set roots down in Ayrshire back in 2009 to be near her mother. She, alongside Jonatan and Junior, reside in an impressive five-bedroom dwelling dating from the 19th century, constructed for a Scottish whisky baron.
Graced with a grand fireplace welcoming visitors in the foyer and a regal staircase draped in red, their enchanting abode could easily belong in a storybook. In an October conversation detailed by OK! Jean disclosed: “From hotel rooms to airport lounges, I’m always busy. That’s why I wanted a peaceful home.
“Of all the decisions I’ve ever made, this house is by far one of the best. We’ve now lived here for almost 14 years. I viewed the house seven times. I looked at it during the day, at night, when there was good and bad weather. It’s my sanctuary. I love lighting a fire and relaxing with my family.”
Jean opened up about how she honours her Kenyan heritage in her living space, referring to her living room as her ‘African room. ‘ Jean shared: “My mum is from Uganda and I really wanted to have that inspiration in this room.
“There’s African artwork and artefacts that I picked up when I was in Uganda. I’m not a big art collector but I bought the main painting in the room from someone at the side of a road. I loved it because it shows what African women are all about – working, babies on their back, and getting it done. It’s really beautiful.”
In other parts of her home, Jean has lent an air of elegance to her guest bedroom with Versace wallpaper. When unwinding, she frequents her expansive kitchen, a favourite spot for cooking family meals and baking treats.
During a chat with The Sunday Post, Jean expressed her home life sentiments: “My son is 13 now and ironically I feel he needs me more – or I need to watch him more as he comes into those teenage years – so while I do have the dream job, it is hard being at airports and flying away all the time.
“But I’m lucky to have the support system at home. In my spare time, I like just hanging out at home, which is my paradise, and hanging out with my boys. I live down near Largs, so I like taking walks on the beach.”
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