Sir Benjamin Slade, a 79-year-old aristocrat and millionaire baronet, has publicly announced a search for a new wife who is at least 20 years his junior. His ideal candidate must meet a unique and exacting list of requirements to become the Lady of his 1,300-acre Somerset estate.
Among the stipulations, the prospective bride must be taller than 5ft 6ins, hold a shotgun and driving licence, and ideally carry a helicopter licence. She must be an accomplished ballroom dancer, skilled in bridge and backgammon, enjoy physical fitness activities such as swimming and fast walking, and be adept at puzzles like crosswords.
Slade insists his wife should not be a Scorpio, a drug user, an alcoholic, or a reader of The Guardian. He also excludes Scots and any woman from countries beginning with the letter ‘I’ that feature green in their flags. His criteria emphasize marrying “similar people,” such as Canadians, Americans, Germans, or Northern Europeans, rather than those from very different backgrounds.
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The new Lady Slade would be responsible for managing the estate, which includes two castles and a grouse moor. Legal and accountancy skills are desirable, as well as some private capital or income, although a large personal fortune would be even better. The position comes with an annual salary of £50,000 plus bonuses, alongside perks including a car, house, expenses, food, and holidays.
Sir Benjamin, who has a daughter but is eager for a male heir to continue his lineage, openly states he wants a “good breeder” who can produce at least two sons. The decision to find a wife significantly younger is driven by inheritance tax concerns, as marrying a younger woman allows tax-free passing of his estate after seven years.
A passionate believer in traditional household management, Sir Benjamin quotes Jane Austen to justify his request for a wife to run his large household and staff: “Women run houses.” He highlights his intense social life and preferences for compatibility in religion, class, country, and politics.
Born into nobility as the son of the 6th Baronet and educated at Millfield School, Sir Benjamin Slade manages Maunsel House in Bridgwater, Somerset. He has openly welcomed qualified candidates who meet his strict, and some say controversial, criteria to apply for this distinctive role by his side.