RICHARD EDEN: Liz Hurley to build her own dream £3m country ‘palace’ from scratch in rural Gloucestershire
She juggles roles quite unlike anyone else, being an ambassador for Estee Lauder, for whom she spearheads a global breast cancer campaign, while simultaneously treating her 2.8million admirers on social media to generous sightings of her ageless figure in outfits from her own swimwear brand – and yet still somehow finds time to make her own jam.
Were that not enough, the inimitable Elizabeth Hurley is ready to take on another challenge. She is, I can reveal, intent on joining the likes of Jeremy Clarkson and property tycoon Jamie Ritblat by creating her own dream country house from scratch.
The project is no day-dream. ‘Elizabeth’s bought 40 acres in Gloucestershire,’ a chum tells me, adding that actress, who starred as Queen Helena in the uninhibited American spoof series The Royals, bought the land from fashion tycoon Julian Dunkerton, founder of Superdry. ‘She paid more than £2million for it,’ adds the chum, explaining that planning consent for a new building has already been granted.
Elizabeth’s budget suggests she’s intent on creating something authentically palatial. ‘She’s prepared to spend up to £3million,’ I’m told.
Some might express surprise that the 58-year-old could ever drag herself away from the sumptuous £6million Georgian house in Herefordshire which she bought in 2012 with her then fiance, the late and legendary Australian cricket star Shane Warne. When, the following year, she and Warne decided against marrying, Elizabeth kept the property.
‘Elizabeth’s bought 40 acres in Gloucestershire,’ a source tells Richard Eden, adding it cost more than £2m
Some might express surprise that the 58-year-old could ever drag herself away from the sumptuous £6million Georgian house in Herefordshire which she bought in 2012
Her move to Gloucestershire re-connects her with old chums. ‘She’s good friends with Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst at Sudeley [Castle],’ says a Gloucestershire resident to Richard Eden
Set in 183 acres, it has its own lake, 13 bedrooms and five bathrooms. It’s where Elizabeth enjoyed keeping open house, particularly for Damian – her son by the late Steve Bing, an American film producer who inherited $600million on his 18th birthday. Damian’s friends were always welcome there, not to mention his godfathers, who include her most famous ex, Hugh Grant, and Sir Elton John.
But it is perhaps rather too substantial even for the effervescent Hurley, now that Damian is 21.
Her move to Gloucestershire re-connects her with old chums. ‘She’s good friends with Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst at Sudeley [Castle],’ reflects a Gloucestershire grandee, pointing out that Elizabeth’s new home will be just down the road.
There will be the chance to make new friends too – Julian Dunkerton himself, who lives in splendour at Dowdeswell Court, eight miles away, with his radiant second wife, designer Jade Holland Cooper, and Jamie Ritblat, who’s even closer.
His new stately pile near Winchcombe has 11 bedrooms, cinema, cellar, swimming pool, stables, tennis court and, of course, servants’ quarters.
Not long, surely, before Liz is inviting them all over to tuck into her jam.
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