Katie Holmes taking steps to distance herself from Tom Cruise?

Britain's Grazia magazine is reporting that Katie Holmes is taking steps to distance herself from Tom Cruise by moving away from the controlling environment of the $35m mansion.

"Katie just wanted a small retreat where she can just go alone, or with Suri, to have a more normal and private life," a source said.

"She craves privacy and freedom. Katie can totally relax there and walks around in her pajamas, can talk freely to her family on the phone and sits outside in the backyard by the pool. It's very cozy and relaxed.

"She has even appointed and vetted her own staff, none of which are affiliated to Scientology.

"Whatever people might think, Katie is doing things of her own accord. She's sick of people saying she's controlled."