£30m Susan Boyle buys modest bungalow for £245k

She’s been a showbiz fixture for almost 20 years and her countless global star appearances and recordings have earned her a fortune estimated at £30million.

Yet despite her enormous wealth Susan Boyle had always clung to her old pre-fame lifestyle, doggedly insisting on staying on in the former council house she had grown up in and occupied for six decades… until now.

Because the Britain’s Got Talent legend has finally splurged some of her vast fortune on a ‘forever home’ in her native Scotland, the Daily Mail can reveal – but not that much of it.

Because anyone expecting this to mean she has bought a romantic Scottish castle or an extravagant Highland stately home may be surprised to learn that her purchase is considerably more modest.

Susan has actually bought a decidedly ordinary £245,000 two-bedroom bungalow on a modern estate in a small town outside Falkirk – so modest a choice that those living nearby were initially reluctant to believe who had moved in.

The move is part of a wider reset for Susan: as she turns 65 – her birthday was on April 1st – the unlikely popstar is starting to reinvent herself, having a makeover, adopting a more hands-on relationship with fans and giving her profile a shot in the arm, and stepping up her fitness drive.

And central to this is her house move because the main motivation for her choice of home was its proximity to her manager and mentor – indicating that although she is approaching retirement age she has no intention of slowing down.

That manager is Geraldine Easton, 41, and it’s understood Susan chose the new home near Falkirk in order to make it easier for them to meet and plot the next stages of her career.

Susan gave fans their first glimpse of her new home this week by posting a snap of herself on Instagram in the house while celebrating that birthday.

The humble bungalow features a small modern kitchen, two double bedrooms with inbuilt wardrobes and a detached garage – which she is thought to be planning to turn into a rehearsal space and studio.

It also has a large living area and one sizable bathroom – though it is currently configured with just a shower and no bath – while its unusual triangular plot layout means it has gardens on three sides.

The singer, famous for her soaring operatic voice, moved into the property in late March..

The house required little alteration work so she was to make the transition to a new home for

the first time relatively easily, which is understood to have been a major draw.

It is also just 20 miles away from her the house where she had spent her whole life in Blackburn, again making the switch easier to handle.

And to further help her keep a sense of continuity that childhood home, a former West Lothian council house, is now being taken over by her brother John – meaning the beloved property remains in the Boyle family.

When word went around the small town she had moved into that they had a new, famous resident, many were initially sceptical – until they heard her singing.

Her impromptu music sessions don’t just include her doing vocal warm ups in her front room but she has also been practising her scales and rehearsing songs while out for her daily walks which are part of her fitness regime.

One neighbour told The Daily Mail: ‘We are getting free shows from Susan as she walks up and down the streets.

‘It’s just beautiful – and such a lovely thing to have her here because she is a national treasure.’

Another said: ‘When the rumour went round I simply didn’t believe it – she’s worth millions so why would she choose here. But then we saw her – and heard her – and there was no mistake.’

However Susan’s al fresco singing sessions may be rationed once she has completed her plan to convert the garage into a studio.

Another neighbour explained: ‘Her big piano was just delivered this week and she has all the plans together for the garage conversion.

‘She’s even adding soundproofing – although the neighbours have been loving hearing her singing warm ups so it’s not as if we think she needs to.’

The move is the climax of a busy rebrand period for Susan which has seen her working hard to increase her fitness and undergoing a ‘glow up’ makeover, which has included a new blonde hairstyle

The house move and rebrand also coincide with a noticeable upturn in Susan’s social media output.

She has posted snaps with famous faces like Sir Elton John, Peter Kay, Lionel Ritchie, Masterchef star Marcus Wareing and Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell on Instagram – where she has amassed 178,000 followers.

She has also become more playful in her posts – sharing a pic of herself in an Oasis t-shirt and bucket hat and childhood pictures too.

She’s even started promoting her own Subo merchandise, featuring clothing and accessories, priced between £13 and £50 on her posts.

Speaking to her followers, she said: ‘I’ve got a little birthday surprise for you all.

‘As I celebrate my 65th birthday today, I’m so happy to finally share my very first official merchandise range with you. I’ve loved putting this together and I hope you’ll find something you like.

‘It’s available to order now for UK delivery, and EU shipping will be opening in the next few days, with the US following in the next few weeks, and the rest of the world shortly after.

‘There are also more exciting items on the way, so do keep an eye on the shop over the coming days.

‘Thank you for all the love you’ve shown me today and over the years. It truly means everything to me, and this felt like a lovely way to celebrate together. Have a wee look here at my official shop: susanboylemusic.com.’

In the background of the picture her mantelpiece was decked with various birthday and New Home cards, as well as a confetti-filled ‘Happy Birthday’ balloon.

The singer wrote underneath the post: ‘Thank you all so much for your lovely birthday wishes, cards and gifts.

‘I’ve felt so spoiled and very grateful for all your kindness.

‘I’m truly touched by all the love you’ve sent my way, it means more to me than I can say.’

She signed off: ‘I’m so excited for the year ahead and everything that’s to come. I can’t wait to share it all with you.’

Her celebrity connections have even moved into Hollywood, as the Scot was sent a Marty Supreme PR package, including a jacket, by the film’s Oscar nominated star Timothée Chalamet himself – which she posted on Instagram.

The Scot is also assisting the promotion of local causes, too, including charity Street Soccer Scotland which saw her pose up in a football shirt.

As well as her growing social media following, Susan is sure to rack up more friends nearby as she integrates into the local community.

She already has many friends in her new neighbourhood who she’s met over the last 16 years of visiting with her manager Geraldine.

One neighbour said: ‘Every time she’s visited she’s got to know more about the area and made a life for herself here and every time she passed the wee bungalow she said ‘If that ever goes up for sale I’d buy it. I love it.’

Another neighbour added: ‘The lovely lady who had it before – who sadly died – weirdly had the same birthday as Susan.

‘In fact one of the old owner’s friends who didn’t realise she had passed went to the house with a birthday card – and ended up giving it to Susan instead, along with a big hug to welcome her to the street. Because Susan invited her in and they had a nice chat.’

They added: ‘We keep seeing flowers delivered to her door from America. It’s very starry.’

A friend said of her move: ‘Susan says ‘I’m 65, I’m not surviving, I’m thriving’

‘She wanted to finally flee the nest and now that she’s had the chance to do it she is in the happiest place of her life. A lot of her friends are down here including her dentist and vocal coach.’

Another new neighbour said: ‘Her move is the biggest thing to happen around here. One of the local cafes has already marked her arrival by offering a ‘Subo Breakfast’ with potato scones, beans and poached eggs.’

Whether the newly fitness-conscious singer who inspired the name ever decides to try the dish remains to be seen.