adminElin Nordegren ordered a demolition team to level the house so that she could build a new home from scratch at the Florida waterfront property.
The former nanny, who received a $100 million divorce settlement from the golfer after his multiple affairs, was criticised for levelling the 80-year-old home.
But her realtor has said the plan was always to flatten the home as it was in such a bad state of repairs.
Chappy Adams, the president of Illustrated Properties, said 33-year-old Nordegren knew from the start that the white timber framed house would have to go.
Speaking with Nordegren’s permission he said: “A lot of people were upset, asking, ‘how could she tear down a $12 million house?’ Well the house was always intended to be torn down.
“Even before she looked at it, we knew anyone who would purchase it would have to tear it down.”
Adams said the most recent owner barely lived in the home in North Palm Beach and upkeep was slim to none.
“When you have a home on the ocean, the salt water, the corrosion, really takes a toll on the home,” said Adams.
“The home had fallen into disrepair, the roof needed to be replaced, the shutters were falling apart and the pool was not functioning.”
Adams said the home was only worth $2 million while the land with its views of the Atlantic Ocean was worth $10 million.
He said it would have cost over $20 million to repair the home and secure insurance for the seafront property.
Before ordering in demolition crews Nordegren allowed a local charity to take what they wanted from the building.
Habitat for Humanity were given two weeks to take anything they wanted from the house and sell it off.
Bargain hunters have been flocking to the charity’s store in North Palm Beach to snap up the items.
Adams said Nordegren’s new home will be ready in 18 months.
A list of the items Nordegren is giving away for good can be found on the charity’s website, http://www.habitatmartin.org. — Daily Mail.
Online Reporter