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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Premier League star plans to build £5m superhome in wealthy ‘footballers haven'…but had to agree to unusual condition
RULED ONSIDE Premier League star plans to build £5m superhome in wealthy 'footballers haven'…but had to agree to unusual condition Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DANNY Drinkwater's plans for a change of formation at his dream £5million new build mansion have been ruled "on-side" by planners. The former Chelsea and Leicester midfielder, 35, wants to demolish a former World War II munitions shed to make way for a seven-bed superhome - complete with a club room. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Danny Drinkwater on a building site Credit: Instagram 7 A digital design for the new home included in the planning documents Credit: Ascot Design 7 Drinkwater's proposed new home is close to Alderley Edge - where many footballers live Credit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures It comes after the now-retired star was forced to alter previous plans and apply for a special licence from Natural England after a survey revealed the area is a popular roosting spot for endangered bats. Planners at the local council had slammed the "inappropriate" and "disproportionate" development on green belt land, but ultimately the changes were considered sufficient. Drinkwater's plans incorporate a special 19x13ft "bat loft" to allow access to the furry mammals. The luxury Georgian-style pad will boast a swimming pool, gym and cinema in the footballers' haven of Alderley Edge, Cheshire. It will also feature a grand entrance hall, orangery, drawing room, boot room, lift and no less than seven bedrooms, each with their own dressing room. Drinkwater was first granted planning permission for the stately pile four YEARS ago but building work has still not started. And now he wants to move the proposed 36ftx13 indoor pool, gym and four-bay garage into two separate outbuildings. In a statement, his planning agent said: "Since the granting of permission and the initial implementation of the proposals, the applicant wishes to alter the design as consented to suit the preferences and requirements of his family in the creation of a family home. "The purpose of the revised design is to reduce the bulk of the main house elevation and garage so that the home may sit more freely in the landscape and to improve openness in the green belt setting." Original plans for the new build included a snug, wine store, morning and evening terrace, library and office but these have now been subbed off. Ex-Man Utd and Chelsea star Juan Mata turns to 11 football legends including Eric Cantona to help launch new career The proposed site is a seven-acre farm that was used by the military with a number of munitions and railway sheds served by a now disused railway. Drinkwater won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016 but made just 23 appearances for Chelsea in four years including several unsuccessful loan spells. He hung up his boots two years ago after leaving Reading at the end of the 2021-22 season and is now a property developer. Last year, he hit back at a troll after posting a picture of himself "grafting" on a building site. He got plenty of derisory comments including one that read: "F***ing hell Danny, you've hit rock bottom." But he hit back, saying: "Some of these messages, behave. I love being on site grafting! It's a choice." Officials at Cheshire East Council gave his amended new build plans the go-ahead after there were no objections from neighbours. They said: "It is accepted that the proposed scheme provides a more sustainable home on the site whilst having a measurably smaller and more visually appropriate impact on the country setting." The Sun has contacted Drinkwater for comment. What is special about Alderley Edge? Alderley Edge is part of Cheshire's 'Golden Triangle' - an affluent area of small towns and villages which also includes Wilmslow and Prestbury. Set in glorious countryside, the area is known for its expensive homes, high-end shops and upmarket bars and restaurants. It is popular with wealthy Premier League footballers and celebrities, and has earned a reputation as a millionaire's playground and a place to see and be seen. London Road, running through the centre of Alderley Edge, is frequently lined with millions of pounds worth of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bugattis as well as luxury 4X4s and other cars. The gated mansions offer peace and privacy and current residents on one particular road include Liverpool's Andy Robertson and his teammate Alexis Mac Allister. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once lived there as well as ex-United keeper Sergio Romero. And Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is also thought to own a property on the road. 7 The building will replace a WW2 munitions shed Credit: Ascot Design 7 The home's proposed floor plan Credit: Ascot Design 7 Drinkwater playing for Chelsea in 2021 Credit: 2021 Visionhaus
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Premier League star plans to build £5m superhome in wealthy ‘footballers haven'…but had to agree to unusual condition
DANNY Drinkwater's plans for a change of formation at his dream £5million new build mansion have been ruled "on-side" by planners. The former 7 Danny Drinkwater on a building site Credit: Instagram 7 A digital design for the new home included in the planning documents Credit: Ascot Design 7 Drinkwater's proposed new home is close to Alderley Edge - where many footballers live Credit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures It comes after the now-retired star was forced to alter previous plans and Planners at the local council had slammed the "inappropriate" and "disproportionate" development on green belt land, but ultimately the changes were considered sufficient. Drinkwater's plans incorporate a special 19x13ft "bat loft" to allow access to the furry mammals. The luxury Georgian-style pad will boast a swimming pool, gym and cinema in the footballers' haven of Alderley Edge, Cheshire. Read more news It will also feature a grand entrance hall, orangery, drawing room, boot room, lift and no less than seven bedrooms, each with their own dressing room. Drinkwater was first granted planning permission for the stately pile four YEARS ago but building work has still not started. And now he wants to move the proposed 36ftx13 indoor pool, gym and four-bay garage into two separate outbuildings. In a statement, his planning agent said: "Since the granting of permission and the initial implementation of the proposals, the applicant wishes to alter the design as consented to suit the preferences and requirements of his family in the creation of a family home. Most read in Football "The purpose of the revised design is to reduce the bulk of the main house elevation and garage so that the home may sit more freely in the landscape and to improve openness in the green belt setting." Original plans for the new build included a snug, wine store, morning and evening terrace, library and office but these have now been subbed off. Ex-Man Utd and Chelsea star Juan Mata turns to 11 football legends including Eric Cantona to help launch new career The proposed site is a seven-acre farm that was used by the military with a number of munitions and railway sheds served by a now disused railway. Drinkwater won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016 but made just 23 appearances for Chelsea in four years including several unsuccessful loan spells. He hung up his boots two years ago after leaving Reading at the end of the 2021-22 season and is now a property developer. Last year, he hit back at a troll after posting a picture of himself "grafting" on a building site. He got plenty of derisory comments including one that read: "F***ing hell Danny, you've hit rock bottom." But he hit back, saying: "Some of these messages, behave. I love being on site grafting! It's a choice." Officials at Cheshire East Council gave his amended new build plans the go-ahead after there were no objections from neighbours . They said: "It is accepted that the proposed scheme provides a more sustainable home on the site whilst having a measurably smaller and more visually appropriate impact on the country setting." The Sun has contacted Drinkwater for comment. What is special about Alderley Edge? Set in glorious countryside, the area is known for its expensive homes, high-end shops and upmarket bars and restaurants. It is popular with wealthy Premier League footballers and celebrities, and has earned a reputation as a millionaire's playground and a place to see and be seen. London Road, running through the centre of Alderley Edge, is frequently lined with millions of pounds worth of The gated mansions offer peace and privacy and current residents on one particular road include Liverpool's Andy Robertson and his teammate Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once lived there as well as ex-United keeper Sergio Romero. And 7 The building will replace a WW2 munitions shed Credit: Ascot Design 7 The home's proposed floor plan Credit: Ascot Design 7 Drinkwater playing for Chelsea in 2021 Credit: 2021 Visionhaus 7 Alderley Edge is part of Cheshire's 'Golden Triangle' Credit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
Mint
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise and more: Here's a look at most expensive Hollywood homes
Ever wondered who owns the most expensive mansion in Hollywood? From power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z to heavyweights like Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise and Kim Kardashian, the A-listers in the entertainment industry stay in some of the ultra-luxurious properties, which are more than mere houses. They are considered as the symbol of success. The billionaire couple are proud owners of a 30,000 sq ft property in Malibu, which sits on eight acres of land that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. They are believed to have spent around a whopping $200 million on the mansion, according to Hello! magazine. Designed by Japanese master architect Tadao Ando, the property was previously owned by William 'Bill' Bell Jr., an art collector. Apart from this, they also own a mansion in Bel Air, situated around 21 miles away. Purchased in the summer of 2017, they paid nearly $88 million for the mansion and reports suggest that the family of five spend the majority of their time here. Having a net worth of $3.1 billion, as per Forbes, Winfrey generated most of her fortune from her hit talk show that ran for 25 years until 2011. Her real estate portfolio includes multiple houses in California as well as more than a dozen other properties, including 2,100 acres of land in Hawaii. One of her highly popular homes is the 'Promised Land', which is located in California's Montecito. She paid nearly $50 million for this property, which is spread over 42 acres and includes a 23,000-square-foot Georgian-style house as well as an outdoor area for pool, tennis court and other things. The Mission Impossible star once owned an enormous compound in Telluride, Colorado, which he sold for $39.5 million in 2021. This property served as a backdrop when he and former partner Katie Holmes introduced their daughter, Suri, in 2006. It boasts a main house with 10,000 square feet of space, featuring four big bedrooms. Also, there is a separate guest house with three rooms. According to a report, Kim Kardashian's dream to complete her home is nearing its end as several photographs revealed that the Hidden Hills, California, mansion has witnessed a dramatic transformation. Originally purchased for $20 million in 2014, Kardashian was married to rapper Kanye West at that time. The couple parted ways in 2022. In 2018, her mother Kris Jenner insisted that the property was worth $60 million. Kylie Jenner keeps sharing photographs of her lavish $36.5 million home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, on social media. Purchased in 2020, the property has seven bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. Interestingly, the house was originally listed for $55 million, but Kylie managed to get a $18.5 million discount on the same.
New York Post
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Sting's former London-area home — where he lived at the peak of the Police's fame — has listed for $16M
An ivy-covered English home with 300 years of history — including ownership by Sting — is on the market for $16 million. The historic property, called Frognal, is available for the first time in more than 35 years from the brokerage Savills. Frognal is believed to be one of the oldest surviving homes in the Hampstead area of London. Its original structure dates back to the early 18th century. Located behind a gated entrance and a walled front garden, the Georgian-style home offers seclusion fit for a rock star. The home's three stories include five bedrooms, two kitchens, three reception rooms and a two-story gabled porch. 10 An aerial view of the 300-year-old home. Courtesy of Savills 10 The English singer Sting, pictured in 1979. Getty Images The interiors, spanning roughly 4,300 square feet, boast period details throughout, including arched windows and original fireplaces. Best of all, a roof terrace boasts views of the London skyline. 'This remarkable home is said to be among the oldest surviving houses in the area and is certainly one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture I've encountered in my career,' Nier Gigi at Savills Hampstead said in a statement shared with The Post. Sting bought the property with his first wife Frances Tomelty in 1980, according to the London Evening Standard. Sting's band the Police was at the peak of its fame, riding high from chart-topping hits like 'Roxanne' and 'Message in a Bottle.' Sting's biographer, Christopher Sanford, told the outlet that the property was comparatively modest 'in comparison to other rockers' mansions,' noting that Sting decorated the stately home with shag pile and artistic lighting. 10 The brown brick facade was once three distinct buildings in England's Georgian era. Courtesy of Savills 10 One of two kitchens. Courtesy of Savills 10 The home spans three stories, plus a rooftop terrace. Courtesy of Savills 10 A large bedroom with a fireplace and ceiling molding. Courtesy of Savills 10 A living area. Courtesy of Savills 10 The garden, memories of which inspired a later Sting album. Courtesy of Savills Sting, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, put the property back on the market after just two years, but memories of the property would stay with him. The rocker has said that his solo album, 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles,' was inspired by a dream about his Hampstead garden. In addition to Sting, the property was home to the Russian prima ballerina Tamara Karsavina, a founding star of British ballet, from 1950 to 1974. The 18th-century property is Grade II listed, meaning that England considers the home of special historic and architectural significance. With lengthy history comes great responsibility — owners of listed homes have to get special permission to make changes, like replacing windows, similar to landmarked properties. 10 Tamara Karasavina, the iconic Russian prima ballerina. Getty Images 10 From her home in Hampstead, Karasavina became one of the founders of modern British ballet. AP Before its era of celebrity, the idyllic brown brick building was segmented into three Georgian-era dwellings, according to Savills. The property once served as a public house, known variously as the Three Pigeons and the Duke of Cumberland.
Irish Examiner
14-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
North Cork: Nature, history and hospitality on a trip through The Good Country
It takes ten minutes to pack my overnight bag and swimming gear. I then stuff a few snacks into my handbag, fill a water bottle, and jump into the car. With my teenage son as a travelling companion – he packs in less than two minutes - we hit the road to North Cork. Along the way, we enjoy blue skies and high temperatures, bringing nature out in all its blooming glory – drifts of hawthorn and flamboyant horse chestnut trees in full spring swagger. We pulled into Ballyhass Adventure Park outside Mallow in under an hour. The place is a hive of activity, with adults and children moving in all directions. Wild and wonderful activities include a giant aquapark, axe throwing, cliff climbing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. It radiates positivity here, largely thanks to the upbeat and helpful staff. An aerial view of Ballyhass Adventure Park, Mallow, Co Cork We are booked in for a wood-fired sauna. A quick change into our swimsuits in a welcome, if rustic, changing room, and we are ready to go. The heat inside our Hobbit-style hut is like nothing I've ever experienced - a scorching 100°F and climbing. We tough it out for all of three minutes. My teenager walks straight down to the water's edge and jumps in. I take the scenic route via a ladder, submerging myself in the freezing water one slow step at a time. When I look over my shoulder to find a patient queue, it is now or never to make the final plunge. The benefits are immediate — every cell tingles, my head clears, and every worry vanishes. A sauna at Ballyhass Adventure Park We complete two more rounds of savage heat, followed by cold immersion, and our time is up. We belt up the road to the highly recommended Thatch and Thyme restaurant in Kildorrery, run by owner and cook Joanne McEldowney. It is peak lunchtime, so have a wait before our food arrives, but every bite and spoonful is worth it. My spinach and basil soup is a joy — packed with flavour and satisfying goodness. The always-hungry teenager orders the classic BLT toasted sandwich, which comes with a large side serving of salad. I watch in quiet amazement as he horses into the salad – a first. When I comment on his breakthrough, he shrugs and says it tastes good. Doneraile Court, Doneraile, Co Cork Doneraile Court With full bellies and a 2.30pm appointment at Doneraile Court and Estate, we are met by over 400 acres of bucolic landscaped gardens punctuated by shrubs and trees. Head guide Mary Leamy takes us on an extended tour of the house in which generations of the St Leger family lived from the 1600s to 1969. Her free-flowing knowledge of the Georgian-style house is impressive as she reveals, room by room, its layered history. Duhallow Hunt and Whalebone display Doneraile House, second floor. Picture Clare Keogh Elizabeth St Leger, believed to be the world's first Lady Freemason, looms large in the estate's history. It's believed that in 1712, while still a teenager, she fell asleep reading in the library and, upon waking, overheard a Freemason's meeting in the adjacent room. She attempted to leave unnoticed but was spotted by the butler. After a heated debate, the Freemasons, which included her father and brothers, decided to initiate her. Elizabeth fully embraced the opportunity, going on to become a Master Mason. In the drawing room, with the original 1870s floor-to-ceiling mirror still in place, it is moving to see a photograph of the last St Leger to live in the house, Mary, Lady Doneraile, taken in the same room. Munster Plantation Room; Walter and Elizabeth Raleigh, Doneraile House. Picture Clare Keogh She looks lost in the grand room built for another era. The estate was sold to the Land Commission in 1969. History was not on her side. We stay almost three enchanted hours — you would easily need a day to explore the depths of the house and grounds —but we are on a tight schedule. Grub's up at Ciara O'Brien's Barnahown B&B, Mitchelstown Barnahown B&B Our next stop is the new Barnahown B&B in Mitchelstown, run by entrepreneurial Ciara O'Brien. The makeover from a hollowed-out house to a fully functioning business was featured on RTÉ's At Your Service, presented by hoteliers Francis and John Brennan. The remodelled house looks better in real life, with the imposing Galtee Mountains playing a showstopping role. O'Brien is rightly proud of its high-quality finish. Two singles at Ciara O'Brien's Barnahown B&B, Mitchelstown. Our boutique-style bedroom, located at the rear of the house, offers an elevated view of the mountains. The mattresses are 'princess and the pea' high, and the bed linen is to five-star hotel standard. The room and the en suite are spotless. Though small, every nook and cranny earns its space with cleverly designed fittings and furniture. We unpack and change for dinner at the Market Place in Mitchelstown, a short drive away by car. We are so hungry, we would have happily eaten the menu for starters. My son orders prawn pil pil (again, a first), which arrived on a smoking-hot griddle. My tomato and red pepper soup is light and brimming with flavour. We follow with a melting butter chicken masala for him and a herb-crusted seabass dish, served with a chorizo tomato sauce and greens, which had just the right bite. Portions are generous, so we skip desserts, delicious as they sound. Our food arrived promptly, and owner John O'Connor and staff offered a relaxed service with plenty of easy conversation. With the blazing sun setting, we walk the town's historic streets, making our way to the limestone-cut buildings dating from the 18th century. The frozen-in-time Georgian quarter, set around King's Square, looked familiar – it featured in RTÉ's DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland in 2022, when six houses were upgraded for families seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine. We sleep like royalty and - blame the fresh mountain air - wake ready for breakfast. My son asks for the 'full Irish' and locally sourced perfection arrives on a plate. Of particular note are the moist scrambled eggs. I opt for a lighter breakfast, consisting of natural yogurt with berries, granola, porridge, and gluten-free bread. Adding an unexpected but welcome kick, tiny bowls of peanut butter (Harry's) and a cashew and chilli crush (Rivesci), both pack a big taste punch. Earl Grey tea comes in a large pot, followed by a cafetière of coffee—abundance from start to finish. Annes Grove house and gardens, Castletownroche Annes Grove Gardens I drop the well-fed teen off at the bus stop so he can meet up with friends in the city as planned. Next on the agenda is a visit to Castletownroche to explore the historic Annes Grove Gardens, which have been home to the Annesley family since the 1600s, until it was gifted to the State in 2015. The 30-acre gardens found a new splendour under Richard Arthur Grove Annesley, who took over in 1892. He was deeply influenced by Irish-born gardener and writer William Robinson, who rejected neat Victorian landscaping, prioritising natural lines instead. To realise this 'let them be' vision, plant hunter Frank Kingdon-Ward travelled extensively, gathering exotic plants from Tibet, Burma and Bhutan for Annes Grove. The layered, wild setting, with flowers, shrubs and trees tumbling down to the Awbeg river is the remarkable and enduring result. Though the look is wild, every plant has its place in the tapestry, framing views and offering glimpses of what lies beyond the line of sight. Hellebores at Annes Grove Gardens Some of the spectacular flowering shrubs dating back to the Robinsonian era include Cornus kousa (east Asia), Eucryphia (South America), and Hoheria (New Zealand). The garden is in blousy bloom and with riotous colours — hydrangeas, wisteria, and rhododendrons. A personal favourite is the Siberian crab apple trees in full white flower, abundant and glorious. Head OPW guide Aileen Spitere rattles off their common names with ease, as if referring to extended family members—Mrs. G.W. Leak, Chorus Girls, and Chilean Fire Tree. My trip coincides with an open-air performance from the Verdant Troupe. While site foreman and horticulturist Colm O'Shea brings us on an intriguing tour of the gardens, the reenactors seamlessly interject, playing characters who had previously lived on the grounds. Among a disparate cast, we met Richard and Hilda Grove Annesley, cook Molly O'Reilly, stable hand Daly and novelist Elizabeth Bowen. A delightful experience, bringing history to life. (The next tour is on Saturday, October, 5.) Lough Gur, Co Limerick Lough Gur I have one final destination on my agenda: a trip to the mystical Lough Gur in Co Limerick. (Unfortunately, there is not enough time to call into the highly rated Juniper for lunch in Mallow.) It's one of the country's most significant architectural sites, with evidence of settled human habitation dating to 3,800 BCE. Now a protected wildlife sanctuary, the calm waters and scenic setting radiate serenity. The site has proven to be a portal into our ancient past for archaeologists, who have uncovered ancient dwellings and other artefacts. And in a case of history meeting mythology, the lake and surrounding area are ribboned in folklore, many of which are about the 14th-century Third Earl of Desmond, known locally as Geároid Iarla. It is said he gained his power of sorcery from his mother, the Celtic goddess Áine, a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, who was renowned for her power over crops and animals. I am met by Brian Collopy, the operations manager of Lough Gur Visitor Centre, a few miles away at the Grange Stone Circle. With a background in folklore, he is well placed to understand the significance of the 113-stone circle, pointing out how it draws people of all creeds and ages. The summer solstice celebration typically draws an eclectic crowd, from local farmers to pagan spiritualists and drumming dancers, he tells me. Grange Stone Circle, Lough Gur, Co Limerick The stones resemble giant jagged teeth. The largest one, Rannach Chruim Duibh (Dark Stoop), stands over four meters in height (about 2.5m above and 1.5m below soil level) and weighs a hefty 40 tons. We walk to the monumental stone-lined entrance – it faces the rising sun on the summer solstice - two centurion portal stones, around 2m (6.5 ft) high, guard both sides of the entrance. The imposing entrance is matched by two majestic stones on the southwest side, whose sloping sides form a V-shape. The discovery of carvings on a nearby stone in 2022 suggests it's aligned with sunrise at the solstice. Collopy is a walking and talking encyclopedia about the area, moving seamlessly from local folklore to ancient history. The place begs for more time and conversation, but I have to turn the car around and head home. By the time I roll into my driveway, I've clocked up some 270km— a road trip that has revealed new and intriguing parts of the country all within shouting distance. Escape Notes Ballyhass Adventure Centre: Doneraile Court: Annes Grove Gardens: Lough Gur: Barnahown B&B: Irene was a guest of Fáilte Ireland. For more things to do in North Cork, see
