Michelle Mone and her spouse Douglas Barrowman have invested in a luxurious £10 million apartment situated in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the United States, despite facing significant pressure to reimburse tens of millions of pounds to the British public in relation to the PPE scandal.
The couple reportedly acquired a spacious four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence on Fisher Island in Florida, famously known as ‘Billionaire Island,’ back in July. Fisher Island, accessible solely by ferry, yacht, or helicopter, is renowned for housing some of the wealthiest individuals globally. Their opulent purchase occurred just prior to the High Court’s ruling that PPE Medpro, a firm led by Mr. Barrowman, must repay £122 million to the government for providing defective surgical gowns during the pandemic.
Speculations had already circulated about Ms. Mone, a former lingerie tycoon, relocating to the United States. Fisher Island is home to some of the priciest real estate in the country and has been a residence for numerous celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts.
The couple underwent a thorough screening process by the elite Fisher Island Club committee before their acquisition was approved, as reported by the Mail on Sunday. Their new apartment boasts every conceivable luxury, including stunning ocean views and private lift access, all while they face increasing scrutiny over the PPE scandal in their homeland.
Their 5,000 square foot corner unit, located in an exclusive waterfront building on Fisher Island, features a wraparound terrace with breathtaking views of Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Internally, the apartment showcases a state-of-the-art kitchen with granite countertops, custom fixtures, and premium appliances.
Barrowman, aged 60 and an avid golfer, can enjoy a nine-hole golf course just minutes away, while Baroness Mone, aged 54, has access to the island’s private gym, salon, and upscale dining establishments. Witnesses have spotted the couple dining at various luxury venues on the island. Fisher Island also encompasses two marinas, although the pair have sold their £6.8 million yacht, Lady M.
These disclosures surface amidst heightened scrutiny of the couple’s financial affairs and Mone’s role in the House of Lords. Following the court’s ruling that PPE Medpro must repay £122 million for delivering 25 million faulty surgical gowns during the pandemic, there have been renewed calls for Mone to resign.
Recently, a judge determined that the gowns from China were never adequately sterilized. Mone, ennobled by David Cameron in 2015, supposedly recommended PPE Medpro to officials via the government’s ‘VIP lane’ on the same day the company was established in May 2020.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has demanded the full repayment of the sum, emphasizing the need to recover taxpayers’ money. However, PPE Medpro missed the October 15 deadline for repayment and has subsequently filed for administration, potentially resulting in taxpayers never recouping the funds.
Mone and Barrowman have initiated the sale of segments of their property portfolio in the UK, including a £19 million London townhouse and two residences in Glasgow. Mark Williams-Thomas, representing Lady Mone, disclosed that Barrowman’s investment company procured the Fisher Island property with plans for refurbishment and resale.
“Mr. Barrowman is an experienced investor who, for over 35 years, has dealt with various assets,” remarked Williams-Thomas. “His group’s real estate division recently acquired a property on Fisher Island in Miami with intentions for renovation and subsequent sale.”