SJP and Broderick split

2009-07-22 12:25

Sarah Jessica Parker is living alone, according to a source. (AP)

Los Angeles - Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are to live apart.

The couple - who have been married for 12 years and have three children together, son James Wilkie, 6, and 1-month-old twin daughters Marion and Tabitha - have decided to set-up home in different properties in New York, because Matthew wants to remain in Manhattan, while Sarah and the children move to Brooklyn.

"It would be a surprising decision to make so soon after the arrival of their twins. Having the babies born healthy and happy was a dream come true, so it's strange that they might have to spend some time apart at this stage. No one can quite believe it, but it's clear they're making the right decision for all the right reasons," a source said.

Sarah is determined for her twins - who were born using a surrogate mother - to grow up away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The 44-year-old has already purchased a $10m nine-bedroom house in Brooklyn, where she believes the children will enjoy a quieter life.

"Sarah clearly loves Manhattan, but she has three children now. It might be better for them to grow up somewhere calmer where they can play in the park and feel safe, rather than in the madness of Manhattan," the insider added.

"But Matthew loves their townhouse in Manhattan because it's close to his work on Broadway. He's currently in negotiations to perform in an off-Broadway theatre production and it wouldn't make sense for him to commute into town every day for work."