Galia Grainger, the star of Channel 4’s 2017 TV show Celebrity Fat Fighters, is selling Merlin Court, her fat-burning retreat in Devon.
Nicknamed the ‘Slim Reaper’, Galia says she has helped the likes of Lisa Riley, Gemma Collins, Jennifer Ellison and Gail Porter improve their fitness and self-esteem.
For £895,000, buyers can snap up the eleven-bedroom ‘Slimmeria’ mansion set in 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens.
“I will miss the tranquility, the beauty of the property and the magical energy it brings,” Galia told This is Money and Mail Online Property, before revealing why she is selling the property.
Fat destroyer: Nicknamed ‘Slim Reaper’, Galia Grainger, pictured in Sussex, helped the likes of Lisa Riley and Gemma Collins improve their fitness.
The Grade II listed property dating from the mid to late 19th century spans 7,600 sq ft and boasts panoramic views of the North Devon coast.
Full of light and space, the mansion has large reception rooms, period features and 11 en-suite bedrooms. It also comes equipped with a spa and gym.
There are high ceilings throughout the property and large sash windows which help to flood it with light.
For buyers interested in making the most of the views, Merlin Court, which sits at the base of Torrs Park, Ilfracombe, has six balconies and a reading tower offering panoramic views.
Each of the 11 rooms has been designed with a unique touch and features stripped wood floors and fine cornicing details.
Outside, Merlin Court has a tiered garden with paved and gravelled terraces, perfect for alfresco dining. Subject to planning permission, an outbuilding on the property could be converted into further guest accommodation.
Tom Folland, director of Strutt & Parker in Exeter, told This is Money: “The house is currently prepared for commercial use, so a buyer can come in and continue the commercial success of Merlin Court.
“Alternatively, there is the possibility of transforming the house back into a private residence, which would certainly make it one of the most impressive houses in the area.”
Opportunity: Merlin Court in Devon is for sale through Strutt & Parker for £895,000
Let there be light: Merlin Court boasts panoramic views and brims with space and light
It’s all there: Merlin Court currently comes equipped with a commercial-style kitchen.
Galia talks to This is Money
Gaul came to Britain from Uzbekistan 35 years ago. He began working at Littlewoods on Oxford Street in London, before taking jobs in broadcast advertising.
Her own weight issues sparked her interest in health, dieting and fitness.
Galia told This is Money: ‘When I was working in advertising and broadcasting, I gained a lot of weight.
‘I would wear big, baggy t-shirts to hide my body. I was embarrassed. I learned firsthand how difficult it can be to lose weight and wanted to help others on the same journey.
‘I followed a strict regime based on my grandmother’s methods, which were considered quite harsh by British standards. However, the results spoke for themselves.”
Galia now runs Slimmeria, a weight loss retreat business.
Possibilities: There is a gym and sauna area at Merlin Court ready to go.
In 2017, Galia took control of Channel 4. Famous fat wrestlers and helped a number of celebrities improve their health and fitness.
She said: “I have had the pleasure of working with a number of celebrities on Slimmeria including Lisa Riley, Gail Porter, Tamsin Outhwaite, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Jennifer Ellison, Lydia Bright and Gemma Collins, although Gemma did not complete the programme.” .
“Each celebrity came with their own goals and I was able to help most of them achieve something special.”
Luxurious: Galia’s Devon property Merlin Court has 11 en-suite bedrooms
Features: Merlin Court is packed with period features and huge windows.
Unique – Each of the 11 rooms has been designed with a unique touch and feel.
Calm: The rooms at Merlin Court are spacious and ideal for a relaxing stay
Salad only: No sweets allowed in the dining room now, but a new buyer could pave the way for a sugar rush
What’s next? The mansion could be used as a family home or as a business opportunity.
Fresh: Each of the multiple bathrooms at Merlin Court is updated and inviting.
Views: Merlin Court is situated in an elevated position with stunning coastal views.
Galia, 66, now divides her time between her home in London and her detox retreat in Battle, Sussex. In total, he owns nine properties.
He bought Merlin Court in Devon in April 2019. “I saw a growing demand for wellness retreats, especially in a quiet location like Devon.
‘The coastal walks and tranquil beauty of Ilfracombe made me fall in love with the property and I knew it would be the perfect place for guests to relax and focus on their health. The property even has a hidden staircase leading to a ‘wishing room’. ‘
Galia explained to This is Money why she is selling Merlin Court.
She said: “When Covid-19 hit, traveling between Devon and Sussex became difficult and like many, my business was affected by the closures.
‘Before Covid, I was a workaholic with plans to expand, but the pandemic forced me to hit the brakes and rethink.
‘I have come to appreciate a slower pace of life and managing two retreats separated by more than five hours by car is no longer viable for me.
“Earlier this year, I decided to start selling my properties with the goal of eventually retiring.”
