The luxury home purchased by Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley just 22 days after they murdered 13-month-old Preston Davey has returned to the market at a significantly reduced price, the Mirror can reveal. The five-bedroom detached property in Grimsargh, Lancashire, was initially sold at auction in March 2026 for an undisclosed sum, but estate agents have confirmed the sale fell through. A new auction, launched on Monday, carries a guide price of £370,000 — £79,995 less than the £449,995 the couple paid on August 18, 2023.
Auction relaunched with transparency warning
The auction is set to conclude on July 13, 2026. The listing describes the home as an “immaculate” residence “beautifully positioned” in a sought-after location, featuring two reception rooms, five bedrooms, and three bathrooms. It is also described as an “absolute MUST SEE” with “no chain delay”. While the auction site does not name the previous owners, the Rightmove listing states: “The vendor is currently serving a custodial sentence following conviction for offences involving minors. It is understood that the offences were not committed at the property. This information is being provided in the interests of transparency and to assist prospective purchasers in making an informed decision.”
Neighbours unaware of depraved secrets
Residents of the quiet Lancashire village had no idea about the horrific crimes committed by Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley. The couple moved into the home shortly after Preston’s death on July 27, 2023, and lived there for nearly a year before being re-arrested in 2025. Neighbours knew them primarily for their elaborate holiday displays, which included a life-sized cardboard Easter bunny and seasonal decorations for Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. One resident told the Daily Mail: “We don’t have kids but I remember thinking if we did, our children would have been involved in all of that. We would probably have gone inside. You would often see them out at the front of the house, especially during Christmas Easter and Halloween. They certainly did not behave as if they had something to hide.”
Convictions and sentences
Following a seven-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Varley, 37, was convicted of murder, sexual offences, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty, and indecent image offences. He was sentenced to a whole-life order. McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty, and sexual assault, and sentenced to 25 years. The court heard that Preston had suffered around 40 injuries consistent with sexual abuse, and prosecutors described the case as one of the most shocking they had ever worked on.
Missed opportunities
In the months before Preston’s death, there were multiple warning signs. In May 2023, he was rushed to hospital with bruising to his head; in June, he returned with a rash and vomiting, and again showed head bruising; on July 6, an X-ray revealed a fractured elbow. The couple claimed the injuries were accidental. A Child Safeguarding Practice Review will now examine any missed opportunities that could have saved Preston’s life.
