Michelle Mone and her spouse, Douglas Barrowman, have invested in a luxurious $10 million apartment situated in one of the most exclusive areas in the United States, despite facing pressure to reimburse millions to the British government due to the PPE scandal.
The couple recently acquired a four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence on Fisher Island in Florida, a renowned location often referred to as ‘Billionaire Island.’ This private island, accessible solely by ferry, yacht, or helicopter, is a preferred residence for some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Their purchase coincided with a High Court ruling that mandated PPE Medpro, a company overseen by Mr. Barrowman, to repay £122 million to the government for supplying substandard surgical gowns during the pandemic.
Speculation had already been circulating about Ms. Mone, a former lingerie tycoon, relocating to the United States. Fisher Island is known for its opulent properties and has attracted numerous celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts, to reside there.
The couple underwent a thorough screening process by the elite Fisher Island Club committee, responsible for managing the area, before their purchase was approved. Their new apartment offers extravagant amenities, including breathtaking ocean views and private elevator access, as they navigate the growing scrutiny surrounding the PPE scandal in the UK.
Their corner unit spans 5,000 square feet and features a wraparound terrace with panoramic views of Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The interior boasts a modern kitchen equipped with granite countertops, custom fittings, and top-of-the-line appliances.
Barrowman, 60, an avid golfer, can take advantage of a nine-hole golf course nearby, while Baroness Mone, 54, can access the island’s exclusive amenities, including a private gym, hair salon, and upscale dining establishments. Reports indicate that the couple has been seen dining at some of the island’s upscale dining venues. Although they have sold their £6.8 million yacht, Lady M, Fisher Island features two marinas for residents.
These revelations emerge amidst increased scrutiny of the couple’s financial affairs and Mone’s standing in the House of Lords. Following the High Court’s directive for PPE Medpro to repay £122 million for providing 25 million faulty surgical gowns during the health crisis, calls for Mone’s resignation have resurfaced.
Earlier this month, a judge determined that the gowns manufactured in China were not adequately sterilized. Mone, ennobled by David Cameron in 2015, allegedly recommended PPE Medpro through the government’s ‘VIP lane’ on the same day the company was established in May 2020.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has demanded full repayment of the sum, emphasizing the government’s intent to recover the funds. However, PPE Medpro failed to meet the repayment deadline of October 15 and subsequently filed for administration, raising doubts about taxpayers’ chances of recovering the funds.
Mone and Barrowman have initiated the sale of portions of their real estate holdings in the UK, including a £19 million townhouse in London and two properties in Glasgow. Mark Williams-Thomas, representing Lady Mone, stated that Barrowman’s investment firm procured the Fisher Island property with plans for renovation and resale.
“Mr. Barrowman, a seasoned investor with over 35 years of experience in asset transactions, has a track record of buying and selling various assets,” Williams-Thomas stated. “Recently, the property division of his conglomerate purchased a property on Fisher Island, Miami, with the intention of refurbishing it for subsequent resale.”