Yours for a cool £70m Britain's most expensive new home
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.For once, the estate agent had no need of hyperbole. A 30-bedroom house complete with five swimming pools, two bowling alleys and a cinema has been sold for an estimated £70m to make it Britain's most expensive new home.
Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum, the racehorse owner and Crown Prince of Dubai, is rumoured to have bought Updown Court in Windlesham, Surrey, which is set in 90 acres of landscaped gardens. Builders involved with the project said no expense had been spared for the lavish new home that incorporates luxury stables and a wine cellar with a special tasting area.
A winding driveway is made of the world's most expensive marble with underground heating to prevent it from freezing during the winter months. A banqueting hall seats 30 and a huge main kitchen has enough room for 10 chefs. For the guests, there is underground parking with space for nine limousines.
The American-based architect John Scholz, who specialises in homes for the rich and famous around the world, confirmed that a foreign head of state had bought the house for "entertaining" while in Britain.
He was expected to complete within the next few weeks as builders put the finishing touches to the building. Mr Scholz said: "There are only a handful of foreign heads of state who have enough money to buy this place." Mr Scholz said he was sworn to secrecy over the identity of the buyer.
One local woman said: "Everyone around this area believes it is Sheikh Mohammed who has bought the place. It really is right up his street."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments