Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, has reduced the asking price for her seven-bedroom Bedfordshire mansion by £250,000, bringing it down to £2 million. The property, previously listed at £2.25 million, was initially advertised using Captain Tom’s name and image, including a photograph of his knighting ceremony and a statue commemorating his fundraising walk. However, the new listing omits any mention or image of the veteran. The Ingram-Moores have owned the Grade II-listed home, situated on 3.5 acres, for 18 years and have overseen significant renovations. The sale follows a series of controversies surrounding the family, including allegations of mismanaging funds related to the Captain Tom Foundation.
The decision to lower the asking price comes after the property failed to sell during its previous listing. The initial marketing strategy leveraged Captain Tom’s widespread popularity and charitable efforts, but the subsequent controversies surrounding the family appear to have prompted a change in approach. The removal of any references to Captain Tom suggests a desire to distance the sale from the ongoing negative publicity. The “coach house” on the property, which includes a gym and office, adds to the appeal of the estate, but the ultimate success of the sale remains to be seen given the surrounding circumstances.
The Ingram-Moores have faced increasing scrutiny regarding their financial dealings, particularly those connected to the Captain Tom Foundation. A Charity Commission report revealed “repeated instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement,” highlighting a “pattern of behaviour” whereby the couple personally benefited from their involvement with the charity. These findings contributed to their disqualification as charity trustees. The controversies have eroded public trust and goodwill associated with the family, potentially impacting the marketability of their property.
Further fueling the controversy are revelations about Hannah Ingram-Moore’s financial gains connected to her father’s legacy. She admitted to retaining £800,000 from the profits of her father’s three books, claiming it was his wish. Additionally, questions were raised about her company, Maytrix Group, receiving furlough money and COVID loans despite substantial profits during the pandemic. An £18,000 payment for attending the Captain Tom awards, of which only £2,000 was donated to the charity, added to the public’s negative perception of the Ingram-Moores’ financial decisions.
Captain Sir Tom Moore captured the nation’s heart during the first lockdown in 2020 by walking laps in his garden to raise money for the NHS. His efforts generated nearly £39 million and earned him widespread recognition, culminating in a knighthood from the Queen. However, the subsequent controversies surrounding his family and the foundation established in his name have tarnished his legacy. The Ingram-Moores’ handling of the foundation’s finances and their personal financial decisions related to their father’s fundraising efforts have drawn criticism and sparked investigations.
The ongoing saga surrounding the Ingram-Moores and the Captain Tom Foundation underscores the complexities of managing charitable endeavors and the potential for conflicts of interest. The family’s decision to reduce the asking price for their home reflects the fallout from these controversies and their attempts to navigate the resulting negative publicity. The sale of the property, once a symbol of Captain Tom’s charitable spirit, now represents a chapter marked by financial scrutiny and public disapproval.
