Celeb Irish Chef Property Auctioned Off

November 9 - The official chapter of the Irish celebrity chef's life in South Africa has come to a close under the auction hammer after his Ocean View Drive home was sold for R5 million over the weekend.

The Cape home was purchased by an anonymous UK businessman.

The auction which "created quite a stir among local and foreign buyers" according to the ClareMart Auction Group, was well publicized and attracted a significant number of people.

"Apart from the serious bidders, we also got those who were inquisitive to see where Gallagher lived," said the appointed auctioneer, Jonathan Smiedt.

Gallagher fled South Africa in August with his Port Elizabeth born model wife, Candice Coetzee, and their two sons after landing a mountain of debt.

The home on Ocean View Drive, which boasted magnificent viewers of the new World Cup stadium, a massive pool and entertainment terrace, was the second property sold to cover debts.

In May, Absa was forced to put a Fresnaye house owned by the chef on the market after he stopped paying his mortgage.

The house, which eventually sold for R3.1 million, left Absa R1.8 million out of pocket.

Gallagher fled Ireland to South Africa several years ago, also leaving behind debts.

His arrival in the Mother City had the local celebrities swarming around the Michelin star chef, who bragged that his former guest list included top international stars such as U2's Bono and Madonna.

11/9/2009 10:00:40 AM