A multi-millionaire and the former bodyguard of Michael Jackson looks set to become the owner of the lighthouse from what was dubbed the 'saddest ever' episode of Grand Designs. Matt Fiddes, who lives in Devon but whose parents lived in Swindon, has reportedly made a £7.5million bid to purchase Chesil Cliff House.
DevonLive reports that, according to MailOnline, the celebrity bodyguard is worth an estimated £30million and put in his offer below the asking price to estate agents Knight Frank around four weeks ago. Prior to Mr Fiddes' reported bid, former One Direction star Harry Styles was rumoured to be buying the property, however, these rumours have since been quashed.
The Grand Designs episode which featured the lighthouse property was dubbed the "saddest episode ever" after the project led to owner Edward Short falling into millions of pounds of debt. It also cost him his marriage.
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According to the Daily Mail, Mr Fiddes who was formerly Michael Jackson’s bodyguard, plans to convert Chesil Cliff House into 12 luxury flats. He said: "Edward won’t like my idea of turning his life’s work into flats but if he hangs onto the property any longer finding a buyer who will meet his asking price will be almost impossible.’
The unique location of the house at Down End Point, Devon boasts panoramic views across Croyde Bay to the north as well as to Saunton beach and Braunton Burrows to the south. According to the Swindon Advertiser, Matt Fiddes said: "I've put in a bid for the most expensive house in Croyde.
"I had a painful time in Croyde when I was younger because I was evicted. But this property is five minutes away from my first rental when I moved out from my mum and dad's in Swindon.
"I have memories of planning my business and my dreams in Croyde so we've come full circle. People told me I wouldn't make it and it wouldn't work out.
"But I've been buying houses since I was 18 and it doesn't matter I can't write well because I only have to sign autographs and cheques." Matt claims that he didn't know at first that the house was famous as he doesn't often watch TV.
"My parents are from Old Town and every year we would go on caravan holidays to Croyde," he added. "My home will always be in Swindon; it's a great place to be and people always tell me they're proud of me."
"I've never worked so hard in my life as I did at the beginning of lockdown. I like a challenge and I was responsible for so many families who have always been loyal to me. We grew like hell and it was mad."
Posting a photograph of Chesil House on Instagram (September 17) Matt Fiddes wrote: "Who remembers this house on [Grand Designs]? Wish me luck! Looking good so far!"
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