A rare 46ft-long fighter jet to act as a “garden gnome” outside a $5 million British estate will be provided free with the purchase of the vast estate.
A retired Harrier II jet (one of eight in existence) is being sold as part of an 8,000 sq ft Arts and Crafts six-bedroom home near Petersfield, England, which recently went on the market for £3.95 million. It comes as a bundled deal with the Ford Edge. (approximately $5 million).
Peter Robinson, 56; He described his favorite aircraft to the British Times. As a “garden gnome” I've been sitting outside in the garden since I bought the garden in 2015.
“I was like, well, you know what? Average Joe, he likes Harrier jump jets and he has a windowsill. He bought an 8-inch long Harrier model and keeps it on his windowsill.” said Robinson.
“In many ways, I think this is no different. We're really lucky to have really big window frames.”
This giant jet is just one of the attractions on the 10-acre property. The grounds include gorgeous gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll and a house built by architect Inigo Triggs.
Despite a lifelong fascination with the giant 46-foot-by-29-foot jets, Robinson said she wants to downsize soon as her two sons grow up.
Robinson, a mathematician who achieved professional success by “solving problems” for the Ministry of Defence, recalls the challenges of getting the huge jet planes on site.
“It came in two linked trucks. It was much bigger than I had imagined. The aircraft came in one truck, and when it turned the corner and entered the lot, it was so big. I suddenly thought I had bought a Concorde because I could see it. I thought, “Oh my god, what have I done?”
His problems worsened when a plane panel fell off the truck without Robinson and the driver's knowledge, ultimately halting traffic in both directions for two hours.
“everyone [looking at the debris on the motorway] “I thought it was an airplane door, but I didn't know where it came from,” he said.
“When I talked to the people who bought the plane, they told me, “Whatever you do, don't say anything.'' [to the police]. 'But a few weeks later I called them and by that time they found it very interesting and let me do it. I already found a replacement somewhere, so I'll keep it as a spare. ”
Robinson plans to move to a smaller location, but says it would be nearly impossible to transport the jet past the property's wrought-iron gates and front driveway wall.
Mr Robinson said he would include a Harrier II jet in the property instead of trying to get the giant aircraft moving again and would ask buyers to pay more than the asking price of £3.95 million for the house and a piece of history. He said no.
While the giant jet that occupies most of the home's backyard may not be to everyone's taste, Robinson said if the new owner is “offended,” he would consider donating it to a museum or storing it. He said he would find a way to move on either. For his family.
“My oldest son doesn't 100 percent want me to let it go,” he added.
