A futuristic £5million mansion that would not look out of place on the set of the Teletubbies is being planned by two big lottery winners.
A year after winning £45million, Matt and Cassey Topham have brought in a firm of international architects to build them their dream home – after living in a £90,000 former council house.
The eight-bed solar-panel-clad home in the Nottinghamshire countryside – 16 times larger than the average three-bed house – has drawn comparisons with the home of children’s TV stars the Teletubbies – whose characters Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po were known for their “Eh-oh” greetings.
The couple, said to be inspired by a combination of Iron Man’s house in the comic strip movie and the V&A Museum, have commissioned London firm Baca Architects.
If the project gets the go-ahead, it is will be one of the most ambitious homes built in the UK. At the time of their win, the Tophams lived in an ex-council house in Stapleford, Nottingham, but have told designers they want a private bolt-hole away from prying eyes and unwanted attention. Their planned new home is a ground-hugging palace dubbed “Serenity” that snakes around a courtyard formed by accommodation, leisure and entertainment pods.
Inside are all the trimmings expected of a multi-millionaire – a private cinema, botanical garden, waterfall, and underground garage.
The couple said: “Must-haves included five bedrooms, a dramatic sweeping staircase, a large garage and a grotto-style pool.
“We were very clear we didn’t want to live in a glass box. At the very top of our wish list was a strong desire to keep the design contemporary yet familiar, and flexible enough to accommodate a future family.”
Since their win, Cassey, 23, and Matt, 24, are believed to have already paid off the mortgage of Matt’s father. Other family and friends have also been gifted houses, cash of up to £1.3million and holidays in Spain, New York and Amsterdam.
The pair became one of the nation’s biggest jackpot winners with EuroMillions in February last year. After the win Cassey admitted she had only played the lottery around half a dozen times. Baca Architects said the couple were seeking a home that is “luxurious, environmentally-friendly and playful”.
Source Express.co.uk