Fat-burning ‘Slim Reaper’ Galia Grainger sells her 11-bed Devon mansion for less than £1million
Galia Grainger, star of Channel 4 TV show Celebrity Fat Fighters in 2017, is selling Merlin Court, her fat-burning retreat in Devon.
Galia, also known as the ‘Slim Reaper’, says she has helped the likes of Lisa Riley, Gemma Collins, Jennifer Ellison and Gail Porter improve their fitness and improve their self-esteem.
For £895,000, buyers can purchase 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 Ny Breaking Property, before revealing why she is selling it.
Fat-buster: Galia Grainger, aka the ‘Slim Reaper’, pictured in Sussex, helped the likes of Lisa Riley and Gemma Collins improve their fitness
Dating from the mid-nineteenth century, the Grade II listed building covers 7,600 m² and offers stunning views of the North Devon coastline.
The country house is bursting with light and space and boasts large reception rooms, period features and 11 en suite bedrooms. It is also equipped with a spa and a gym.
There are high ceilings throughout the building and large sliding windows provide plenty of light.
For buyers wanting to make the most of the views, Merlin Court, located at Torrs Park, Ilfracombe, has six balconies and a reading tower offering panoramic views.
Each of the 11 bedrooms has been designed with a unique twist and features stripped wooden floorboards and fine cornice details.
Outside, Merlin Court has a tiered garden with paved and gravel terraces, ideal for al fresco dining. Depending on the building permit, an outbuilding on the site can be converted into a guesthouse.
Tom Folland, director at Strutt & Parker in Exeter, told This is Money: ‘The house is currently suitable for commercial use, so a buyer could walk in and continue the business success of Merlin Court.
‘Alternatively, there is scope to convert the house back into a private home, which would certainly make this 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 offers panoramic views and is bursting with space and light
It’s all here: Merlin Court is currently 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 jobs in advertising in broadcasting.
Her own struggles with her weight sparked her interest in health, dieting and fitness.
Galia told This is Money: ‘When I worked in advertising and broadcasting I gained a lot of weight.
‘I wore big baggy T-shirts to hide my body. I felt ashamed. I learned firsthand 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 company.
Options: There is a gym and sauna at Merlin Court ready for use
In 2017, Galia took over at Channel 4 Famous fat fighters and helped a range of celebrities improve their health and fitness.
She said: ‘I have 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 – although Gemma did not complete the programme.
“Each celebrity had their own goals and I was able to help most of them achieve something special.”
Plush: Galia’s Devon property, Merlin Court, has 11 en-suite bedrooms
Features: Merlin Court is packed with period features and large windows
Unique: Each of the 11 bedrooms is designed with a unique twist and feel
Tranquility: The bedrooms at Merlin Court are spacious and ideal for a relaxing stay
Salad only: 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 country house can be used as a family home or as a business opportunity
Fresh: Each of the multiple bathrooms at Merlin Court is modern and inviting
Views: Merlin Court is in an elevated position with beautiful coastal views
Galia, 66, now divides her time between her home in London and her detox retreat in Battle, Sussex. In total, she owns nine properties.
She bought Merlin Court in Devon in 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 place for guests to relax and focus on their health. The property even features a hidden staircase that leads to a ‘desire room’. ‘
Galia explained to This is Money why she is selling Merlin Court.
She said: ‘When Covid-19 hit, travel between Devon and Sussex became difficult and like many, my business was hit by the lockdowns.
‘Before Covid, I was a workaholic with plans to expand, but the pandemic forced me to slow down and rethink.
‘I have come to appreciate a slower pace of life, and it is no longer feasible for me to organize two retreats more than five hours apart by car.
‘Earlier this year I decided to start selling my properties with the aim of eventually retiring.’