A PERSONAL gym, home cinema and converted media and leisure complex – who would live in a house like this?
Well for the time being, it is the stunning New Forest property of former Saints chairman Michael Wilde.
But that could all change after the eight-acre estate, which includes a paddock and hard-surface tennis court, was put up for sale – for £5.5m.
Burley Grange, nestled in the heart of the National Park, is being advertised as a luxury home in a private location through the estate agents Savills.
Electronically-operated double gates guarding the property conceal a “manicured” garden, including flower beds, an expansive lawn and a large pond.
The backdrop to the grounds is a nine-hole golf course with views beyond of the New Forest.
Mr Wilde, who left Southampton Football Club in 2009, has now put the property on the market.
But the reasons for the sale and his next move remain a mystery after he declined to discuss the matter. Particulars for the house say: “Burley Grange is well placed for access to the south coast and some of the best beaches in the country, in addition to the world renowned sailing available in The Solent.”
It goes on to describe the “elegant”
drawing room, bespoke kitchen with handcrafted cupboards and staff preparation area. On the first floor, it says, there is an “outstanding” master bedroom with luxurious en suite bathroom.
There is a self-contained wing with a double aspect living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom. It has been described as being “ideal” as a nanny flat.
Outside, a converted coach house contains a gym, billiards room with bar, office space, a software library, home cinema, and large conservatory.
Mr Wilde became the biggest shareholder at Saints in February 2006, seizing control as chairman in June the same year.
However, in February 2007 he stepped down after it became clear that new investment was not forthcoming. The multi-millionaire businessman was to make a comeback as the chairman of the football board in 2008, along with Rupert Lowe, who came in as chairman of the PLC.
But a year later, both men resigned from the boards of Southampton Leisure Holdings and Southampton Football Club and the PLC was put into administration.
The former grammar school boy, who came to Hampshire around 20-years ago, is chairman of the Merlion Group Ltd – a specialist provider of affordable housing.
He has a wife, Janet and son, Marc and has lived in Jersey since 2005.
