One does not usually associate a rough-and-tumble football player with a soft corner for animals. But England defender and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand is not your usual footballer. The soccer star has made a name for himself on the field. But his recent home-planning has been making headlines.
The footballer has big plans for his new home at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds. Ferdinand has commissioned a £3.5 million mansion in the posh area that is home to the likes of Prince Charles’ Highgrove Estate. The barn-style luxury mansion will have five bedrooms, along with an outdoor pool and a 12-person Jacuzzi. One of the cool features is the infrared cameras that can detect paparazzi cameras at long range and strike them with light beams. However, the selling point as far as Ferdinand is concerned is the colony of beavers inhabiting the adjoining 450-acre nature reserve.
According to reports, Ferdinand will be incorporating a secret area where he can watch beavers play without disturbing the little animals. According to a source, “the rare creatures that live on the reserve” are the “big draw” for the footballer who rakes in £120,000 a week. The beaver colony has been residing in the area since 2005.
The animal lover has roped in environment-friendly architect John Pardey to develop the luxury mansion. Pardey has revealed that the work is still in the initial stages and even planning permission remains to be submitted. Pardey is an award-winning architect. Earlier this year, he took home a Royal Institute of British Architects award for New Forrest building.
