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With the title of the best place to live in England, it’s not surprising that Withdean Woods in Brighton boasts some of the most affluent residents in the city.
However, these affluent locals are discontent because their beautiful views of the South Downs are being spoiled by three neglected houses abandoned by a Russian oligarch.
The million pound mansions have been sitting completely empty for nearly a decade.
Frustrated locals expressed to the Daily Mail that the neglect has turned these once grand homes into a dilapidated spot where teenage boys frequently gather for parties.
The properties are owned by Russian tycoon Sergey Fedotov and his glamorous Swiss wife Kira Fedotovato.
He purchased the first two for £2.8million and £1.5million in 2012 and the third for £2.5million in 2014, a year after marrying his wife.
He also spent £2million renovating the homes, including building a summer house, swimming pool and installing marble fittings.
In 2016, he was reported to have transferred two of the houses to his estranged wife to avoid public scrutiny in Russia.
The pair were later embroiled in a bitter legal battle over antiques and sculptures worth £800k.
Since then, the prime real estate has been ransacked multiple times to the dismay of the peaceful communities’ neighbourhood watch.
Pictured: Russian tycoon Sergey Fedotov and his glamorous Swiss wife Kira Fedotovato
Pictured: Ms Fedotovato’s mansion that is now being rented out as a bnb
Pictured: One of the most expensive homes in Brighton, just round the corner from the crumbling homes
The million pound mansions have been sitting completely empty for nearly a decade
Interestingly, three months ago, a cleaner, who is trusted by the community, received an unexpected call from Ms. Fedotovato, asking her to keep an eye on one of these forsaken properties.
‘They have turned the house I watch into an bnb,’ Rachel Bates told The Daily Mail. ‘I come in here everyday to clean for guests.’
Ms Bates explained that when she was asked to start cleaning one of the homes, which had been tidied up, she was surprised.
She added: ‘I’ve never even met the owner but we chat over Whatsapp and she pays well.’
Even though the home allegedly operates as a bnb, the metal bars that were meant to be protecting the home when it was empty were still in place.
‘We’ve had a lot of problems because we’ve had school kids breaking in. They would cover the walls in graffiti and throw parties,’ Ms Bates added.
Meanwhile, Jasmine Dyas, the local postwoman said that the area felt more like a ghost town than a thriving suburb.
She said: ‘It’s the richest place in Brighton but I don’t really see the people, I deliver parcels most days and I’ve never seen people.
‘I think it’s people who have a lot of money and buy the houses for the sake of it.’
These homes were purchased by Russian tycoon Sergey Fedotov. He acquired the first two for £2.8 million and £1.5 million in 2012 and the third for £2.5 million in 2014, a year after his marriage.
Others explained that the eerie homes make them feel uncomfortable to walk past at night.
Following data analysis by the Daily Mail, Withdean Woods was found to be the best neighbourhood out of almost 7,000.
With a score of 85.2 out of 100 based on eight criteria, including transport links, deprivation, air quality, income, and access to green spaces, this area stands out as a desirable place to live.
Brighton, as a whole, fell within a desirable ‘wedge’ which swept through the south east, encompassing swathes of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex.
Resident Russell Church was unsurprised. He said: ‘It’s very quiet with great views.
‘There’s no crime, I don’t take any notice of what’s going on elsewhere.
‘I’m a Brighton boy and this has always been the place they call it Hollywood hills of Brighton.’
