Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley’s ex-wife is selling her £19million London mansion after rekindling her romance with the former Newcastle United owner.
Swedish-born interior designer Linda Ashley, 55, is selling her stately neo-classical 11-bedroom pile in Barnet, north London, just a few doors away from Mr Ashley’s own £12million, 33-room pillared mansion.
The property where the Ashleys brought up their two children comes complete with a 10-pin basement bowling alley and squash court, a grand multi-level cinema, ‘exceptionally large’ gym, a T-shaped infinity swimming pool and even a six-hole golf course, set in 11.5 acres.
But now it’s on the market, it’s believed the couple are planning to finally get back together permanently under the same roof, though their three children, Oliver, 31, Anna, 29 and Matilda, 25, have now all left home.
Anna was married at Blenheim Palace in May to former nightclub promoter Michael Murray, 31, shortly after he took the reins from his father-in-law as CEO of Frasers Group.
With an estimated wealth of £2.995 billion, Mike Ashley is the 59th richest person in the UK, according to the Sunday times Rich List.
But while employees at his Sports Direct stores have complained in the past of suffering ‘gulag’ style working conditions, no expense has been spared on his glamorous wife – even after their £50m divorce settlement in 2002, one of the most expensive in British history.
After their divorce, Linda went on to have a relationship with businessman Simon Brodin, an ex-boyfriend of S Club 7 pop star Rachel Stevens, and had a son, Tyler, now 12, by him.
But in 2014 – after separating for 12 years – the couple rekindled their romance and were seen stepping into his Bentley after a series of central London dates, including a key dinner in a local curry house.
And in 2016, Mr Ashley was summoned before MPs to discuss the way Sports Direct treated its staff, glamorous Linda raised eyebrows by being at his side. At the time, he said he would address workers’ concerns and would personally oversee a review of working practices.
The same year, Linda sold a luxury Majorcan villa which she built with some of the proceeds of the divorce settlement. She was even spotted at St James’ Park when Mr Ashley was still the owner.
He sold the club to a Saudi-backed consortium in 2021 for £305m.
For years the couple have lived close by each other in an enclave known as ‘London’s Beverly Hills’ while steadfastly refusing to comment on their relationship.
Mr Ashley’s own house nearby is a £12million, 33-room mansion complete with a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, cinema, four garages and helicopter landing pad.
The former marital home is a ready-made ‘party palace’ and will certainly attract a lot of interest from those with deep enough pockets as it goes on the market.
It boasts its own salon, two games areas, a bar, steam room, jacuzzi and separate security lodge and is described by estate agents as a ‘hidden gem’ and entertaining space for more than 100 guests.
In a gushing sales brochure, they add: ‘Boasting high ceilings, grand proportions, bespoke contemporary design as well as a variety of sophisticated lighting this impressive space can accommodate over 100 people, making it perfect for large receptions.
‘The mansion’s acres of stately grounds provide the owner with considerable privacy and contain the outdoor section of a large swimming pool which is surrounded by a grand multi-level patio with capacity for entertaining many guests, making it the perfect location for pool parties.
‘This home would be perfect for a family wanting to be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Central London, offering privacy and grand living along with perfect family entertaining space.
‘Located within less than an hour’s driving distance from central London, boasting exquisite bespoke design, immense proportions, and an abundance of leisure facilities this stately mansion is truly one of the most enviable properties in all north London.’
Former squash coach Mr Ashley started Sports Direct 34 years ago with a £10,000 loan from his parents. He built it up from a single shop in Maidenhead, Berkshire, into one of the nation’s most successful retailers.
The couple are said to have first met in their early twenties when Mr Ashley ran his first shop.
As his wealth exploded their lifestyles became polar opposites, with him once presenting Linda with a stunning Aston Martin DB4, while continuing to drive his own humble Vauxhall Cavalier, before upgrading to a Ford Sierra.
