Katie Price’s infamous West Sussex home, once nicknamed the “Mucky Mansion,” is getting a major facelift.
After years of neglect and personal struggles, the property has been rescued by its new owner and is now being transformed into a luxurious family home.
Once dilapidated and widely associated with bad luck, the house is finally on a path to revival.
Katie’s Struggles with the Old Home
The former model, 47, had to part with the nine-bedroom property in January last year, selling it for £1.15 million after falling behind on mortgage payments.
She had originally hoped to renovate the house as part of a TV makeover series, but financial constraints made extensive renovations impossible.
After Katie and her family left, the home was repossessed by creditors.
She later described her time there as “hell,” saying the property worsened her anxiety and even triggered panic attacks, which led her to seek therapy.
Katie also claimed that the house was haunted by a child’s spirit and that several of her pets had died there, adding to its eerie reputation.
A New Chapter Under James Mercer
Furniture tycoon James Mercer, 63, fell in love with the property despite its run-down state and purchased it for less than Katie’s hoped-for price of £1.35 million.
Mercer, originally from Northern Ireland, co-owns the house with his long-term partner, Leike Qu, and invested over £1 million to fund both internal and external renovations.
Recent photos show scaffolding around the back of the faux-Tudor home and its outhouse, evidence that the makeover is still underway.
With a new roof, doors, windows, and exterior walls, the mansion is gradually shedding its “Mucky Mansion” label.
A neighbor commented, “The house looks completely different now. The new owners clearly know what they’re doing, and when it’s finished, it’s going to look exceptional.”
Cleaning Up and Prepping for Sale
Before Mercer bought the home, contract cleaners were brought in to remove piles of rubbish and ensure the property was market-ready.
Much of the debris left behind by Katie was cleared, and any concerns about potential contamination from waste were addressed.
Unfortunately, none of the sale proceeds went to Katie, as her debts associated with the home had already absorbed the funds.
Katie bought the mansion in 2014 for £2 million from Tory peer Francis Maude and had lived there for a decade before the stressful departure.
Katie Moves On, But Challenges Follow
After leaving the West Sussex property, Katie briefly moved into a £5,000-a-month Tudor-style home before finding a new rental nearby at £4,500 a month.
However, aerial images recently showed bins, debris, and junk around her current property, prompting concerns that she might be repeating her previous “Mucky Mansion” issues.
A source warned, “Katie needs to be careful. The landlords won’t tolerate mess, and leaving rubbish outside could attract rats or cause problems for neighbors.”
In response, Katie reportedly cleared up the exterior promptly.
Relationship Changes Amid the Move
Adding to her personal upheaval, Katie has split from boyfriend JJ Slater after nearly two years together.
The 32-year-old reality star, who rose to fame on Married At First Sight UK, will not become her fourth husband. Insiders said the couple grew apart despite public appearances suggesting otherwise.
Katie has since reflected on love and soulmates, sharing cryptic poems and quotes on Instagram about recognizing the right person and understanding divine signs in relationships.
One post even quoted her mother, saying: “When you meet the male version of yourself, that’s when you meet the love of your life.”
A Fresh Start Ahead
With her old home in the hands of someone willing to restore it and her personal life moving in a new direction, Katie Price appears to be leaving the stress of the past behind.
Meanwhile, fans and neighbors will be watching eagerly to see just how spectacular the former “Mucky Mansion” becomes under its new ownership.
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