Adrian Higham Net Worth in 2026: How the Antiques Expert Built His £1 Million Fortune From TV and His Own Shop
Adrian Higham net worth has become a topic that many people are curious about, and for good reason. Adrian, also known as “Adi,” is one of the most well-known antiques dealers in the United Kingdom. He became a familiar face on BBC One’s popular daytime show, The Bidding Room, where viewers watched him spot hidden value in everyday items. But his story goes far beyond the television screen. Over more than 30 years, he built a real business, fought through serious personal challenges, and created a comfortable life doing what he loves most.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adrian “Adi” Higham |
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Brookland, Kent, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Antiques Dealer, TV Personality, Business Owner |
| Known For | BBC One’s The Bidding Room |
| Business | Hoof Brocante, Romney Marsh, East Sussex |
| Wife | Tara Franklin |
| Years Active | 1990 to Present |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | £750,000 to £1 Million |
| @hoof.antiques_brocante |
Early Life and How It All Started
Adrian Higham was born on September 4, 1969, in Brookland, Kent, England. He grew up with a natural love for old objects, visiting car boot sales and local auctions from a young age. He was always curious about the stories behind things, why a piece of furniture was made a certain way, or where a decorative item originally came from.
His career in antiques started in a simple but memorable way. At the age of 21, he bought a mountain bike at a village auction for just £10 and sold it for £90. That experience gave him a buzz he never forgot. From that moment, he started visiting more auctions, buying items he liked, and gradually building the skills that would shape his entire career.
Career Journey: From Markets to National TV
Adrian spent years working in markets, antique fairs, and local shops across the UK. He developed a special focus on French brocante, which includes vintage furniture, decorative items, galvanised metal pieces, and unusual collectibles. He also lived in France for over 20 years, which gave him deep knowledge of French antique markets and helped him source unique pieces that British buyers rarely saw.
His big break on television came when he joined the cast of The Bidding Room on BBC One. The show features a group of dealers who compete to buy antiques brought in by members of the public. Adrian stood out because of his calm confidence, warm personality, and sharp eye for value. He quickly became a fan favourite, and his television profile helped grow his business and public reputation at the same time.
Hoof Brocante: The Business Behind the Fortune
One of the main reasons Adrian has been able to build real wealth is his business, Hoof Brocante. The shop is located in two old buildings on a former RAF base near Romney Marsh, on the East Sussex and Kent border. It is a unique and charming space that attracts collectors and antique lovers from all over the country.
Hoof Brocante specialises in 18th and 19th century French decorative antiques, vintage furniture, clothing, art, and classic brocante items. Adrian runs the business together with his wife, Tara Franklin, who is a skilled textile expert. Their teamwork has helped the shop grow into a trusted name in the UK antiques trade, with a strong following online and at major antique fairs.
Net Worth in 2026: How Much Has He Earned?
Adrian Higham’s estimated net worth in 2026 sits between £750,000 and £1 million. This figure comes from multiple income streams that he has built carefully over the years. His main sources of income include antique dealing through Hoof Brocante, TV appearances on The Bidding Room, public speaking events, and private antique sales.
It is important to note that Adrian has never publicly confirmed his exact net worth. The estimates available online are based on his business activity, media profile, and known career history. What is clear is that his wealth grew slowly and steadily over decades, built on real knowledge and genuine hard work rather than any overnight success. His business model rewards patience, expertise, and a good eye, all of which Adrian has developed across more than 30 years in the trade.
Personal Life: Wife, Family, and Private World
Adrian is married to Tara Franklin, his second wife. Tara is not just a life partner but also a key part of his business. She brings expertise in textiles and vintage fashion, which adds real value to what Hoof Brocante offers its customers. The two of them often appear together at antique fairs and trade events, and they share a clear passion for the lifestyle their work represents.
Adrian’s first wife passed away in 2003, which was a deeply painful time in his life. After that loss, he faced a period of serious health problems, including struggles with weight and a back injury that led to a hospital stay. His relationship with Tara has been described as a source of great strength and stability during difficult times. Together, they have built both a life and a business that reflects their shared values.
Health Struggles and Personal Challenges
Adrian has been open about the health challenges he faced in his life. He dealt with serious weight-related issues and a significant back injury that required medical attention. These problems affected both his physical health and his mental wellbeing. He also faced a stressful neighbour dispute between 2023 and 2025 that reportedly led to a nervous breakdown and added pressure to an already difficult period.
Despite all of this, Adrian made a strong comeback. He worked to improve his fitness, returned to his business, and continued to engage with his audience through social media and public appearances. His ability to recover and carry on has earned him a great deal of respect from fans and colleagues alike. His story is not just about antiques. It is about resilience and the strength it takes to keep going when life gets hard.
Conclusion
Adrian Higham is a genuine success story. He turned a £10 bike purchase at age 21 into a career worth an estimated £1 million, built through decades of hard work, specialist knowledge, and a love for antiques that has never faded. His business, his television work, and his personal resilience all tell the same story: real success comes from doing something you truly care about, and doing it well, day after day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Adrian Higham’s net worth in 2026?
Adrian Higham’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between £750,000 and £1 million, based on his antique dealing business, television work, and public appearances.
2. What is Hoof Brocante?
Hoof Brocante is Adrian’s antiques business located near Romney Marsh, East Sussex. It specialises in French decorative antiques, vintage furniture, and classic brocante items. He runs it with his wife, Tara Franklin.
3. How did Adrian Higham start his career?
He started at age 21 by buying a mountain bike for £10 at a village auction and selling it for £90. That early success motivated him to explore the antiques trade further.
4. Who is Adrian Higham’s wife?
Adrian is married to Tara Franklin, a textile expert and antiques dealer who is also his business partner at Hoof Brocante.
5. Is Adrian Higham still active in 2026?
Yes. Adrian continues to run Hoof Brocante and remains active in the UK antiques world. He also engages regularly with fans through social media and public events.
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