A Grand Designs property once likened to a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp has gone on the market for £2.95 million following the death of its eccentric millionaire owner.
The daring Japanese-inspired countryside retreat became one of the early shock stories of the long-running Channel Four series after entrepreneurs Lizzie Vann and Michael Thrasher fought a fierce battle for council approval.
During the saga, one planning official compared the unusual three-story tower at its centre to resembling a watchtower in the notorious Stalag IX camps.
More than two decades later, the 2,000 sq ft timber home near Bransgore, Hampshire, is now on the market following the death of Mr Thrasher in March aged 78.
He had retained the property – known as Hillside Farm – following his divorce from Ms Vann, the Organix baby food founder.
Ms Vann and Mr Thrasher, who was also a director at Organix, demolished an existing bungalow to build their version of a Haiku house – minimal timber structures with steeply pitched roofs which were popular in Japan in the 16th century.
They were forced to tone down their initial design plans after council planners deemed the scheme too adventurous for its rural setting, with one planning committee member labelling it ‘Stalag nine’.
What emerged was a 2,000 sq ft timber creation split into three distinct parts: an open-plan living space, a bedroom wing linked by a glass walkway, and a three-storey tower containing offices and utilities.
A Grand Designs property once likened to a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp has gone on the market for £2.95 million following the death of its eccentric millionaire owner, Michael Thrasher
The daring Japanese-inspired countryside retreat became one of the early shock stories of the long-running Channel Four series after entrepreneurs Lizzie Vann and Michael Thrasher fought a fierce battle for council approval
Despite now being marketed by estate agents as a ‘rare example of architectural sensitivity’ and of ‘timeless design’, Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud had cast a sceptical eye over the build – while some viewers derided the scheme as a futuristic blot on the landscape.
Concerned about the home’s unconventional lilac and pale green colours and its three distinct structural elements, he warned: ‘The risk was that this would not be one coherent house.’
Ms Vann, now 67, admitted the tower was ‘totally impractical’ but described it as ‘very romantic’.
She said in 2004 of the scheme: ‘We thought it was entirely appropriate, but apart from anything else who can see it?
‘There are 50 acres of land and we can’t see our nearest neighbours. You would have to be in a plane.’
Mr McCloud was ultimately impressed by the completed project, celebrating the tower for its 360-degree views, ‘sexy’ interior and modern gadgets, including a wall-mounted television hidden behind a painting.
He declared the finished design ‘more successful than I thought possible’.
After the show broadcast, the couple continued upgrading the two-bedroom home, adding a vineyard, a two-bedroom annexe known as The Cabin, several garages and a Japanese-inspired garden.
Mr Thrasher, who died on March 22, split his time between Hillside Farm and Florida’s Gulf Coast, where he also owned a property
Mr Thrasher also installed a climate-controlled wine room behind one of the garages to store bottles made from his own grapes.
Proceeds from the sale of Hillside Farm will go to Mr Thrasher’s three grown-up daughters.
The Rightmove listing states: ‘Hillside Farm is a rare example of architectural sensitivity and rural luxury offering complete seclusion, timeless design, and a profound connection to the land.
‘A truly unique New Forest retreat. Set within over 50 acres of breath taking New Forest countryside, Hillside Farm is a striking architectural home that has captured national attention, including a feature on Grand Designs.
‘Inspired by the Japanese ‘haiku’ style of country house design, celebrated for its simplicity, clarity, and connection to nature.’
Mr Thrasher, who died on March 22, split his time between Hillside Farm and Florida’s Gulf Coast, where he also owned a property.
The grandfather is survived by his American wife Natalie, daughters Elli, Jodi and Abbi and four step-daughters.
An obituary published in the United States read: ‘Mike was a man of great character, known for his generosity, sharp wit, and entrepreneurial spirit.
‘His ability to make anyone feel at home in his presence was a testament to his warmth and kindness.
‘He lived a life of purpose, dedicating himself not only to his work but also to charitable endeavours, meaningful friendships, and countless treasured moments with his family.’
Mr Thrasher and Ms Vann were reported to have become multi-millionaires when Organix was sold to a Swiss food conglomerate in 2008.