Galia Grainger, the star of Channel 4’s Celebrity Fat Fighters TV show in 2017, is selling Merlin Court, her Devon fat-busting retreat.
Dubbed the ‘Slim Reaper’, Galia says she has helped the likes of Lisa Riley, Gemma Collins, Jennifer Ellison and Gail Porter boost their fitness and improve their self-esteem.
For £895,000, buyers can snap up the eleven-bedroom ‘Slimmeria’ mansion set in 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens.
‘I’ll miss the tranquillity, the beauty of the property and the magical energy it brings’, Galia told This is Money and Mail Online Property, before revealing why she’s selling up.
Fat-buster: Dubbed the ‘Slim Reaper’, Galia Grainger, pictured in Sussex, helped the likes of Lisa Riley and Gemma Collins boost their fitness
The Grade II-listed property dating from the mid-to-late nineteenth century spans 7,600 sq ft and boasts sweeping views of the North Devon coastline.
Brimming with light and space throughout, the mansion has grand 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 help flood it with light.
For buyers keen to make the most of the views, Merlin Court, which sits at the base Torrs Park, Ilfracombe, has six balconies and a reading tower providing panoramic views.
Each of the 11 bedrooms has been designed with a unique twist and have stripped wooden floorboards and fine cornicing details.
Outside, Merlin Court has a tiered garden with paved and gravel terracing, perfect for al fresco dining. Subject to planning permission, an outbuilding at the property could be turned into more guest accommodation.
Tom Folland, a director at Strutt & Parker in Exeter, told This is Money: ‘The home is currently arranged for commercial use, so a buyer can walk in and continue Merlin Court’s business success.
‘Alternatively, there’s scope to transform the house back into a private residence, which would certainly make this one of the area’s most impressive homes.’
Opportunity: Merlin Court in Devon is on sale via Strutt & Parker for £895,000
Let there be light: Merlin Court boasts panoramic views and is brimming with space and light
It’s all there: Merlin Court currently comes equipped with a commercial-style kitchen
Galia talks to This is Money
Galia came to Britain from Uzbekistan 35 years ago. She started working in Littlewoods on Oxford Street in London, before taking on jobs in advertising in broadcasting.
Her own struggles with weight sparked her interest in health, diets 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 ashamed. I learned first-hand how challenging weight loss can be, 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’s a gym area and sauna at Merlin Court ready to go
In 2017, Galia took the helm on Channel 4’s Celebrity Fat Fighters and helped a string of celebrities improve their health and fitness.
She said: ‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with several celebrities in Slimmeria, including Lisa Riley, Gail Porter, Tamsin Outhwaite, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Jennifer Ellison, Lydia Bright and Gemma Collins – though Gemma didn’t complete the program.
‘Each celebrity came with their own goals and I was able to help most of them achieve something special.’
Plush: Galia’s property in Devon, Merlin Court, has 11 ensuite bedrooms
Features: Merlin Court is jam-packed with period features and huge windows
Unique: Each of the 11 bedrooms has been designed with a unique twist and feel
Calm: The bedrooms in Merlin Court are spacious and ideal for a relaxing stay
Salad only: There’s no sweet treats 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 business opportunity
Fresh: Each of the multiple bathrooms in Merlin Court are up-to-date and inviting
Views: Merlin Court is situated in an elevated position with outstanding coastal views
Galia, 66, now splits her time between her home in London and her detox retreat in Battle, Sussex. In total, she owns nine properties.
She purchased Merlin Court in Devon April 2019. ‘I saw a growing demand for wellness retreats, especially in a serene location like Devon.
‘The coastal walks and peaceful beauty of Ilfracombe made me fall in love with the property, and I knew it would be the perfect spot for guests to unwind and focus on their health. The property even has a hidden staircase that leads up to a ‘wishing room’. ‘
Galia explained to This is Money why she’s selling Merlin Court.
She said: ‘When Covid-19 hit, travelling between Devon and Sussex became difficult, and like many, my business was impacted by the lockdowns.
‘Before Covid, I was a workaholic with plans to expand, but the pandemic forced me to slow down and rethink.
‘I’ve come to appreciate a slower pace of life, and managing two retreats that are over five hours apart by car is no longer feasible for me.
‘Earlier this year, I decided to start selling my properties with the goal of eventually retiring.’
