Daniela
0
11:15 - 28 January 2003
Pop star Michael Jackson wants to become Lord of the Manor - but was last night told no amount of money could land him Longleat.
Wacko Jacko is searching for new digs in Europe and dreams of buying Buckingham Palace, his agent said.
But should the Queen decide not to sell, the eccentric pop superstar has made contingency plans - by heading to the West.
Michael's eyes have fallen on the 9,000-acre Longleat estate in Wiltshire, which comes complete with a zoo for his love of animals.
He could pop round for tea with Madonna at her nearby Ashcombe House estate and catch the odd game of football at Exeter City, where he is joint chairman.
But Jo Sparrow, spokesman for Longleat, said owner Lord Bath will never sell.
She said: "It is with fascination that we understand that Michael Jackson might be interested in making an offer for Longleat and are delighted that we fall within his firm favourites.
"Unfortunately for him, however, Lord Bath has no intention of selling up.
"Not only does he love his family home, but he also feels that we have brought great enjoyment to millions of visitors over the last 53 years and we have no intention to stop.
"We would like to wish Michael Jackson the very best in finding a new home. . . just not Longleat!"
Jackson is looking at castles and palaces in France, Italy and England, and money is no object.
James Meiskin, president of posh New York-based estate agents Plymouth Partners, said: "There are probably fewer than 10 properties in the world that match Michael's very strict criteria, which include space, security and architectural uniqueness.
"In England it has to be something to the standard of Buckingham Palace."
The friend and long-time business associate added: "He wants a very large home or castle that has to be among the best, if not the best, home in whatever country it is located."
Along with Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, Longleat is at the top of Michael's UK hit list.
The estate's huge safari park is one attraction for the quirky pop star. He owns a chimpanzee called Bubbles and last year he bought himself a pet tiger.
The 44-year-old singer currently lives with the big cat and his children Prince Michael, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II at their £30million Neverland ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
The theme park-cum-mansion will remain his first home, Mr Meiskin said, but he wants somewhere else to relax and properties in America are not up to scratch.
He said: "Just before Christmas Michael visited a few places in Florida including the 717,000 sq ft Marden Estate in Palm Beach which was a beautiful home but not really big enough for his needs."
Pop star Michael Jackson wants to become Lord of the Manor - but was last night told no amount of money could land him Longleat.
Wacko Jacko is searching for new digs in Europe and dreams of buying Buckingham Palace, his agent said.
But should the Queen decide not to sell, the eccentric pop superstar has made contingency plans - by heading to the West.
Michael's eyes have fallen on the 9,000-acre Longleat estate in Wiltshire, which comes complete with a zoo for his love of animals.
He could pop round for tea with Madonna at her nearby Ashcombe House estate and catch the odd game of football at Exeter City, where he is joint chairman.
But Jo Sparrow, spokesman for Longleat, said owner Lord Bath will never sell.
She said: "It is with fascination that we understand that Michael Jackson might be interested in making an offer for Longleat and are delighted that we fall within his firm favourites.
"Unfortunately for him, however, Lord Bath has no intention of selling up.
"Not only does he love his family home, but he also feels that we have brought great enjoyment to millions of visitors over the last 53 years and we have no intention to stop.
"We would like to wish Michael Jackson the very best in finding a new home. . . just not Longleat!"
Jackson is looking at castles and palaces in France, Italy and England, and money is no object.
James Meiskin, president of posh New York-based estate agents Plymouth Partners, said: "There are probably fewer than 10 properties in the world that match Michael's very strict criteria, which include space, security and architectural uniqueness.
"In England it has to be something to the standard of Buckingham Palace."
The friend and long-time business associate added: "He wants a very large home or castle that has to be among the best, if not the best, home in whatever country it is located."
Along with Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, Longleat is at the top of Michael's UK hit list.
The estate's huge safari park is one attraction for the quirky pop star. He owns a chimpanzee called Bubbles and last year he bought himself a pet tiger.
The 44-year-old singer currently lives with the big cat and his children Prince Michael, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II at their £30million Neverland ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
The theme park-cum-mansion will remain his first home, Mr Meiskin said, but he wants somewhere else to relax and properties in America are not up to scratch.
He said: "Just before Christmas Michael visited a few places in Florida including the 717,000 sq ft Marden Estate in Palm Beach which was a beautiful home but not really big enough for his needs."
