A Swindon-born multimillionaire says he remains interested in buying a lighthouse described as the “saddest home” ever featured on Grand Designs.
Matt Fiddes, the former bodyguard of pop megastar Michael Jackson, previously registered interest in Chesil Cliff House.
The property is located in Croyde in North Devon and was made famous by the hit Channel 4 show, which dubbed it the “saddest ever” project.
Owner Edward Short's marriage collapsed and he ended up millions in debt in his desperate bid to build and then sell the dream home on the Devon coast.
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Swindon celeb Matt viewed the property in the past and says he warned owner Mr Short about what would happen if he did not lower the price.
He said: “I built my property portfolio in the South West and I know the market, I know how it works.
“I told Edward face to face and said it wouldn’t sell but you can lead a horse to water and all that.
“I do feel sorry for the guy as no one wants to see anyone lose everything.”
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The 44-year-old tabled a £7.5m bid for the property in 2022 and has now had his interest reignited now that it has been relisted with Rightmove for £5.25m.
“I am going to enquire into it today, it just had to be available at the right price,” added Matt.
“It is an incredible property but it should have been split into two separate properties.
“I would turn it into 12 apartments as myself and my wife and spoke with Knight Frank and it is perfect for that.
“We would rent the other house and make thousands.”
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Matt, who runs martial arts schools around the globe, used to travel to Croyde as a child for family holidays and now wishes to return.
“My family saved up to go there and I created my plans for the martial arts school there so I would love to go back there,” he said.
“The residents want it abolished and knocked down. I know the leader of the local council and I would like to explain my plans and hope to get their approval.
“I won’t do it if they don’t want it as the place means a lot to me because of my roots as I took my holidays there.”
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