Premier League footballers are finding it increasingly difficult to sell their luxury homes in Cheshire's 'Golden Triangle', an area encompassing Wilmslow, Knutsford, Alderley Edge and Prestbury. Once a hotspot for multi-millionaire players seeking opulent residences, the region now sees properties languishing on the market for years.
Warford Hall, the 11-bedroom mansion of former Sheffield United striker Ashley Ward and his wife Dawn, has been for sale since October 2013. Originally priced at around £13.5 million, the property—featuring 10 bathrooms, seven reception rooms, and a leisure complex—now lists its price only on application. The lavish amenities, including a swimming pool and six-car garage, limit the pool of potential buyers to the ultra-wealthy.
Similarly, Phil Neville's penthouse in Manchester's Beetham Tower has been on the market since 2010. The four-bedroom triplex, occupying floors 44 to 46, was initially listed at £4 million but has since been reduced to £3.5 million. Despite being the highest-priced property in the city centre, it remains unsold.
Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimović's rented home, 'Green Meadows' in Hale, is also struggling to find a buyer. The six-bedroom mansion, complete with a gym, wine cellar, and covered terrace, was listed at £4.8 million after a price reduction but has been on the market for over two years.
Gareth Barry's country estate in Sproston, near Holmes Chapel, has been for sale for around three years. The 30-acre property, recently reduced to £3.95 million, includes seven bathrooms, stables, a tennis court, and an aircraft hangar. The trend reflects a shift among players towards renting rather than buying, as shorter club tenures make long-term property commitments less appealing.
