estate

A BITTERLY fought five-year dispute between an EastEnders star, his wife and their neighbours over a dog bite on a Lord’s estate has finally ended.

TV actor and film star John Blundell and his wife Mercina were locked in a bitter legal fight with neighbouring lodge owners Alison and Andrew Girdiefski after the row over their tiny pooch Ziggy.

The Sun can now confirm that Mercina and John have finally seen a closure in their favour, with an out of court payment after bringing a civil court case.

John – who also starred in Quadrophenia and Scum – and his wife are understood to be delighted by the result.

The long-running saga dates back to 2021 at the plush Fritton Lake estate in Norfolk, a 5,000-acre retreat owned by aristocrats Hugh and Lara Crossley, Lord and Lady Somerleyton.

Lord Somerleyton, at the height of tension, even attempted to mediate between the two warring couples, The Sun understands.

DUST EMPIRE

Ayatollah has £200m of luxury property in UK – as MPs call for it to be SEIZED

POSHO PLIGHT

UK’s ‘most exclusive estate’ turning into ghost town as mansions fall to ruin

The row all kicked off when Mercina had been visiting her neighbours’ lodge to admire renovation work when she says their small hairless Chinese crested dog, Ziggy, suddenly bit her on the wrist.

The attack, they claimed, left her with a half an in inch wound that later scarred, with the actor’s wife needing hospital treatment.

With the row spiralling out of control – John and Mercina then launched a civil case at Norwich County Court seeking damages.

The Sun has now confirmed the long-running dispute has been settled out of court.

It brings to an end to years of acrimony.

Court officials told The Sun the matter was settled out of court using a Part 36 offer – a formal settlement under the law.

A source close to the couple told us: “While the couple are selling their property at Fritton they are reluctant to talk.

“It has been a very difficult few years for the Blundell’s, who really have done nothing wrong at all.”

Back in 2021, what should have been a tranquil countryside getaway quickly spiralled into a toxic feud involving police, lawyers and estate bosses.

Relations between the couples then soured dramatically.

The dispute even drew in Norfolk Police, with officers speaking to both sides.

Ziggy was added to a register of dangerous dogs, but no further action was taken due to the time elapsed.

Complaints of harassment were also investigated by Norfolk Police – but no offences were ultimately found.

Mercina also accused the pair of taunting them by singing “who let the dogs out” and filming them nearby.

Frustrated, the Blundells launched civil action – setting them for a court showdown.

The pair even recruited James McNally – known as “The Dog Bite Solicitor” who specialises in getting civil damages on dog attacks.

The Blundells said at the time they had been quoted £1,500 for a plastic surgeon to fix Mercina’s wrist – and were believed to be seeking up to £30k in costs and damages.

And the Girdiefskis had said ahead of the looming case that they found the figures “ridiculous”.

“The sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut,” said Alison in July 2025.

Speaking at the time, she added: “From day one, we have accepted responsibility.

“Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this.”

But the dramatic court clash never happened after the Girdiefskis agreed to settle.

A court spokesperson said: “This case was settled out of court by way of accepting a Part 36 offer, therefore there is no final order or settlement details to provide.

“Both sides had solicitors so in the end the court was not involved.”

John said the retreat, meant to be a peaceful escape, had instead become “a living nightmare”.

Both couples are now trying to sell their lodges on the exclusive estate.

The Girdiefski’s and Blundells have been approached for comment.

The Sun have also contacted Lord Somerleyton.

GERI Halliwell has jumped the final hurdle in a neighbour row – as her plans to build a £30k horse walker are finally approved.

The Spice Girls singer and her husband, ex-F1 boss Christian Horner, want to install the 77ft structure to train horses near their Oxfordshire home.

Geri, 53, and Christian, 52, own a horse racing company called OMBI, featuring stables for 14 horses and a full-time trainer.

But plans for the walker, essentially a circular cage that moves horses to improve their fitness, were met with fury by locals, with several objections registered with West Northamptonshire District Council.

Concerns over the height of the building, its visual impact, inadequate screening, and lighting have been raised by neighbours.

However, the council has now approved the application, provided the celebrity pair follow strict conditions.

Read more on Geri & Christian

GREEN LIGHT

Geri & Christian Horner get approval for ‘illegal’ pergola at mansion

HORNER’S HOUSE

Inside Horner and Geri’s sprawling £9.2million mansion with stunning pool

It said: “The building shall be used for private equestrian and land management uses only and no commercial use, including riding lessons, tuition, livery or competitions shall take place at any time.”

The authority added: “Whilst it is acknowledged that the walker incorporates a steep pitched roof for its size, the general design is functional in form.

“Giving regard to its siting, scale and rural-equestrian character, the design is considered appropriate for the open countryside location and would not harm the character of the area.”

Full details of lighting still need to be approved before it is built, but it is far enough away from neighbours not to cause issues, the council added.

And the couple have proposed to hide the training device with 12 newly-planted trees, which was deemed appropriate by planners.

But one neighbour, who objected to the horse walker plans, fumed the structure would be “extremely prominent” on the skyline.

He said: “Whilst we do not object to the principle of a horse walker… we object to the plans as currently presented.

“The proposed structure would be extremely visible from our property, other village properties, and from a public highway.

“In a rural conservation area this would be unacceptable as it would completely change the character of the area.”

The local also objected to the main property being “away from the main buildings when other infill sites are available”.

Another slammed the proposed lighting set-up and described the suggested screening as “totally inadequate.”

They said: “There is already significant lighting at the property. We would not want to see this area illuminated outside of normal working hours.

“Further lighting would be encroaching into an area which is currently unlit behind the existing barn.”

Writing on behalf of Geri and Christian, a planning agent pointed to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) codes.

He wrote: “It states that animals must be given freedom to exercise off the tether for a reasonable period at least once a day.

“The installation of the horse walker will ensure that this is possible and that they are exercised properly, regardless of weather conditions and other limiting factors.

“The proposed horse walker will provide the horses with a space to be suitably exercised off the tether.

“Once the new hedgerow matures it will be largely screened from all public and private views onto the farm.”

The scheme is the latest in a number of planning rows between the couple and their neighbours.

Geri and Christian were recently given approval to keep a pergola that had been built without planning permission.

Just last year, they were allowed to build a second pool on the grounds despite fears it would be a “blot on the landscape”.

And three years ago, they were also granted permission for a first floor extension, a replacement barn and a new greenhouse.

Geri’s representatives have been approached for comment.

This spectacular Victorian mansion is Britain’s original smart home and the world’s first hydroelectric-powered building, featuring historic gardens and starred as Lockwood Manor in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Nestled within a spectacular mountain setting, this Victorian property stands as a genuine architectural trailblazer and the very first of its kind.

Cragside in Rothbury, Northumberland, holds the title of Britain’s original smart home, and it’s utterly magnificent. From the exterior, the enormous mansion looms over the water beneath it, all asymmetrical and striking, resembling something straight out of a film.

Its multiple pointed roofs and curved brickwork give it a distinctly Tim Burton-esque quality, and indeed, it has featured in numerous productions thanks to its remarkably distinctive beauty.

It appeared in the 2018 blockbuster hit Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom as the location for Lockwood Manor.

Yet it’s truly the fact this was the world’s first building powered by hydroelectricity and operated by hydraulics that makes it such an extraordinary marvel. Rivers, lakes and even waterfalls all work together to power the property and its enchanting gardens.

Best Northumberland holiday cottage deals

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £38 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Northumberland is famed for its rugged coastline, ancient castles and unspoiled natural beauty. Sykes Cottages has a range of places to stay starting from £38 per night

History

Cragside was brought to life through the vision of William and Margaret Armstrong, with William serving as an engineer and industrialist responsible for numerous groundbreaking inventions.

Meanwhile, Margaret had extensive expertise in botanical life, which inspired the creation of the gardens.

What began as simply a sporting lodge in 1863 gradually evolved into a sprawling estate, developed over three decades. The architectural masterpiece was expanded in three principal phases between 1870 and 1884 by architect Richard Norman Shaw.

It quickly evolved into a hub of groundbreaking innovation as the married couple developed their revolutionary vision for electricity and power generation.

The property operates through hydraulics in an entirely unique manner, standing as the world’s first water-powered home. It pioneered central heating, electric lighting, gravity-fed plumbing, water-driven machinery and a hydraulic lift, delivering unprecedented levels of domestic comfort.

Contributing to the property’s pioneering spirit is the electric lighting, which was installed in 1878 using carbon-arc lamps in the Gallery room.

Working alongside chemist Joseph Swan, they advanced this further in 1880 by enabling the first residential installation of incandescent lightbulbs.

Following years of refurbishment and innovation, the property eventually passed to their great-nephew, William Watson Armstrong, after he inherited it.

As they had no children, he became the rightful heir to the estate, and following their passing, the home remained with his family for two additional generations.

Walking

Due to its breathtaking setting, Cragside provides an excellent location for extensive walks across and surrounding the grounds, featuring two particularly lengthy routes – one called the Hydro-power Trail and the other Views of Cragside.

Stretching a lengthy 6.5 miles, these trails are closer to a hike than a leisurely stroll and could occupy the majority of your visit, but the estate serves as an excellent launch pad for the adventure.

The Hydro-power Trail is one that guides you past every aspect of the technology used to harness water power.

On the other hand, the Views of Cragside route offers panoramic views of the Northumberland hills and beyond. It leads you past the Formal Garden, where you can pause to appreciate the meticulously arranged flower beds.

There are signposts scattered throughout the estate directing you to various trails suitable for a range of abilities. The most family-friendly and considered easy to moderate is Nelly’s Moss, which takes up to an hour to complete.

Visiting the estate

To fully enjoy all that Cragside has to offer, there’s no need to pre-book, and parking is included in your entry fee – National Trust members excepted, naturally. Adults are charged £27.00, whilst children pay £13.50 upon entry.

Families consisting of two adults and up to three children can opt for a family ticket priced at £67.50. The site opens its doors from 11am, with the house closing at 3pm and the remaining facilities open until 4pm.