This was really the crucial moment, in 1988, when Mr Caudwell finally found his calling. "I would knock on those doors until I'd been to every door in the neighbourhood. John is passionate about property. The 67-year Mr Caudwell says 4U Net is now a vital part of his plans, though it makes no money for the group. The 68-year It would have been ruined anyway, McFly: 'NME used to call us c***s - now they give us five-star reviews', On TV tonight, BBC Two uncovers Chanel's mystery man Karl Lagerfeld, Interior Design Masters is the only good talent contest left on TV, The best part of Interior Design Masters is the baffled tradies, Helen Flanagan could win I'm a Celebrity South Africa if there was a public vote - too bad, The best new books in May 2023, from Tom Hanks' debut novel to Emma Cline's The Guest, How the audiobook boom made listening the new reading, The sexist bunny boiler trope is gone. I believe in sink or swim, and if one of my companies can't survive on its own, then another company shouldn't prop it up, especially at the expense of my own customers.". no hidden. ", Britain's Most Expensive Home: Building For A Billionaire, Wednesday 5February at 9pm on Channel 4, Take a look inside billionaire John Caudwell's 250million mansion home in new Channel 4 documentary, The pair are considering a move to London, Sports Illustrated star Heidi's daughter no longer lives at home, The actress plays DCI Vera Stanhope in the hit show, Police swarmed Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's home after a fan turned up on her doorstep, Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines has left her fans concerned, Angelina has recently joined The Repair Shop team, The Loose Women star isn't afraid of change. Every morning, he clocks up 40 miles, returns to his rural manor house, then The property was purchased from a Channel Islands trust that linked to Jefri Bolkiah, the unfathomably rich and famously profligate younger brother of the Sultan of Brunei. ", His voice rises enthusiastically with the memory. The group also includes the Phones 4U chain of retail outlets. The expansive gym includes state of the art equipment. Inside Tech Billionaire John Caudwells $300 Million London Home. He plans to demolish the John Caudwell: a billionaire on a budget The charity-focused tycoon is camping out in a mansion, upset by the plight of his old company John Caudwell at his The narrator assured us that Johns motivation to spend so much on the house is in part to attract a better quality of guest to his yearly charity ball, but the charity itself states that the ball brought in 1.5m in donations in 2018. "So I managed to talk some big retailers into buying the product from me, on the basis that most of the profit in those days was in selling the airtime, not how much you managed to buy the phone for. The super-home has 110 rooms; spanning 43,000sq ft - which is roughly the average size of 55 London flats and more than twice the size of the Royal Albert Hall. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Luxury features include a subterranean spa area with 14-metre pool, hammam and treatment and dressing rooms. The London property is mainly used for his charity - Caudwell Children, which supports disabled children and their families. Consent to content doesn't require you to purchase service. Having sold his firm to Microsoft last year for $2.5bn he now feels trapped, reports the Daily Mail, "in a world every bit as isolated and purposeless as the digital one he invented". The retailer was selling phones for 1,600 each, and two for 1,350. John joked: "Who else has a room like this? The bed in the master suite is an "emperor-size bed" measuring two metres by two metres, which means you can "starfish and you don't touch the person next to you," she says. Nor do the cuts seem to be biting everywhere. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Enter your password to log in. "That got me thinking, if there's so much discount for two, how much could there be for buying them wholesale," he says. The first floor has three bedroom suites, including a master bedroom with walk-in dressing room, and two separate marble bathrooms. 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This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Unlike its muted exterior, which mostly blends into its surroundings, nothing about the homes interior is understated. They were unscrupulous, they dishonoured the commitment they'd given me when it no longer suited their business." he renovation of an extraordinary home carved out of two mega mansions in the heart of Mayfair has been featured in a one-off documentary, Britains Most he renovation of an extraordinary home carved out of two mega mansions in the heart of Mayfair has been featured in a one-off documentary, Britains Most Expensive Home: Building for a Billionaire, on Channel 4. "After that I pulled off one deal after another. As the documentary makers, builders and site managers pack up, John is preparing for the 30 or so close friends arriving that evening to celebrate his birthday. Courtesy of Channel 4. Earn nearly 5% on one-year fixed savings accounts. From 10, Mr Caudwell says he had one aim. WebPROPERTY. The renovation ran over time and 55 million over budget and the the results will be seen once again on Channel 4's Britain's Most Expensive Home: Building for a Billionaire, which airs at 8pm this evening (August 5). This would be a tiring journey by car, I say. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "Now," he says, "if 20:20 (his national distributor) wants to sell to one of the national chains and Phones 4U (his retail chain) wants the product, the decision-making process is purely and simply as to who is the best customer and who's got the contract in place. He then knocked them into one giant 43,000 square-foot mansion - the size of Westminster Cathedral or 55 average London flats - before embarking on the revamp. When people said, 'Go away', I'd be thinking, what can I say to the next one? There's no ownership issue. Around four years ago, John decided to embark on a total renovation of what was, he says, a "tasteless gold palace". Julie Neville shares an exclusive access-all-areas tour of her incredible family home, Gogglebox stars Mary and Giles share shocking revelation about Wiltshire home amid relocation reports. A protected practice of any sort can't win. Theres also an Art Deco-inspired, lattice-fronted elevator, a cocktail lounge with low-lit velvet booths and a stage for live music plus an adjoining billiards room with a rose-covered ceiling. This account already exists. There's also a sauna for relaxing those tired muscles. But I couldn't buy that much product because I couldn't sell enough. "The suppliers really screwed my business. They include, for example, cookies that enable you to log into secure areas of our website, use a shopping cart or make use of e-billing services. John's impressive refurbishment is also for the sake of his charity, Caudwell Children. It features a nightclub, games room and a car stacker - which which can summon any of John's impressive car collection at the touch of a button. Phones 4u founder John Caudwell'snew-look Mayfair home has London's largestprivate ballroomafter Buckingham Palace. The extensive renovations of the mansion include a volcano wall, a swimming pool and staircases of solid white marble that connect to each of the eight floors. Experience extraordinary with us this June. He sold around 15 cars a week. I bought the cheapest Amstrad computer there was, had a girl sitting next to me loading the names of all the phone dealers in the country and started prospecting them on the phone and started selling them wholesale phones.". Interiors were designed by Athens and London-based Sissy Feida and include a 13-metre crystal floor-to-ceiling hanging chandelier in the grand hall. Pull the other one, lads and lasses! A river filled with handpicked African Cichlid fish flows through the centre of the room. "As the years passed and I was nine, 10, 11 years old it became obvious I was going to start up a business of some sort," he says. The Phones4U founder - who grew up in Shelton - spent 65 million and four years renovating the property in one of the world's most exclusive postcodes. Known as Mayfair house, Caudwells roughly 43,000 sq. Known as Mayfair house, Caudwells roughly 43,000 sq. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations. Other features you might not expect to find in this historic London enclave include a Thai-themed dining room John's favourite food with a river flowing through its centre filled with handpicked African Cichlid fish, all set beneath a preserved 15-foot cherry tree adorned with pink silk blossom. He has been married once and has five children from three different relationships. But it wasn't something on my shoes it was my shoes he found unpleasant. 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"I just wasn't academic. Who else has a room like this? Details from agents Sothebys International Realty say the stately Art Deco-inspired house, which is also available for rent at 40,000 a week, provides a country lifestyle in the heart of London. "I did them the best deal I possibly could, and I just went for my retrospective rebate. This newly built mansionin north-west London's celebrity-packed enclave is themost expensive property listed for sale in London so far this year. The reception room is a cosy walnut clad room adorned with jackets designed by the home's owner. So it was better to buy from me at an increased price than to not have them at all and not have any sales. Includes access to the digital magazine. He said: I would describe them as leisurely.' He sometimes registers a "one or two" on the happiness scale when he "should be a nine" out of ten, he tells The Daily Telegraph's Peter Stanford. But it was hard to watch this 68m renovation and feel anything but disgust. A newly built 10-bedroom mansion in St Johns Wood has become the most expensive home to go on the London market this year, with a price tag of 75 million. Far from taking away my ability to give to charity, it increases it because it has increased my wealth significantly. On 15 March, he launched 4U Net, a separate company which was Britain's first totally free internet service. Given Caudwells taste in sparkling, Elton John-like jackets (which are displayed on mannequins in the home), its hardly surprising that theres a more than just a hint of Liberace or Louis XIV about the place. "I arrived first. His office is a smallish room carpeted with Wilton (white diamonds on a claret background) and lined by posh striped magnolia wallpaper. Money can't buy happiness for John Caudwell. This helps us to improve the way our website works, for example, by ensuring that users are finding what they are looking for easily. He owns three of the fastest road-legal motorbikes ever made. Included in the grand scheme is a planned basement nightclub with a mirrored dancefloor, five kitchens, a 120-capacity ballroom and pieces of art that cost more than 300,000. This Bold, Glitzy Apartment in Dublin Is an Entertainers Dream. Eventually, I'll find ways of making money as well, through value-added propositions on the website.". PHONES4U billionaire John Caudwell has shown off Britains most expensive home worth 250million after he merged two mansions together. On the inside I felt the same especially about the staff. "They were still as big as bricks, and very much a specialist, marginal tool," he says. Both buildings form a single site and are linked at the basement level. By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. From the exterior, it looks similar to the many Middle Eastern banks and embassies that surround it; inside, however, its a theme park of opulence. From here, guests can see the vintage and luxury cars John chooses to display in his car stacker storage. "It was a scandal the way they treated Rover," he says. 15 Sep 2015. It is all a far cry from John's humble beginnings growing up in Wellesley Street in Shelton. The refurbishment also includes an incredible 78 miles of electricity cables, eco-friendly heating, a subterranean cinema and a spa complete with pools heat experiences and a gym. The 25,000 sq ft neo-classical residence in Avenue Road was built on a plot bought for 14 million in 2013 by Greek property developer George Dragoumanos. A Chinese owner, who paid 40 million for a plot in Avenue Road two years ago, is building an even bigger 30,000 sq ft house that could be worth close to 100 million when it is finished. CL. Set in a Portland stone building, the super-home spans 43,000sq ft and has more than enough room for John, his partner and former Olympian Modesta Vesniauskait and their six-month-old son, William, to roam around. Mayfair is one of London s priciest neighborhoods; for decades, its been an ultra-exclusive enclave of wealthy Arab oil tycoons and celebrity-laden nightclubs. If you are looking for a specialized Arizona professional for your car lift installation project, then you are in luck! From offering you easier car maintenance to additional vehicle storage, a home garage car lift is a dream for every Even his girlfriend has left him for someone more normal. John Caudwell is a striking man, as fit as you'd expect for someone who cycles up to 100 miles a day, every day, in all weathers. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. Mr Caudwell is married, with three children aged 20, 12 and five, and he is the local co-ordinator for the NSPCC and the founder of a children's charity. There are stunning embroidered chairs to relax in while enjoying a film - perfectly situated in close proximity to the popcorn machine. "It's a massive sadness in my life." Apparently The Reform does not allow trainer footwear". Five crystal chandeliers stretch up over four floors to transform the staircases. The second was a grocery shop, run by him and his wife, which rapidly taught him returns didn't necessarily increase with the amount of work you put in. I wanted to be in the real world." "Little did I know back then I'd have a child in the same situation. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The documentary, like Caudwell, had remarkably little self-awareness, failing to ask what possible point there was in all this: the stress, the expense, the deeply ugly custom-made tables with gold leaf-lined cracks. On the third floor, a former conservatory is a Thai-style dining room with a 15-foot preserved cherry tree and silk pink blossom hanging over the table. The luxury pad, located in London's Mayfair, is a billionaire's paradise with its own bar and cinema. account. Inside the St John's Wood mega mansion and other super-glam homes, Jaw dropping: the crystal chandelier in the grand hall, Vast: a formaldrawing and dining room has French doors leading to gardens and a sunken courtyard, You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. I was only looking for a little pad in London! "I've got this spectacularly perfect house," says John, "If someone spills some red wine on the carpet I'm going to just look away. READ:Julie Neville shares an exclusive access-all-areas tour of her incredible family home, Speaking about the new series, executive producer Dan Barraclough said: "This incredible access gives us a glimpse into the world of the truly mega wealthy, where every whim can be realised, but where things can still go wrong, as on any building site. It is decked out with a personalised cinema, a dining room complete with flowing river and live fish and an indoor car park that is also a "beautiful piece of art". Which equates to three underfloor garage frames. The philanthropist, who gives back 70% of his fortune for good causes, will use the home as a entertaining and business address for his charitable projects. During the renovation, work on the swimming pool ground to a halt when a malfunction with the lighting meant the team had to lift the panel off the wall. ft. mega-manse was purchased in 2012 for about $100 million. newly built 10-bedroom mansion in St Johns Wood has become the most expensive home to go on the London market this year, with a price tag of 75 million. You cant steal a marble staircase.. "The value in my house is the house itself, but I dont keep any valuables. With his brother Brian, in 1987 John registered Midland Mobile Phones as a mobile phone wholesaler taking 26 Motorola mobiles at 1,350 each. Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users of our website. As 70% of that is going to charity it swells my ability to give during and after my lifetime.. Cookies contain information that is transferred to your computer's hard drive. The house itself is a profitable venture, Cauldwell said. The ballroom is said to be the largest private ballroom in London after Buckingham Palace. Magazine OK! "They saw what we were doing and came and stole our thunder," says Mr Caudwell, smiling. Your air fryer is in the wrong place and add 32 to your annual bills, From fish fingers to baked beans - where you can find cheapest staples, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. In an increasingly saturated market, customer loyalty, he says, "is absolutely essential, critical", adding: "We need to give them such good value that they don't really want to go anywhere else. The 12 seat cinema room is fully equipped with bar and seating area. The next year he was taken on by the Michelin Tyre Company as an apprentice engineer, and he stayed 10 years, until 1980, though that didn't stop the hyperactive Mr Caudwell from setting up three businesses on the side.