Adrian Bayford swaps life of luxury for a simpler existence with his mother, abandoning his estate

Adrian Bayford, the 54-year-old British man who won a staggering £148 million on the EuroMillions in 2012, has shocked many by leaving his sprawling seven-bedroom mansion to move in with his 80-year-old mother. Bayford, who was a postman when he hit the jackpot, has chosen to downsize and embrace a simpler life, despite his life-changing windfall over a decade ago.

After winning the colossal sum, Bayford and his then-wife, Gillian, bought the Grade II-listed Horseheath Lodge estate in Cambridgeshire, a vast property set within 189 acres of land. However, their relationship fell apart a year after their win, and Bayford has since been linked to several women, including an engagement before meeting his current fiancée, ambulance worker Tracey Biles.

Now, rather than continuing life in luxury, Bayford has reportedly chosen to move into a four-bedroom cottage that he had purchased for his mother. A close friend, speaking anonymously, revealed that Bayford, who had initially been living in the grand estate, believes he can now “downsize and have a simple life” like the one he enjoyed before becoming a millionaire.

The mansion, which has been on the market for three years and remains unsold, is filled with memories from Bayford’s previous relationships, which, according to the friend, have left him longing for a fresh start. “The house he is leaving is one he bought with his ex Gillian, and where he split from his other fiancées, so it’s full of bad memories for him,” the friend said. “He loves Tracey, he loves his mum, so it makes sense for them to all move in together.”

Bayford’s decision to leave the mansion comes after an ambitious, but controversial, plan to develop the estate into a children’s theme park was scrapped. The project included a maze, renewable energy-themed play areas, and even a train ride. However, local opposition to the idea, citing concerns about traffic, flooding, and the project’s compatibility with the rural area’s character, led to the plan being abandoned.

Interestingly, Bayford’s hopes of creating a theme park were officially withdrawn in recent months, signalling the end of his dream of turning the estate into a commercial attraction. It is unclear whether the withdrawal from the project influenced his decision to downsize further.

The millionaire, who moved into the grand Georgian house 13 years ago, now seems determined to embrace a quieter life. Friends report that the decision to move in with his mother is part of his ongoing desire for simplicity, away from the overwhelming attention that came with his sudden wealth.

Despite the fortune he now possesses, Bayford seems intent on reconnecting with his roots. The four-bedroom cottage he has moved into with his fiancée and mother may seem far removed from the luxurious surroundings of his former estate, but it represents a step towards a life unburdened by the pressures of wealth and expectations.

Bayford’s story is a reminder that even those who experience life-changing wealth may seek peace in simplicity. His shift from the high life of a £6.5 million mansion to a modest home reflects a desire to return to what truly matters to him — family and a simpler existence.