A spectacular home in North Devon gained notoriety as the saddest home ever featured on Grand Designs. The house, known as Chesil Cliff House, took 11 years to build and resulted in the owner, Edward Short, accumulating a massive debt of £7 million. Despite its jaw-dropping design and dramatic construction process, the mansion has been on the market for 13 years and has yet to be sold. The current asking price for the property is £5.25 million, significantly lower than the initial listing of £10 million.
Host Kevin McCloud has remained in contact with Edward and mentioned that there has been significant interest in the property, including inquiries from celebrities. The unique coastal mansion, designed to resemble a lighthouse, faced numerous developmental challenges during its construction. It features a cliff-top annexe called The Eye and is situated in Croyde, North Devon, attracting attention from notable figures like Harry Styles and Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard, Matt Fiddes.
Despite the initial hype and interest from potential buyers, the mansion has failed to secure a sale due to its high price tag. Edward, who originally budgeted £1.8 million for the project and hoped to complete it within 18 months, has faced financial struggles and personal challenges as a result of the prolonged construction period. The house has become a symbol of hubris and over-reaching, leading to the breakdown of Edward’s marriage and significant financial burden.
The tale of Chesil Cliff House serves as a cautionary story of ambition and its consequences. The property’s journey from a grand vision to an unsold relic highlights the complexities and challenges of undertaking ambitious construction projects. Despite its stunning design and celebrity interest, the mansion remains on the market, awaiting a buyer willing to take on both the financial and emotional weight associated with it. The saga of Chesil Cliff House continues to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the highs and lows of grand designs and the human stories behind them.