Bruce Forsyth's former luxury home appears to have been frozen in time, despite changing hands for a reported £5.7 million more than six years ago.
The sprawling Surrey mansion, known as Straidarran, was once the glamorous family home of TV legend Bruce and his wife Lady Wilnelia. But the property on the exclusive Wentworth Estate has reportedly seen little activity since Wilnelia sold it in April 2020.
Luxury Features and Forsyth Legacy
Bruce lived at the prestigious address for decades before his death in 2017, aged 89, following a battle with bronchial pneumonia. The property boasted an impressive list of luxury features, including a ten-seat cinema, swimming pool, tennis court, gym, library and wine cellar.
Even the gates still carry an "F" crest associated with the Forsyth family name, while warning signs have reportedly been put up around the property. A local claimed the lack of activity was particularly unusual for the estate, where wealthy overseas buyers often transform older properties.
"Normally overseas owners on the estate knock these old homes down and build a new one. So it is a very strange situation with Bruce's old home, where seemingly nothing has happened since Wilnelia sold it six years ago," they told The Sun.
Increased Security After Reported Break-Ins
The source said the most obvious change had been increased security following reported break-ins. "The only thing I have noticed is that security is present there, the owners certainly aren't, but that only followed break-ins."
Police reportedly confirmed reports of break-ins after urban explorers targeted the property. Wentworth Estate manager James Perotin previously revealed that the former Forsyth home was being watched around the clock.
"Security has been increased at Bruce Forsyth's old house, there is now a van permanently on site, and it is monitored 24 hours a day."
He also suggested that some wealthy residents spend much of their time overseas, with tax reasons among the factors that can leave properties empty for years.
Wilnelia's Move and Family Ties
Wilnelia, meanwhile, moved to a smaller property after selling the mansion, buying another home on the same estate for around £3 million. The former beauty queen and Bruce married in 1983 and stayed together until his death.
Bruce became one of Britain's best-loved entertainers through shows including The Generation Game and Play Your Cards Right, before taking centre stage on Strictly Come Dancing.
He fronted the BBC dance show for a decade before stepping down in 2014. Wilnelia, who was born in Puerto Rico, was crowned Miss World in 1975. The couple had one son together, Jonathan Joseph, now 40.
Bruce's estimated £15 million fortune was left to his third wife rather than his six children. Following his death, Wilnelia spoke about their final days together, saying she felt "lucky" that their close family members had the chance to say goodbye.
Strictly Legacy Remembered
Bruce's Strictly legacy was remembered more recently when Wilnelia sent an emotional message to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman ahead of their departure from the show.
The message was shown on spin-off programme It Takes Two, with Wilnelia telling the presenters: "Hello Tess and Claudia."
"Sending you both my warmest wishes as you step into this exciting new chapter. Tess, you shared so many wonderful years on Strictly with Bruce and I know he would be so proud of you."
She continued: "And Claudia, your sparkle and wit have brought so much joy to everyone. Thank you both for the laughter, the elegance and the heart you have given to the show. All my love and the very best for the future ahead."
And in a fitting nod to her late husband's famous catchphrase, Wilnelia signed off: "Don't forget, life is too short, so... keep dancing!"
Tess was visibly moved, replying: "What a woman! She's just a goddess."
