The Private World Of The Fayed Estate Grounds: A Sanctuary Of Family And Legacy
In the tranquil embrace of Oxted, Surrey, England, lies a property steeped in history and profound personal significance: the Fayed Estate Grounds. More than just a sprawling residence, this estate became the ultimate sanctuary for Mohamed Al Fayed, the enigmatic Egyptian businessman and former owner of Harrods, and the final resting place for himself and his beloved son, Dodi Fayed.
While the world often associated Mohamed Al Fayed with the grandeur of Harrods or the tragic fate of Dodi and Princess Diana, his private estate in Oxted offers a glimpse into his desire for peace, family, and an intensely private legacy. This article delves into the unique aspects of these grounds, from their historical roots to their role as a private memorial.
Barrow Green Court: The Heart of the Estate
The Fayed Estate Grounds are centered around Barrow Green Court, a Grade I listed house near Oxted, Surrey. This magnificent property boasts a rich history, having been owned by the Hoskins and Master family for an impressive 210 years before coming into the possession of Mohamed Al Fayed. The estate itself is vast, encompassing far more than just the main residence.
A Haven of Luxury and Serenity
The scale of the Fayed estate is truly remarkable, reflecting the wealth and taste of its former owner. The property is described as "huge," featuring an array of luxurious amenities designed for comfort and leisure. These include:
- A well-maintained tennis court
- A refreshing swimming pool
- Several massive, meticulously landscaped gardens
These features paint a picture of a private retreat, a place where the Al Fayed family could find respite from the public eye and enjoy moments of quietude amidst beautiful surroundings.
The Sacred Ground: A Private Cemetery
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the Fayed Estate Grounds is its role as a private cemetery. This was a deliberate and deeply personal decision by Mohamed Al Fayed, driven by his desire to keep his son, Dodi, close to him, and later, for himself to be buried alongside his son.
Dodi Fayed's Reburial: A Father's Devotion
Following the tragic death of Dodi Fayed in 1997, his initial burial took place at Brookwood Cemetery, near Woking, Surrey. However, Mohamed Al Fayed soon sought permission for his son's body to be reburied within the grounds of the family home in Oxted. This request was granted, leading to a highly private and carefully managed reinterment.
The reburial itself was carried out with utmost discretion. "His grave was dug up in the middle of the night with private security guards standing by," and "The coffin was removed from Brookwood Cemetery, near Woking, Surrey, by undertakers engaged by Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed." This clandestine operation underscored Al Fayed's profound need for privacy and control over his son's final resting place.
Crucially, the new grave on the Fayed Estate Grounds was established with a strict policy: "The new grave will not be open to the public." This decision ensured that Dodi's resting place would remain a private family memorial, shielded from public curiosity and intrusion.
Mohamed Al Fayed's Final Resting Place
Decades later, on August 30, 2023, Mohamed Al Fayed himself passed away peacefully of old age. In a move that brought his journey full circle, the "wise, colourful' Egyptian businessman" was buried next to his son on the family estate. This fulfilled his long-held wish to be reunited with Dodi, creating a shared, private sanctuary for father and son.
While public memorials to Dodi and Diana were erected by Fayed at Harrods, the Oxted estate stands as the ultimate, most intimate memorial. The "Fayed Estate Grounds Cemetery" now holds two significant memorial records, representing the enduring bond between Mohamed and Dodi.
A Glimpse into Mohamed Al Fayed's World
The Fayed Estate Grounds are not just a physical location but also reflect aspects of Mohamed Al Fayed's personality and life philosophy. His fierce independence and outspoken nature were well-known, as evidenced by statements like his declaration to the Sunday Times: "It's time for you to waken up and detach yourselves from the English and their terrible politicians." While seemingly unrelated to estate grounds, such pronouncements highlight his strong opinions and his often-complex relationship with British society, even as he made his home there.
Beyond Oxted, Al Fayed's property portfolio extended to Scotland, where in 1972, he purchased the vast Balnagown Estate in Easter Ross. This demonstrates his penchant for grand properties and his ability to create private havens across different landscapes.
The Essence of Privacy and Legacy
The Fayed Estate Grounds stand as a testament to Mohamed Al Fayed's unwavering devotion to his family and his profound need for privacy. In a life often lived in the glare of the public eye, this estate provided a sacred space, a place where he could control the narrative and ensure the tranquility of his most cherished relationships.
The decision to create a private burial site, closed to the public, speaks volumes about his desire to protect the memory of his son and, ultimately, his own. It is a powerful symbol of a father's love and a family's enduring bond, enshrined within the beautiful, secluded landscape of Surrey.
Final Summary
The Fayed Estate Grounds in Oxted, Surrey, centered around the historic Barrow Green Court, serve as a private and luxurious sanctuary for the Al Fayed family. This extensive property, featuring amenities like a tennis court, swimming pool, and vast gardens, became the deeply personal final resting place for Mohamed Al Fayed and his son, Dodi. Dodi's reburial from Brookwood Cemetery to the Oxted estate was a private, carefully managed event, ensuring his grave, and later Mohamed's alongside him, would remain closed to the public. This estate embodies Mohamed Al Fayed's profound love for his family, his desire for privacy, and his lasting legacy, standing as a poignant symbol of an enduring family bond.
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