Benedict Cumberbatch buys new family home

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has bought a new $4.3 million townhouse in London in preparation for the birth of his first child.

The Sherlock star's wife Sophie Hunter is set to give birth this summer (15) and they have now bought their first marital home, a four-storey pad in north London, not far from Cumberbatch's old property.

The couple is working on fixing up the place so it will be ready for its new addition.

A source tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, "Sophie wanted a break from the past and a fresh start with their new arrival which meant a new home... They're planning to modernise the house throughout but it has great space and potential in which to bring up a family."

Cumberbatch and Hunter wed on Valentine's Day (14Feb15), weeks after confirming their baby news.