Sol Campbell snaps up North home

Jun 7 2009 by Laura Caroe, Sunday Sun

FOOTBALL superstar Sol Campbell has arranged a top fixture . . . he is setting up home in the North.

The Portsmouth defender has found his perfect match in Fiona Barratt, the granddaughter of Geordie property tycoon Sir Laurie Barratt.

Now finacee Fiona, an interior designer, and the 34-year-old have bought Hallington Hall, in Hallington, Northumberland, and are currently renovating the house, grounds and cottages.

Residents in the quiet village spoke of their surprise that the former England football captain was moving into the imposing 18th Century listed manor house, which is surrounded by lawns and terraces.

The village is a popular spot for visitors enjoying the Northumberland countryside, and now rumours have emerged the house it is set to become a lavish home with a tennis court and swimming pool.

Neighbour Paul Martin said he was shocked when he saw Sol going for a walk near his farm. The 50-year-old farmer said: “One Sunday I was looking at my sheep and I saw him.

“I knew it couldn’t be anyone except Sol. I went down to talk to him. He was saying how quiet it was and how different it is to London.

“He seemed like a nice guy. We talked about football and about Portsmouth’s relegation issues. I haven’t seen him since.

“I know they are doing a lot of work on the cottages and you can see there are workmen in the grounds.

“It is quite funny he has moved up to Northumberland, it would be quite different to London.”