Foreign Property News | Posted by Si Thu Aung
A BILLIONAIRE is set to spend his summer hols living like a commoner because his partner refused to book extravagant accommodation.
John Caudwell raked in the riches after building a booming mobile phone business, setting himself up for a life of luxury - but his girlfriend is keeping him grounded.
(John Caudwell might live in Britain's most expensive home, but his travels are a different story.Credit: Channel 4)
(Modesta has insisted they spend their break like ordinary people)
The former boss of the now defunct Phones 4u retail chain says he's being restricted to a £90-per-night hotel for his one-month summer cycling holiday.
The 71-year-old claims a net worth of £2.6bn according to Forbes, but partner Modesta Vžesniauskaitė put the foot down on booking a lavish hotel.
Modesta, a Lithuanian road-racing cyclist, instead booked them into the more ordinary Alpine accommodation.
Modesta, 40 - who mothers three of John's seven children - said it wasn't "real" to be living the high life at every opportunity.
The destination was also intended to avoid overindulgence, with the couple to pull two kids along in a trailer while cycling rather than kicking the feet up somewhere "fancy" like the Maldives.
Modesta recently told The Times: “We're spending a month cycling through the French Alps … dragging two children in a trailer.
“It's good to stay grounded.”
Caudwell could afford to stay in the Alpine accommodation for nearly 29 million nights before his £2.6bn fortune dwindled to zero.
Based on his previous comments, it's unlikely Caudwell will kick up much of a fuss despite living like an unstoppable Monopoly player with his £250million Mayfair mansion which features its own bar and cinema.
He also owns a ridiculous 73-metre super yacht, but donates much of his wealth to charity.
He said in 2022: "I don’t crave materialistic things, although I’ve got a lot.
He's also been eager to point out he remains sparing when it comes to clothing, despite the flashy jackets he's spotted wearing in public.
He told the iPaper: "Out of the public eye you won’t see me in one of the glitzy jackets I’m known for. They’re just for the charity dinners.
"At home I’ll be in £29 Zara jeans and a shirt."
(John and Modesta say they'll mix with ordinary tourists on the French alps adventure.Credit: Getty)
(John has previously promised his flashy jackets are only for charity events.Credit: Getty)
(Modesta seems insistent on keeping the billionaire grounded.Credit: Getty)
Ref: I’m a billionaire but wife won’t let me stay in luxury hotel… I’ve been given a budget of £90-a-day for cycling break (thesun)
Photo Credit: Channel 4, Getty Images
