John Caudwell raked in the riches after building a booming mobile phone business, setting himself up for a life of luxury – but his girlfriend is keeping him grounded.
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The former boss of the now defunct Phones 4u retail chain says he’s being restricted to a £90-per-night hotel for his one-month summer cycling holiday.
The 71-year-old claims a net worth of £2.6bn according to Forbes, but partner Modesta Vžesniauskaitė put the foot down on booking a lavish hotel.
Modesta, a Lithuanian road-racing cyclist, instead booked them into the more ordinary Alpine accommodation.
Modesta, 40 – who mothers three of John’s seven children – said it wasn’t “real” to be living the high life at every opportunity.
The destination was also intended to avoid overindulgence, with the couple to pull two kids along in a trailer while cycling rather than kicking the feet up somewhere “fancy” like the Maldives.
Modesta recently told The Times: “We’re spending a month cycling through the French Alps … dragging two children in a trailer.
“It’s good to stay grounded.”
Caudwell could afford to stay in the Alpine accommodation for nearly 29 million nights before his £2.6bn fortune dwindled to zero.
Based on his previous comments, it’s unlikely Caudwell will kick up much of a fuss despite living like an unstoppable Monopoly player with his £250million Mayfair mansion which features its own bar and cinema.
He also owns a ridiculous 73-metre super yacht, but donates much of his wealth to charity.
He said in 2022: “I don’t crave materialistic things, although I’ve got a lot.
“Going into a restaurant and ordering a bottle of wine that’s even £200 would break my heart.”
He’s also been eager to point out he remains sparing when it comes to clothing, despite the flashy jackets he’s spotted wearing in public.
He told the iPaper: “Out of the public eye you won’t see me in one of the glitzy jackets I’m known for. They’re just for the charity dinners.
“At home I’ll be in £29 Zara jeans and a shirt.”
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