Michelle Mone and Douglas Barrowman have purchased a luxury apartment worth £10 million in one of the most exclusive areas in the United States, despite facing pressure to repay tens of millions to the UK government due to the PPE scandal. The couple acquired a spacious four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence on Fisher Island in Florida, also known as ‘Billionaire Island,’ in July. Fisher Island, accessible only by ferry, yacht, or helicopter, is renowned for being home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
The purchase occurred just before the High Court’s decision that PPE Medpro, a company led by Mr. Barrowman, must reimburse the government £122 million for providing faulty surgical gowns during the pandemic. Speculation had been circulating that Ms. Mone, a former lingerie tycoon, had relocated to the US. Fisher Island has attracted numerous celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts, as residents due to its reputation for opulent living.
The couple underwent a rigorous screening process by the Fisher Island Club committee before being approved for the purchase. Their new 5,000 sq ft apartment, situated in an upscale waterfront building, offers stunning ocean views and exclusive amenities. The property features a wraparound terrace overlooking Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, and the Atlantic, along with a modern kitchen equipped with high-end appliances and bespoke fittings.
Barrowman, an avid golfer, can take advantage of a nearby nine-hole golf course, while Baroness Mone has access to the island’s private gym, hair salon, and upscale dining establishments. Despite previously owning a £6.8 million yacht, Lady M, the couple have since sold it. The revelations about their lavish property purchase come at a time when their financial situation and Mone’s role in the House of Lords are under increasing scrutiny. Calls for Mone to step down have resurfaced following the court’s ruling on the PPE scandal.
Recently, a judge determined that the defective surgical gowns supplied by PPE Medpro were not properly sterilized. Mone, who was appointed to the peerage by David Cameron in 2015, allegedly recommended PPE Medpro through the government’s ‘VIP lane’ the same day the company was established in May 2020. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has demanded full repayment of the £122 million, emphasizing the government’s need to recover the funds. However, PPE Medpro failed to meet the repayment deadline and has since filed for administration, raising concerns about the potential loss of taxpayer money.
To address financial challenges, Mone and Barrowman have initiated the sale of properties in the UK, including a £19 million London townhouse and two residences in Glasgow. Mark Williams-Thomas, representing Lady Mone, confirmed that Barrowman’s investment firm acquired the Fisher Island property with plans for renovation and resale. “Mr. Barrowman, an experienced investor with a track record spanning 35 years, has engaged in various asset transactions,” Williams-Thomas stated.