Live in mansion of man who fell from the sky
THE home of a 1920s tycoon whose mysterious death has never been solved is up for sale for £1 million.
The property in Thorpe Satchville, is a part of The Pinfold, once owned by Alfred Loewenstein who, at the time of his death, was the third richest person in the world, with a fortune of about £12 million – more than £700 millon today.
On July 4, 1928, the 51-year-old was flying in his private aircraft over the English Channel from Croydon to Belgium as part of a journey to Argentina to finalise the biggest deal of his life.
But as the plane headed out over the Channel, the businessman went to the toilet compartment at the rear and did not return.
Ten minutes later, concerned crew members sent Loewenstein’s valet to check on him.
He was nowhere to be seen, but the plane’s door was swinging open.
Loewenstein’s body was recovered near Boulogne on July 19, 1928. An autopsy was conducted, revealing a partial fracture of his skull and several broken bones.
The examination concluded the businessman had been alive when he struck the water.
A number of theories have emerged about the cause of his death, including speculation he was thrown out by his valet at the behest of his wife, who wanted to get her hands on the fortune.
Others suggest he took his own life, saying his corrupt business practices were going to be exposed and his empire was on the verge of collapse.
Another theory suggests he was pushed by an assassin hired by his business partners.
But other historians have said if it was murder, all six people on the plane would probably have planned it in advance. Nobody was ever arrested.
A book about the case, The Man Who Fell from the Sky, was published in 1987.
The property for sale is about half of the country house.
The listing on RightMove said: “The Pinfold was subdivided some years ago and this property constitutes approximately half of this enormous country house.
“It retains the original magnificent reception hall, principal reception rooms and seven bedrooms, complete with high ceilings and many original features.
“Offering a scale of accommodation therefore only normally associated with much more expensive country properties, The Pinfold offers a unique blend of period integrity and character, blended with more modern kitchen and bathroom fittings.
“The atmosphere of the house is also unique.”