Adrian Higham’s partner is Tara Franklin, a respected antiques expert and specialist in French vintage fabrics with whom he has shared both a personal and professional life for many years. As of February 2026, the couple continues to operate their successful business, Hoof Brocante, located on the East Sussex and Kent border. While often referred to by fans and some media outlets as his wife, the pair are famously known as a “power couple” within the British antiques trade, frequently appearing together at upcycling challenges and trade fairs across Europe. Their partnership is built on a shared passion for “the hunt,” often traveling between their home in East Sussex and the Normandy borders in France to source unique inventory. Despite facing significant personal challenges in recent years—including a protracted and stressful neighbor dispute that was finally dismissed in late 2025—Adrian and Tara remain a unified front, solidifying their status as one of the most resilient and recognizable duos in the world of television antiques.
The Partnership with Tara Franklin
The relationship between Adrian Higham and Tara Franklin is a blend of domestic stability and high-energy business collaboration.
Who is Tara Franklin?
Tara Franklin is an authority on vintage French textiles and decorative antiques. Her expertise complements Adrian’s love for mechanical objects, toys, and “steampuffing” items, allowing their business, Hoof Brocante, to offer a balanced and diverse inventory. In 2026, she is highly sought after as a judge for upcycling competitions and as a guest speaker on the history of French fabrics.
Shared Business: Hoof Brocante
Together, the couple runs Hoof Brocante, which is more than just an antique shop; it is a lifestyle brand rooted in their frequent travels to France. Operating from an old RAF base, the headquarters is famous for its eccentric atmosphere and curated “finds” that reflect the couple’s unique eyes. Their joint business model relies on direct sourcing from French “vide-greniers” (attic sales), a process they have documented for years.
Life on and off the Screen
Adrian Higham’s role as a dealer on The Bidding Room brought his personal partnership into the public eye.
Impact of The Bidding Room
While Adrian was the one facing the cameras as one of the eight specialist dealers, Tara remained his primary advisor and professional backbone. He often credited her “eye” for many of the successful deals he made on the show, specifically those involving intricate textiles or high-end French furniture. By 2026, the show’s legacy continues to drive fans to their physical headquarters to meet the “real” Adi and Tara.
Maintaining Privacy Amidst Fame
Despite the television exposure, Adrian and Tara have been careful about what they share regarding their domestic life. They prioritize their family—Adrian has spoken warmly about his children and the early days of traveling across the channel with them—while ensuring that their home in the Normandy borders remains a private sanctuary. This balance has helped them navigate the pressures of being public figures in the 2020s.
Overcoming Recent Challenges
The years 2024 and 2025 were particularly trying for the couple, testing their partnership to the limit.
The Neighbor Dispute and Legal Relief
Adrian and Tara were embroiled in a two-and-a-half-year legal battle involving a neighbor dispute that Adrian described as “utter hell.” The situation, which included various allegations and a stalking protection order that was eventually withdrawn, took a significant toll on their mental and physical health. By October 2025, the matter was officially dismissed, providing what the couple described as a “huge relief” and allowing them to focus on their future in 2026.
Mental Health Advocacy in 2026
Following their personal ordeal, Adrian has become an advocate for mental health awareness within the small business and antiques community. He has been vocal about the impact of the stress on himself and Tara, using his platform to support others facing similar “unseen” pressures. Their resilience as a couple has become a point of inspiration for many of their followers.
Practical Information and Planning
For those looking to visit Adrian and Tara or learn more about their work in 2026, here is the essential information.
Visiting Hoof Brocante
Location: Brookland, on the East Sussex/Kent border, near Rye (A259).
Opening Times: Typically by appointment or during “Brocante Spectacular” events.
What to Expect: A vast array of French furniture, vintage toys, textiles, and eccentric curiosities.
Transport: Best reached by car; ample parking is available on the old RAF base site.
2026 Pricing and Sourcing
While prices vary depending on the rarity of the find, Adrian and Tara are known for keeping their stock “well-priced” for both the trade and public. They emphasize the “source-to-shop” model, which keeps costs lower than traditional high-end London galleries.
FAQs
Who is Adrian Higham’s partner?
Adrian Higham’s partner is Tara Franklin, an antiques dealer and expert in French vintage fabrics.
Is Adrian Higham married to Tara Franklin?
While frequently referred to as husband and wife in professional and media contexts, they are widely known as a long-term committed couple and business partners.
Does Adrian Higham have children?
Yes, Adrian has mentioned his children in interviews, fondly recalling taking them on sourcing trips to France when they were younger.
What is Hoof Brocante?
Hoof Brocante is the antiques business co-owned by Adrian and Tara, specializing in unique French imports and located in East Sussex.
Is Adrian Higham still on The Bidding Room?
As of 2026, Adrian is no longer a regular on new episodes, though he remains one of the most popular dealers in the show’s syndicated history.
What does Tara Franklin specialize in?
Tara is a renowned expert in French vintage textiles and fabrics, often consulted for her knowledge of historical patterns and materials.
Where does Adrian Higham live?
He splits his time between East Sussex, England, and a home on the Normandy borders in France.
What happened with Adrian Higham’s court case?
The legal dispute with a neighbor was officially reviewed and dismissed in late 2025, with all orders against Adrian being withdrawn.
How can I contact Adrian and Tara for valuations?
They can be contacted through the official Hoof Brocante website or their professional social media pages on Instagram and Facebook.
Does Adrian Higham still sell antique toys?
Yes, antique toys and mechanical items remain a primary passion and staple of Adrian’s inventory at Hoof Brocante.
What is a ‘Brocante Spectacular’?
It is a large-scale sales event hosted by Adrian and Tara at their headquarters, featuring new stock, music, and often a community barbecue.
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