Former England football star Michael Owen finds himself in an unexpected legal showdown off the pitch, embroiled in a bitter £4 million dispute over his luxury Cheshire mansion that he claims is riddled with defects and falling short of the dream home he envisioned.
The Property Nightmare Unfolds
The 44-year-old ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has launched legal proceedings against architect Gerald Loughnane and his company, Grosvenor Architecture Ltd, along with builders Sherbourne Building Ltd. Owen alleges that his £4 million Northop Hall property suffers from numerous serious defects that have turned his dream home into a costly nightmare.
Serious Structural Concerns
According to court documents, the problems plaguing Owen's mansion are both extensive and concerning. The football legend claims the property suffers from:
- Significant structural movement causing visible cracking
- Faulty drainage systems throughout the property
- Numerous construction defects affecting the building's integrity
- Multiple issues with the overall workmanship and design
A High-Profile Legal Battle
Interestingly, Owen isn't the only high-profile name connected to this case. The architect being sued, Gerald Loughnane, previously worked on a £12 million London townhouse owned by musical theatre legend Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. This connection adds another layer of celebrity intrigue to the already dramatic property dispute.
The Defendants' Response
While Michael Owen presses forward with his claims, the defendants have yet to file their formal defence in court. The case continues to develop as both sides prepare their arguments in what promises to be a closely watched legal battle in property and celebrity circles.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that even multi-million pound properties owned by sporting legends can fall victim to construction problems, proving that luxury price tags don't always guarantee perfection in the world of high-end real estate.
