Michael Owen’s lavish £4million mansion where he and wife Louise raised Love Island star Gemma includes a home leisure centre, an extensive stables and even a private putting green
Michael Owen splashed out on his lavish £4million mansion the same year he was named as the best footballer on the planet – and has since raised a family that includes Love Island star Gemma.
Lower Soughton Hall is the home of the former Liverpool and Manchester United striker and wife Louise alongside their four children, and they once gave a unique glimpse around the property on ITV’s Through the Keyhole.
Daily Star Sport has now taken a look at the most notable features of the home where the newest Love Island sensation was raised, with the grounds including the international dressage rider’s beloved stables.
The Grade II listed Flintshire manor house is in Northop, Wales, and is set on a huge 42-acres of land.
The living/entrance area includes wood walls and floors alongside two leather sofas, likened by the host to an old-fashioned members club.
Up the stairs is a viewing platform that overlooks the living area, with several windows bringing in plenty of natural light.
The kitchen/dining area includes plenty of places to rest your feet, and has space for as many as 11 people to dine at any one time, which comes in handy due to the size of the family.
A fully stocked gym area comes with both cardio and weights sections, and is included in a personal leisure centre.
The ‘tropical swimming area’ which includes a tanning bed and a whirlpool, has a fake waterfall and substantial pool surrounded by fake trees.
Outside, a play area is built in to keep children entertained, with an extensive stables looking after the horses that inspired Gemma into dressage.
A grassy area is also complete with a tiny training football goal, with Owen able to practise his putting skills on a personal putting green.
The mansion is defined by sporting features thanks to Owen’s fine footballing career with both club and country, and that love has rubbed off on his eldest daughter.
Gemma was quick to tell her fellow Love Island contestants that she was an international dressage rider, explaining that horses can be trained to dance over time.
She said before heading off to the villa: “Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family.
“My dad was a professional football player. I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11 years old.
“I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions. I would say I’m very competitive. [When it comes to relationships] I will always go for what I want.
“But at the same time, I’m not going to mess up something for someone who is in a proper relationship or get in the way of a couple if they have a genuine connection.
“I wouldn’t do anything to another girl that I wouldn’t be happy with them doing to me.”
As well as Gemma, Michael and Louise have raised son James as well as younger daughters Emily and Jessica.
The couple met at primary school way back in 1984, and planned to marry at their mansion before choosing for it to take place at a register office and have the reception at home.
As well as letting his house appear on Through the Key Hole, Owen hit the headlines by starring as Doughnuts on The Masked Singer before his daughter’s Love Island stardom.
SOURCE: dailystar.co.uk
