Saturday November 24, 2007

Sacked England soccer coach Steve McClaren will be spending part of his mega pay-off on – a SECOND luxury villa in Barbados.

The 1.9 million five-bedroom home is under construction at the Royal Westmoreland resort, where he also owns a $1.8m villa.

Set on a hillside, with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, the home it set among lush, tropical landscaping and boasts its own secluded swimming pool.

Whether McClaren was predicting a giant payday is not known. But the man who walked away with $5 million, despite failing to lead England to the European Championships, completed the deal on the 5,000 sq ft property just six weeks ago.

The former Middlesbrough boss was dubbed the “wally with the brolly” as he watched his side’s dismal defeat at Wembley from beneath an umbrella to protect his thinning hair.

It is believed jobless McClaren will visit Barbados with wife Kathryn in the near future, especially with so much time now on his hands.

“Steve loves the island and is overseeing all the fixtures and fittings on the new villa,” said a source. “Once it’s built, he intends to use his old villa as a rental property.

“The new place has wonderful sea views.”

McClaren’s two luxury Caribbean holiday homes are situated on one of the most exclusive and private developments on Barbados.

Such is the privacy offered on the stunning 500-acre Royal Westmoreland resort that a host of sporting stars have snapped up properties there.

The Caribbean-style villas and townhouses on the gated development are only for the seriously rich, with prices ranging between $1 million up to $12 million.

McClaren’s sporty neighbours include Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker, who has a Pounds 2.5 villa on Flamboyant Drive, England soccer stars Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole, cricketers Andrew Flintoff and Marcus Trescothick, golfer Ian Woosnam, jockey Richard Johnson and tennis legend Virginia Wade.

British tennis star Andy Murray has also just bought a place there.

The homes are situated around the estate’s championship golf course, offering beautiful views of the fairways and the island’s picturesque west coast.

The development has been voted one of the top ten residential golfing resorts in the world.

Owners also have the use of a fully equipped gymnasium, private tennis courts, a spa and two huge communal swimming pools, a clubhouse, restaurant and two bars.

The development’s website boasts: “One of Royal Westmoreland’s greatest attractions is its tranquility and seclusion. Owners and guests like to maintain this tranquility and privacy, so access is granted by appointment only.”

Sir Cliff Richard and Cilla Black own homes nearby.

The island is a magnet for the rich and famous, with Hugh Grant and on-off lover Jemima Khan, Michael Caine, Michael Winner and TV’s Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, all regulars.

The resort is owned by entrepreneur John Morphet.

The Westmorelan’s Sales Director Greg Schofield said in a recent interview: “Our guests get the chance to play golf with Ian Woosnam. “He’ll play a round with anyone-even if they are rubbish-as long as they have a drink afterwards.”

Hear that, Steve?