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This is a story that’s quite likely to disappear once the news cycle kicks in — born on the weekend, Apple will more than likely knock it down. Probably. Until then, as far as the rest of us know, Apple’s British-born design guru is said to be considering a move back to the UK, which could see him leave the company with a fistful of dollars.

Britain’s Daily Mail reports that Jonathan Ive — who at the very least played a leading role in the creation of the iMac, iPod, iPhone, MacBooks, iPad and more — wants to take his wife and two kiddos back to his home country. Why? So, the little ones can go to school there.

For its part, Apple is none too keen to see Ive go and they aren’t willing to let him “commute” from England, where he owns a £2.5 million country estate. Further, telecommuting has been ruled out, as well.

Keep the home fires burning…

An Ive friend of the family has said, “Unfortunately, he is just too valuable to Apple and they told him in no uncertain terms that if he headed back to England, he would not be able to sustain his position with them.”

Additionally, Ive’s said to be considering cashing in AAPL options issued back in 2008, a move that could net him around $30 million.

The pull of hearth and home — impulses that are very, very hard it ignore.

Is Ive heading home? Can Apple survive without him and Steve Jobs, who’s taken a third medical leave? Hmm, daunting questions…

What’s your take?

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