Ozzy draws up plans for ‘rehab wing’ at mansion
ROCK wildman Ozzy Osbourne is planning extensive renovations to his multi-million-pound country estate as he battles Parkinson’s disease.
The 73-year-old Black Sabbath frontman has applied for permission for a ‘rehabilitation’ wing at his historic Grade II listed home in Buckinghamshire.
He revealed two years ago that he had the neurological condition and reflected that he probably had just 15 years to live, but added: ‘I don’t dwell on it.’
In a sign perhaps of his limited mobility, the extension will feature ‘an abundance of stopping and sitting’ spaces, ‘discreet grab rails and aids’ and ‘soft non-slip surfaces’ as well as a self-contained nurse’s flat.
There is also a ‘pool house orangery,’ ‘garden room’, a ‘health and welfare exercise studio’ and sweeping views of a new wildlife lake.
While the singer’s colourful stage antics led to him being dubbed the ‘Prince of Darkness’, the new renovation is designed to create a peaceful and comfortable space. ‘It is the ambition that the design creates a transition of flowing inside outside garden spaces, largely lit by natural light with folding doors opening up views,’ architect Lynne Walker writes in the plans.
Aside from Parkinson’s, the singer has long struggled with illhealth. He once claimed he died in the back of the ambulance on at least two occasions while being taken to hospital in his drugfuelled younger years.
In 2003 he fractured eight ribs and a vertebra in his neck after crashing his quad bike on his sprawling estate, while in 2019 he spent two months in hospital after falling at his Los Angeles home. Speaking about his health, Ozzy – who is married to TV star Sharon Osbourne – said: ‘I had a great run until I turned 70, then all hell broke loose.’
Planners are expected to make a decision next month and so far there have been no objections from neighbours or the local parish council.
Last night a spokesman said that Ozzy was preparing for another operation on his ‘back or neck’ but declined to comment on the home renovations.