Michelle Mone and her spouse, Douglas Barrowman, have purchased a luxurious apartment worth £10 million in one of the most prestigious areas in the United States, despite facing pressure to reimburse tens of millions to the UK government following the PPE controversy.
The couple acquired a spacious four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence on Fisher Island in Florida, famously dubbed ‘Billionaire Island,’ in July. Fisher Island, accessible solely by ferry, yacht, or helicopter, is home to some of the globe’s wealthiest individuals. This extravagant acquisition occurred just before the High Court mandated that PPE Medpro, a company overseen by Mr. Barrowman, must repay £122 million to the Government for providing inadequate surgical gowns during the pandemic.
Speculation had already been circulating that Ms. Mone, a former lingerie tycoon, had moved to the United States. Fisher Island is renowned for its opulent properties and has housed a plethora of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts.
Reportedly, the couple underwent a rigorous screening process conducted by the elite Fisher Island Club committee before their purchase was approved. Their new apartment boasts unparalleled luxury, from panoramic ocean vistas to private elevator access, as they confront mounting scrutiny over the PPE scandal in their home country.
Situated in an exclusive waterfront building on Fisher Island, their 5,000 square feet corner unit features a wraparound terrace with stunning views of Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The interior includes a modern kitchen with granite countertops, custom fixtures, and premium appliances.
Barrowman, aged 60 and an avid golfer, has convenient access to a nearby nine-hole golf course, while Baroness Mone, aged 54, can enjoy the island’s private fitness center, hair salon, and upscale dining establishments. Witnesses claim to have spotted the couple dining at some of the enclave’s upscale venues. Despite the island’s two marinas, the couple has sold their £6.8 million yacht, Lady M.
These disclosures emerge amidst escalating scrutiny of the couple’s financial affairs and Mone’s status in the House of Lords. Calls for Mone’s resignation have resurfaced following the High Court’s directive for PPE Medpro to reimburse £122 million after providing 25 million faulty surgical gowns during the health crisis.
Recently, a judge ruled that the Chinese-made gowns were inadequately sterilized. Mone, ennobled by David Cameron in 2015, purportedly recommended PPE Medpro to officials through the government’s ‘VIP lane’ on the same day the company was established in May 2020.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has demanded full repayment, insisting, “We want our money back.” However, PPE Medpro missed the October 15 repayment deadline and has since filed for administration, potentially thwarting taxpayers from reclaiming the funds.
Mone and Barrowman have commenced 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, explained that Barrowman’s investment company procured the Fisher Island property with intentions to renovate and resell it.
“Mr. Barrowman, a seasoned investor with 35 years of experience in asset trading, has dealt with various assets,” he revealed. “The property division of his conglomerate recently acquired a residence on Fisher Island, Miami, with plans for refurbishment and subsequent resale.”
