Chesil Cliff House, famously known as the ‘saddest ever’ home on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, is still on the market after over 12 years of development. The cliffside home in Devon originally had a budget of £1.8 million and an expected completion time of 18 months. However, after a long and arduous journey, the project ended up costing owner Edward Short his marriage and a debt of £7 million. Viewers of the Channel 4 series described the episode featuring the ambitious renovation as the saddest ever. Despite being listed for sale earlier this year for almost £5 million less than its original price of £10 million, Chesil Cliff House is still on the market in 2023.
The cliffside property offers three acres of land, an infinity pool, and a helipad. The design blends whitewashed elevations with steel and glass, culminating in a lighthouse feature that provides unobstructed views of the coastline. The property is listed for sale through Law of Property Act receivers for £5.25 million and is described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the UK’s most spectacularly situated coastal homes. Despite previous buyers pulling out and delays in the sale, there is still interest in the property, including from multi-millionaire Matt Fiddes, the former bodyguard of Michael Jackson, who previously made a bid of £7.5 million in 2022.
Matt Fiddes expressed renewed interest in purchasing Chesil Cliff House in 2023 and suggested turning it into apartments. He shared memories of family holidays in Croyde and outlined plans to rent out one house and potentially create 12 apartments on the property. While residents have concerns about the plans, Matt is open to discussions with the local council and emphasizes his emotional connection to the area due to family ties. Despite the property’s tumultuous history and its previous struggles in finding a buyer, there is still interest from potential buyers like Matt Fiddes, who see potential in the unique cliffside property.
The property’s listing highlights its exceptional location and features, including a private tidal beach area and a lighthouse-inspired design. The long and challenging journey of Chesil Cliff House, including the financial strain and personal toll it took on its owner, has not deterred interest from potential buyers. The property’s history on Channel 4’s Grand Designs adds to its allure, with viewers and prospective buyers intrigued by the ambitious renovation project. Despite setbacks in the sale process, the continued interest in Chesil Cliff House suggests that its unique design and coastal location have enduring appeal in the luxury property market.
The listing for Chesil Cliff House emphasizes its unique design and engineering, with features like the infinity pool and helipad showcasing the property’s luxury amenities. The ongoing saga of the property’s sale, including delays and changes in price, has not diminished interest from potential buyers like Matt Fiddes. The emotional and financial journey of Chesil Cliff House, from its initial vision to its current status on the market, highlights the complexities of high-end property development and the challenges faced by owners and buyers in the luxury real estate market. Despite its troubled past, Chesil Cliff House continues to attract attention from those interested in owning a one-of-a-kind coastal home with breathtaking views and luxurious amenities.
