A very big house in the country: Most expensive UK home outside London goes on sale for £75 MILLION

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Updown Court: This luxury mansion, in Windlesham, Surrey, is on the market for £75million


Mansion boasts 103 rooms, five swimming pools, bowling alley and cinema

The most expensive country house in the UK has gone up for sale for £75million.

Updown Court has 103 rooms, five swimming pools, two penthouse apartments and a helipad. It stands in 58 acres of grounds.

The residence - in the Surrey village of Windlesham - was originally put up for sale with agents for £70million a few years ago.


Stately home: The house has 103 rooms, five swimming pools, two penthouse apartments and a helipad


The enigmatic owner behind Updown is bricklayer's son-turned-property developer supremo Leslie Allen-Vercoe, 67.

His company Rhymer Investments purchased it in 2002 out of receivership for £20million - and has since spent at least £30million on renovation work.

Now, an Irish bank has requested a drive to sell the mansion with a new price tag which reflects the vast sums ploughed into it.


Grand entrance: The hallway has two cast-iron banistered staircases and a row of marble columns


The neo-classical California-style mansion was built in 2002 on the site of an earlier property which was owned during the 1970s by Prince Sami Gayed of Egypt.

The house, which has 24 bedrooms and 23 bathrooms, has been built with some of the world's rarest materials - mainly Italian marble.

The mansion has a 50-seat cinema, a two-lane bowling alley, a gymnasium, a squash court, a flood-lit tennis court, a lake, a wine cellar for 3,000 bottles and a 'panic room'.


Suitable for sporty types: The mansion boasts five swimming pools and a tennis court


Strike: There is also a two-lane bowling alley


Beautiful garden: The £75million home stands in 58 acres of grounds

source: dailymail

Hand-standing tall: Breathtaking view from glass boxes 1,353 feet in the air over the Windy City’s skyline

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

No fear: A woman performs a handstand in one of the boxes that form 'the ledge', which stand 1,353ft above the Chicago skyline


Jutting four and a half feet outside of the Willis Tower in Chicago, 'The Ledge' is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

But trying telling that to this daredevil who performed a handstand 1,353 feet above the city's skyline.

The unnamed man performed the trick in one of the four glass boxes that are giving unparalleled views across the Windy City from America's tallest building.

Extending out of the 103rd floor of the 110-storey building, each one of the fully retractable boxes that make up The Ledge weighs in at 1,500 pounds.

The three inch glass gives never-before-seen views of the city, and allows visitors to see for 50 miles around.


Spectacular: The boxes that jut out from the Willis Tower provide never-before-seen views of the city, and allows spectators to see for 50 miles around


Inspired by the film 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', where the title character encourages his friends to lean their heads against the glass of the Willis Tower's public Skydeck, The Ledge has quickly become a city favourite.

'You only need to see the forehead prints on the windows to know that visitors are constantly trying to catch a glimpse below, said Randy Stancik, general manager of the Skydeck Chicago.


Don't look down: Visitors are protected from the 103-storey drop by three inches of glass


Opened in 1974, the Willis Tower was formerly known around the world as the Sears Tower and is still the tallest building in the United States.

'The Ledge's glass boxes extend from the Skydeck, providing unobstructed views straight down,' said a spokesperson for the Skydeck at the Willis Tower.

'Each box provides unobstructed views of people, taxis, boats and bridges over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.'



America's tallest: The Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is the world's fifth tallest building. The four viewing boxes can be seen on the third windows down from the top

source: dailymail

Hand-standing tall: Breathtaking view from glass boxes 1,353 feet in the air over the Windy City’s skyline

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

No fear: A woman performs a handstand in one of the boxes that form 'the ledge', which stand 1,353ft above the Chicago skyline


Jutting four and a half feet outside of the Willis Tower in Chicago, 'The Ledge' is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

But trying telling that to this daredevil who performed a handstand 1,353 feet above the city's skyline.

The unnamed man performed the trick in one of the four glass boxes that are giving unparalleled views across the Windy City from America's tallest building.

Extending out of the 103rd floor of the 110-storey building, each one of the fully retractable boxes that make up The Ledge weighs in at 1,500 pounds.

The three inch glass gives never-before-seen views of the city, and allows visitors to see for 50 miles around.


Spectacular: The boxes that jut out from the Willis Tower provide never-before-seen views of the city, and allows spectators to see for 50 miles around


Inspired by the film 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', where the title character encourages his friends to lean their heads against the glass of the Willis Tower's public Skydeck, The Ledge has quickly become a city favourite.

'You only need to see the forehead prints on the windows to know that visitors are constantly trying to catch a glimpse below, said Randy Stancik, general manager of the Skydeck Chicago.


Don't look down: Visitors are protected from the 103-storey drop by three inches of glass


Opened in 1974, the Willis Tower was formerly known around the world as the Sears Tower and is still the tallest building in the United States.

'The Ledge's glass boxes extend from the Skydeck, providing unobstructed views straight down,' said a spokesperson for the Skydeck at the Willis Tower.

'Each box provides unobstructed views of people, taxis, boats and bridges over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.'



America's tallest: The Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is the world's fifth tallest building. The four viewing boxes can be seen on the third windows down from the top

source: dailymail

Look what you've started Bea! Ladies' Day kicks off Epsom as stylish racegoers show off flamboyant hats

By MAYSA RAWI

Model behaviour: M&S model Erin O' Connor, left, and Olivia Inge take in the race at Epsom Derby today


Since the Royal Wedding marked a renewed interest in hats and Beatrice's Philip Treacy creation sparked hysteria, British women are looking for any excuse to show off flamboyant head pieces.

And what better occasion than at the races?

Ladies Day at Epsom today saw women don their finest - and brightest - frocks for an afternoon of fun in the sunshine.


Hat's off: Punters showed off their creative side with elaborate head pieces, inspired by the Royal Wedding


Fashionable fillies: Racegoers take a leaf out of Bea's form book


M&S model Erin O' Connor, the face of Investec Ladies Day, wore a flamboyant hat by Louis Mariette and a bespoke dress by Felicity Brown, created for the occasion.

She was joined by fellow model Olivia Inge, who started her career as a Vivienne Westwood model.

Olivia wore a gingham pencil dress and black net fascinator.



Glorious technicolour dream: A group of friends compete for most colourful outfit


Girl talk: Racegoers have a drink ahead of the main event


Punters were competing for best dressed at one of the most iconic events on the sporting calendar but the award went to Mimi Theobald, who impressed judges with her elegant yellow suit.

Clearly hours of standing in the grass did nothing to put women off wearing heels as platform shoes were out in full force.

The Queen is due to attend tomorrow but will no doubt stick to sensible footwear.


Let me entertain you: Punters get festive in uniform, left, and a double act dazzle on stilts


Colourful combination: Young or old, Ladies Day is an excuse to show off some colour


The three-day event, that kicked off today, will see the Queen's horse Carlton House compete for the trophy.

And the Royal is said to be keen on seeing her prize possession win.

Her racing manager, John Warren, told The Telegraph: 'We are counting down the days.

Her Majesty is very excited about the race, looking at the Racing Post, and getting all the news, while trying to keep calm.'


Birds of a feature: Mimi Theobald, left, winner of the Style on the Downs as yellow scored high marks


Victory: Racegoers cheer as their horse comes in


source: dailymail

Tragedy at the Queen's Salute: Horse has to be put down in front of shocked crowd after being run over by a gun carriage in Hyde Park

By REBECCA ENGLISH


Behind the foreground rider the horse can be seen as it falls and entangles its legs in the wheels of the gun carriage


Members of the public looked on in horror today as an army horse died on parade during a freak accident in London’s Hyde Park.

The animal, called Murphy, was taking part in the Royal Gun Salute which takes place on June 2 each year to mark the coronation of the Queen.

Soldiers from the King’s Troop were lining up when the horse tripped while galloping and his legs became entangled in the wheels of a gun wagon, which then dragged him across the grass.


Soldiers rush to disentangle the fallen horse


Realising the animal is bady hurt, a soldier dashes off to find expert help


As he fell, Murphy suffered a ‘complex fracture’ of his leg and after being examined by an on-site vet was immediately put down by injection.

Devastated soldiers erected a green tent around the animal to shield onlookers from the distressing scene which took place shortly before mid-day.

An army spokesman told Mail Online: ‘Unfortunately the horse, called Murphy, became entangled in the gun carriage which was being moved into position and very sadly broke its leg.


A soldier looks up as he realises the severity of the animal's injury


Distraught, a horseman buries his face in his hands


'The vet officer in place immediately gave him pain relief but it was a very complex fracture and the only course of action was to put him down by injection. It was really the only course of action.

‘Everyone involved was naturally distressed. Murphy had been with the regiment for a very long time.

‘It was a tragic accident, one of those split second things that happen and he went down straight away.

‘It is very rare, though, that something like his should happen. No-one can remember anything like this happening before.’


n a shot taken from the watching spectators, soldiers from the King's Troop erect a barrier around the horse as a vet gives it a lethal injection


The salute, to mark the 59th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, was cancelled as a mark of respect.


Horse injury cancels Queen's 41-gun salute



source: dailymail

Tragedy at the Queen's Salute: Horse has to be put down in front of shocked crowd after being run over by a gun carriage in Hyde Park

By REBECCA ENGLISH


Behind the foreground rider the horse can be seen as it falls and entangles its legs in the wheels of the gun carriage


Members of the public looked on in horror today as an army horse died on parade during a freak accident in London’s Hyde Park.

The animal, called Murphy, was taking part in the Royal Gun Salute which takes place on June 2 each year to mark the coronation of the Queen.

Soldiers from the King’s Troop were lining up when the horse tripped while galloping and his legs became entangled in the wheels of a gun wagon, which then dragged him across the grass.


Soldiers rush to disentangle the fallen horse


Realising the animal is bady hurt, a soldier dashes off to find expert help


As he fell, Murphy suffered a ‘complex fracture’ of his leg and after being examined by an on-site vet was immediately put down by injection.

Devastated soldiers erected a green tent around the animal to shield onlookers from the distressing scene which took place shortly before mid-day.

An army spokesman told Mail Online: ‘Unfortunately the horse, called Murphy, became entangled in the gun carriage which was being moved into position and very sadly broke its leg.


A soldier looks up as he realises the severity of the animal's injury


Distraught, a horseman buries his face in his hands


'The vet officer in place immediately gave him pain relief but it was a very complex fracture and the only course of action was to put him down by injection. It was really the only course of action.

‘Everyone involved was naturally distressed. Murphy had been with the regiment for a very long time.

‘It was a tragic accident, one of those split second things that happen and he went down straight away.

‘It is very rare, though, that something like his should happen. No-one can remember anything like this happening before.’


n a shot taken from the watching spectators, soldiers from the King's Troop erect a barrier around the horse as a vet gives it a lethal injection


The salute, to mark the 59th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, was cancelled as a mark of respect.


Horse injury cancels Queen's 41-gun salute



source: dailymail

Tragedy at the Queen's Salute: Horse has to be put down in front of shocked crowd after being run over by a gun carriage in Hyde Park

By REBECCA ENGLISH


Behind the foreground rider the horse can be seen as it falls and entangles its legs in the wheels of the gun carriage


Members of the public looked on in horror today as an army horse died on parade during a freak accident in London’s Hyde Park.

The animal, called Murphy, was taking part in the Royal Gun Salute which takes place on June 2 each year to mark the coronation of the Queen.

Soldiers from the King’s Troop were lining up when the horse tripped while galloping and his legs became entangled in the wheels of a gun wagon, which then dragged him across the grass.


Soldiers rush to disentangle the fallen horse


Realising the animal is bady hurt, a soldier dashes off to find expert help


As he fell, Murphy suffered a ‘complex fracture’ of his leg and after being examined by an on-site vet was immediately put down by injection.

Devastated soldiers erected a green tent around the animal to shield onlookers from the distressing scene which took place shortly before mid-day.

An army spokesman told Mail Online: ‘Unfortunately the horse, called Murphy, became entangled in the gun carriage which was being moved into position and very sadly broke its leg.


A soldier looks up as he realises the severity of the animal's injury


Distraught, a horseman buries his face in his hands


'The vet officer in place immediately gave him pain relief but it was a very complex fracture and the only course of action was to put him down by injection. It was really the only course of action.

‘Everyone involved was naturally distressed. Murphy had been with the regiment for a very long time.

‘It was a tragic accident, one of those split second things that happen and he went down straight away.

‘It is very rare, though, that something like his should happen. No-one can remember anything like this happening before.’


n a shot taken from the watching spectators, soldiers from the King's Troop erect a barrier around the horse as a vet gives it a lethal injection


The salute, to mark the 59th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, was cancelled as a mark of respect.


Horse injury cancels Queen's 41-gun salute



source: dailymail

Tragedy at the Queen's Salute: Horse has to be put down in front of shocked crowd after being run over by a gun carriage in Hyde Park

By REBECCA ENGLISH


Behind the foreground rider the horse can be seen as it falls and entangles its legs in the wheels of the gun carriage


Members of the public looked on in horror today as an army horse died on parade during a freak accident in London’s Hyde Park.

The animal, called Murphy, was taking part in the Royal Gun Salute which takes place on June 2 each year to mark the coronation of the Queen.

Soldiers from the King’s Troop were lining up when the horse tripped while galloping and his legs became entangled in the wheels of a gun wagon, which then dragged him across the grass.


Soldiers rush to disentangle the fallen horse


Realising the animal is bady hurt, a soldier dashes off to find expert help


As he fell, Murphy suffered a ‘complex fracture’ of his leg and after being examined by an on-site vet was immediately put down by injection.

Devastated soldiers erected a green tent around the animal to shield onlookers from the distressing scene which took place shortly before mid-day.

An army spokesman told Mail Online: ‘Unfortunately the horse, called Murphy, became entangled in the gun carriage which was being moved into position and very sadly broke its leg.


A soldier looks up as he realises the severity of the animal's injury


Distraught, a horseman buries his face in his hands


'The vet officer in place immediately gave him pain relief but it was a very complex fracture and the only course of action was to put him down by injection. It was really the only course of action.

‘Everyone involved was naturally distressed. Murphy had been with the regiment for a very long time.

‘It was a tragic accident, one of those split second things that happen and he went down straight away.

‘It is very rare, though, that something like his should happen. No-one can remember anything like this happening before.’


n a shot taken from the watching spectators, soldiers from the King's Troop erect a barrier around the horse as a vet gives it a lethal injection


The salute, to mark the 59th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, was cancelled as a mark of respect.


Horse injury cancels Queen's 41-gun salute



source: dailymail

Tragedy at the Queen's Salute: Horse has to be put down in front of shocked crowd after being run over by a gun carriage in Hyde Park

By REBECCA ENGLISH


Behind the foreground rider the horse can be seen as it falls and entangles its legs in the wheels of the gun carriage


Members of the public looked on in horror today as an army horse died on parade during a freak accident in London’s Hyde Park.

The animal, called Murphy, was taking part in the Royal Gun Salute which takes place on June 2 each year to mark the coronation of the Queen.

Soldiers from the King’s Troop were lining up when the horse tripped while galloping and his legs became entangled in the wheels of a gun wagon, which then dragged him across the grass.


Soldiers rush to disentangle the fallen horse


Realising the animal is bady hurt, a soldier dashes off to find expert help


As he fell, Murphy suffered a ‘complex fracture’ of his leg and after being examined by an on-site vet was immediately put down by injection.

Devastated soldiers erected a green tent around the animal to shield onlookers from the distressing scene which took place shortly before mid-day.

An army spokesman told Mail Online: ‘Unfortunately the horse, called Murphy, became entangled in the gun carriage which was being moved into position and very sadly broke its leg.


A soldier looks up as he realises the severity of the animal's injury


Distraught, a horseman buries his face in his hands


'The vet officer in place immediately gave him pain relief but it was a very complex fracture and the only course of action was to put him down by injection. It was really the only course of action.

‘Everyone involved was naturally distressed. Murphy had been with the regiment for a very long time.

‘It was a tragic accident, one of those split second things that happen and he went down straight away.

‘It is very rare, though, that something like his should happen. No-one can remember anything like this happening before.’


n a shot taken from the watching spectators, soldiers from the King's Troop erect a barrier around the horse as a vet gives it a lethal injection


The salute, to mark the 59th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, was cancelled as a mark of respect.


Horse injury cancels Queen's 41-gun salute



source: dailymail