NO matter how extraordinary your home is there comes a time when you need to say goodbye, and that time has come for TV celebrity and multi-millionare Hilary Devey.
Seven years ago she brought herself a magnificent rural retreat near Burton, the historic, elegant and vast Edward VII Wing at Rangemore Hall.
But, with a burgeoning TV career to juggle on top of her business empire – she's soon to star in a new Channel 4 show – Hilary has decided to sell a home that is a million miles away from the terraced street in Bolton where her rags-to-riches story began.
She said: "I will miss Rangemore. It's a great property, and like all big old houses, you are aware that you are only a temporary custodian, passing through.
"I think that I have looked after the place, and hope that in a hundred or so years' time, the owner will see fit to stick my portrait on the wall as a notable former resident!"
On the market for £1.95 million, The Edward VII Wing is set amid 9.5 acres of private grounds with formal gardens, lakes and terraces.
It is awash with grandeur – and history.
It was originally built for the Bass brewing family and dates back to the 19th century. It played host to the dignitaries and aristocracy of the day and, famously in 1902, hosted King Edward VII and Queen Alexander, hence its name.
At the time, no expense was spared to improve and extend it for the royal visit and even today the Grade II listed property contains the original bathroom built for the king.
It is even rumoured that a self-contained flat in the hall was created for the King's mistress, Alice Keppell.
For Hilary, the home offered her the peace she sought away from her high profile day job as boss of the company which made her fortune, Pall-Ex, in Ellastown, near Coalville, in Leicestershire.
"After a week in London, it's lovely to come back here," said Hilary, a dog walker with a "park" to walk her beloved pooches on her doorstep.
But her career meant she was often away. "I travel a lot but have great staff at the house who take care of it for me."
So is it the TV work that has made her decide to sell?
"Not at all, rather the need for a change. I had a nomadic childhood thanks to my father's job managing pubs and hotels across the north of England and, perhaps as a consequence, I still get itchy feet whenever I am in one place for too long a period of time."
But Hilary will not be cutting her ties completely: "My business remains in the Midlands, and I am likely to get a smaller base nearby, so I am not leaving the Midlands."
When Hilary bought the Edward VII Wing in 2005, it was rumoured that singer Robbie Williams had his eye on it too. "I heard he pulled out for security reasons," said Hilary.
Though never confirmed, the home would certainly appeal to a pop star or a wealthy famous face from the world of football. Handily for them, it is on the doorstep of the FA's new National Football Centre at Rangemore.
As well as being awash with history, it includes three superb reception rooms of ballroom proportions; a grand staircase hall; kitchen/breakfast room; utility; boot room; cloakroom; master bedroom suite; guest suite; three more bedrooms with en suites; two occasional bedrooms; a self-contained flat with living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom; leisure room, swimming pool and spa.
The home, which is just 14 miles from Derby, really does have it all.
![I will miss the rural peace of Rangemore]( "I will miss the rural peace of Rangemore")
