Knight Frank has placed the five-bedroom bungalow in Haytor Vale, Devon, on the market for £900,000. The price tag represents a reported 50% increase on the £600,000 Ann Widdecombe paid when she purchased the home in 2008, just as she was exiting politics.
The property, originally named Thurlecot, features five reception rooms, a swimming pool, stables, and extensive gardens. It spans approximately 5,139 square feet and sits within walking distance of the open moor, offering south-facing views. Despite the idyllic description in the Rightmove listing, the brochure carries a stark legal caveat: "A significant event occurred at the property in 2026, involving the unlawful death of an occupant."
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in the kitchen on July 9, 2026, after missing a scheduled Channel 5 appearance. Court records detail that she was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer on July 8 while eating lunch. Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, faces murder charges and is remanded in custody; he also faces a separate charge related to the preparation of a terrorist act. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The murder turned the quiet village into a macabre destination. Locals complained about visitors taking selfies at the scene or peering through windows, prompting the installation of heavy wooden gates secured by chains and padlocks. The sign reading ‘Widdecombe’s Rest’ was removed. One resident told The Sun that Widdecombe was "genuinely loved" by the community, and the new security measures aim to restore normality.
Widdecombe represented the Conservative Party in the House of Commons for over two decades before retiring in 2010. Her post-parliamentary life included a stint on Strictly Come Dancing with Anton du Beke, a Celebrity Big Brother appearance, and a role as a Brexit Party MEP. The next step in the property’s history depends on whether buyers accept the dark history attached to the £900,000 price tag.