As Holly Valance splits from billionaire husband, a look into their property empire

7NEWS

a day ago

Holly Valance, the Australian actress and singer who rose to fame on Neighbours, has reportedly split from her husband of 13 years, British billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy.
In the 1990s, together with his brother Christian, Mr Candy began building a formidable property empire, which has since been punctuated by record-breaking developments like the £1.2 billion (AU$2.502 billion) One Hyde Park in London's ritzy Knightsbride.
The couple, who share two daughters, met in 2009 and were engaged two years later.
They married in a lavish AU$6 million ceremony in Beverly Hills in 2012.
Naturally, the family have enjoyed quite the luxury lifestyle, with a property portfolio that spans some of the world's most exclusive locales.
So if you've ever wondered where luxury property developers like to call home, we take a look at the notable properties they shared during their marriage.
One Hyde Park Penthouse, London
At the pinnacle of their property portfolio is the duplex penthouse at One Hyde Park, one of London's most prestigious addresses and 'one of the most exclusive and secure residential developments in the world,' according to the Sotheby's International listing.
Spanning 18,000 square feet over the 10th and 11th floors, the ultra-luxury home features five bedrooms, an eight-metre-high reception room, a Japanese-themed kitchen, private spa, gym, cocktail bar, home cinema, and a wraparound terrace with uninterrupted views over Hyde Park.
The principal suite alone covers 2,300 square feet, complete with dressing rooms and twin bathrooms featuring Jacuzzi-style pools.
Despite its grandeur, the couple reportedly spent only about 20 days a year at the penthouse.
In 2018, Candy sold the property for £160 million (AU$333.6 million) to offshore companies under his control so he could remortgage it with an £80 million (AU$166.8 million) loan.
The penthouse was listed for £175 million (AU$364.9 million) in 2021 and remains on the market, making it one of London's most expensive apartments.
Gordon House, London
Another impressive residence is Gordon House in the coveted south-west borough of Chelsea, a Grade II-listed property built in 1809.
Set on acres of grounds that form part of Chelsea's Royal Hospital, the property was acquired by Christian Candy in 2012 along with two neighbouring properties. He began renovations and then gifted the soon-to-be mansion to Nick Candy in 2014, who lived there with Ms Valance and their girls.
The estate underwent extensive renovations to turn it into a luxury home, including the addition of a 14,000-square-foot subterranean lifestyle complex - essentially a basement featuring Europe's first private IMAX cinema, a wine cellar, and a leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna, cold plunge, dance studio, treatment rooms and even a bowling alley.
The entire property now spans 40,000 square feet of internal space, including a two-storey guest house with a double-height courtyard and retractable glass ceiling.
Cotswolds estate, Oxfordshire, UK
In 2021, the couple purchased a £10 million (AU$20.85 million) Georgian heritage estate in the Cotswolds, described as a 'home sweet home' in the Oxfordshire countryside.
The stately seven-bedroom property is a short drive from trendy private members club Soho Farmhouse, where Meghan Markle held her three-day hen's party before marrying Prince Harry in 2018.
Set on nine acres, it features a Grade II-listed main house, guest cottages, pool, stables, tennis and squash courts, plus its very own chapel.
Mr Candy told UK Mail Online in 2021 that he, Ms Valance and their children had been yearning to live in the countryside and were thrilled with the purchase.
'We have been looking for years to get something in the Cotswolds for the family, and finally, a year ago, we found a gorgeous family home in a wonderful village,' he said.
'We're very immersed in our quiet country life at weekends and adore the friendly and welcoming village.'
The area is no stranger to wealth and celebrity status. High-profile personalities who have also bought in the area include Kate Moss, Lily Allen, Hugh Grant, and famously, David and Victoria Beckham.
Beverly Hills mansion, Los Angeles
The couple's Beverly Hills pad is the epitome of a glamorous, international lifestyle in luxury real estate.
The modernist mansion in LA's Holmby Hills is known as The Reserve, designed to reflect 'tranquility and peace'.
Beyond the swaying palms, you'll find ceilings that are 14-feet high, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and the 50-foot swimming pool.
Other highlights include a lush master wing, wine room, elegant Art Deco Hollywood bar and plush 1920s French Regency-style cinema.
There is also a pretty spectacular kid's play room.
Of course, there is also a separate 10,000-square-foot, three-storey guest house, which hardly fits the definition considering it has five bedrooms, a gym, spa and carport.
According to Mansion Global, many of these luxurious features were added by Mr Candy, who bought the estate from his brother in 2018.
He paid US$28.5 million (AU$43.3 million), according to Zillow.
Mr Candy listed the property for US$85 million (AU$129 million) in 2022. It is still on the market, after a US$10 million price cut in 2024, and a further US$10 million cut this June to US$65 million (AU$98.8 million).
Ms Valance found fame on Neighbours as Felicity 'Flick' Scully before launching a career as a pop star after moving to the UK in 2002. Her debut album 'Footprints' produced three hits, including Kiss Kiss, which charted at number one in the UK.
The actor, singer and model then turned her sights to Hollywood, appearing on TV series like Prison Break and Entourage, and even landing a role in the Liam Neeson film Taken.