Geri Halliwell has reportedly been left heartbroken after her offer on a £45 million estate, known for its appearance in the BBC adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice," was outbid.
The former Spice Girl, 54, and her husband Christian Horner had set their sights on Edgcote Estate in Northamptonshire, a property that doubled as Netherfield, the home of Mr. Bingley, in the 1995 television version of Jane Austen's classic novel. Halliwell is known to be a fan of Austen's work. The estate also features its own racecourse, which Halliwell reportedly rode her horses on.
Horner was reportedly even more keen on acquiring the estate, viewing it as an upgrade from their current £9 million Oxfordshire property, Glebe House. The couple had reportedly made extensive plans for the estate, with Horner having flown over the property in a helicopter and the couple visiting tenant houses.
However, their bid was surpassed by a £52 million offer from an unnamed British businesswoman. A source told The Sun that the rival bidder "came from nowhere," and their offer "blew them out of the water."
The couple has experienced a turbulent period in recent years. Horner was removed from his role as Red Bull Racing team boss in July 2024 following allegations of inappropriate behavior, which he vehemently denied. He was cleared of any wrongdoing by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company, but was relieved of his duties last year. Insiders have suggested that the potential move to Edgcote Estate could be a "make or break" decision for the couple.
In a separate matter earlier this year, Halliwell and Horner won a planning dispute with their neighbors regarding an oak-framed pergola and gazebo at their £9.2 million mansion. Despite initial refusals, a retrospective planning application for the pergola was approved, with local planners deeming it compatible with the character of the area and not visually intrusive when screened by planting. The status of the gazebo remains unclear.