Manchester United and former England football star Gary Neville is making headlines again after announcing plans to sell a group of exclusive properties on his Harwood estate.
The eco-conscious footballer recently stirred controversy when his planning application to build a ‘zero-carbon’ underground bunker was refused by Bolton council – receiving over one hundred complaints by local residents in the process.
Now, two weeks later, Gary has put his Harwood mansion, Alexander House, up for sale and is selling six other properties also on the estate.
With a price tag of £6 million, the seven-bedroom mansion is being managed by Knight Frank.
As well as panoramic views across the local greenbelt countryside, the house hosts a three story atrium dining hall, an indoor swimming pool, a cinema/games room and an ‘office’, (which also doubles up as a two-bedroom cottage!)
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Both the mansion and the smaller, former out-buildings were in complete disrepair when the football star bought the estate in 2004. According to a planning report they were, “at risk of deteriorating beyond repair” unless “significant investment” was attracted.
It is unknown how much the footballer-cum-property developer spent restoring the 18th Century estate.
The other six properties up for sale range in size and price, with the smaller cottages starting at £350,000 and the larger family homes costing up to £995,000. All properties are being managed by Fine and County Estate Agents based in Ramsbottom.
Fine and Country estate agent, Julian Serrier, said: "Gary certainly has an eye for design. The development standard is exceptionally high and the surrounding countryside is stunning.
When asked whether Gary should hang up his football boots and move into property full time, Mr Serrier said: "The timing in the market is just about right, we're coming out of a bad period and if he continues to make good investments and develop the way he has so far, then he's going to have a fantastic future."
Vita Natura cottages
The development has been named Vita Natura and each individual property has been specially named, with one being christened ‘Mollie’, after Gary’s daughter.
Each property is described as a luxury home and according to local paper, The Bury Times, they boast designer kitchens and bathroom suites. For those with the cash to spare, they can even choose to have their new home kitted out by Gary’s team of interior designers.
However, just how ‘natura’ Vita Natura will be still remains to be seen, as Gary’s proposed 174ft wind turbine has been refused planning permission alongside his ‘eco-bunker’ two weeks ago. The footballer had hoped to power the development using the energy generated from the turbine.
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