Fans of Scary Spice have been granted a rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes at the home life of Mel B.
The place she's called home for the past year has just gone up for sale, and you know we wanted to have a nosy at how the other half lives.
A Leeds lass herself, she rented Kings Lea for a year when she returned to Yorkshire after leaving her abusive ex-husband Stephen Belafonte.
Now she's upped sticks, giving fans the chance to look at her old pad and imagine the life she lives when she's off duty.
One of the reception rooms inside Mel B's former house
The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property off Smithy Land is now up for sale - and images online
The striking residence boasts a large pond within its stunning 1.6-acre grounds and spans a whopping 4,600 square feet inside.
Priced at a cool £1.4 million for the asking price, the huge house is set among acres of green belt between Bramhope, Cookridge and Horsforth and accessed via a private road close to Cookridge cricket club.
It is one of two detached luxury homes which are accessed initially from a shared private drive way which then splits off to the two private residences.
The property from the front, lit up at night
From the front, the expansive property is reminiscent of a modern American-style home: painted all in white, with an ornamental verandah. Set back from the road, it's well hidden and guarantees a good degree of privacy - something clearly valued by its former occupant.
Downstairs, there are four large reception rooms and a large high-spec kitchen/living/dining room with bi-folding doors that lead out onto a southern-facing sun trap terrace overlooking the grounds - one of several at the property.
Impressive mod cons inside include a Gaggenou indoor BBQ, a built-in aquarium and a log burning fire.
Upstairs, there are five large double rooms but Mel's old master suite is the most impressive: complete with walk-in wardrobe, gym/study, and a gorgeous en suite with walk-in shower and freestanding bath.
Better yet, the master bedroom also has a built-in Bose sound system and access to an elevated private terrace overlooking the grounds.
The master bedroom boasts a large en suite, gym, walk-in wardrobe and private roof terrace
The house bathroom, meanwhile, features another large walk-in shower and jacuzzi bathtub.
Just to sweeten the deal, all the bathrooms have underfloor heating too - no getting your toes cold here.
Elsewhere, there's a double garage with electric roller shutters and large hallway, downstairs WC and ground floor office space.
Viewings are being taken by appointment only from 3rd July. To view the full listing, click here.
Leeds
Dazzling Christmas light trail Northern Lights will return to Leeds this year
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
Georgina Pellant -
21st June 2021 
