The seemingly serene facade of a grand mansion, once rented by the globally acclaimed singer Adele, has become the epicenter of a complex legal dispute. This isn't just about property; it's a blend of celebrity, alleged hauntings, and the fickle nature of real estate value.

The property in question, known as Lock House, is nestled in the quaint village of Partridge Green, West Sussex. This picturesque locale, however, carries whispers of the supernatural, a reputation that may be playing a significant role in the unfolding drama.

Adele's connection to Lock House dates back to 2012, following the monumental success of her album "21." For six months, she called this Grade II listed mansion her home. Little did she know, her experiences within its walls would later become fodder for a legal battle.

During an interview with US television, Adele openly shared her unease about the property, stating it was "all quite scary." She confessed, "I'm not rattling around here on my own. It gives me the creeps." These candid remarks, while seemingly innocuous at the time, are now at the heart of the controversy.

The owners of Lock House, tycoon Nicholas Sutton and his wife Ayse, a Turkish princess, had been attempting to sell the property since 2010. Listed with Strutt & Parker, a real estate agency specializing in high-end properties, the mansion initially carried a price tag of £6 million.

However, the property remained unsold, and Sutton attributes this lack of interest, in part, to Adele's comments about the alleged haunting. He claims her words "negatively impacted marketing efforts and continues to affect the property's reputation to this day." The perceived stigma, he argues, has made the property virtually unsellable.

Now, Sutton is taking legal action, suing Strutt & Parker for "professional negligence" under its trading name, BNP Real Estate Advisory and Property Management UK Ltd. The legal proceedings commenced on July 21st, marking a significant escalation in the dispute.

The mansion itself boasts a rich history. Originally built in 1900, it underwent a redesign in the 1930s, embracing an Art Deco aesthetic. However, Partridge Green has long been associated with ghostly tales, predating Adele's brief residency.

Stories abound of a couple who fled the village, haunted by a disembodied face that would "fill the room." The local pub, The Green Man, is rumored to be inhabited by a "cat ghost," adding to the area's eerie folklore.

Interestingly, Strutt & Parker aren't the only ones facing Sutton's legal ire. The property developer has also clashed with local residents over a planning application to convert the mansion into three dwellings and a cottage.

Sutton argues that this conversion became necessary due to the property's diminished market value, again blaming Adele's pronouncements. In his planning submission, he stated that "the first tenant, Adele, stayed for six months and blighted the property by saying it is haunted."

However, locals have voiced their skepticism, suggesting that the asking price, rather than Adele's comments, is the primary obstacle to a sale. They argue that the property's condition and market trends warrant a more realistic valuation.

One neighbor pointed out, "Marketing includes price. The price has barely changed in each of his attempts at sale – despite the apparent deterioration of the roof, and in fact the whole property… large houses are for sale at half the Lock House asking price."

Another complaint emphasized that "the proposed market price for the house does not reflect the deterioration in the property. A more realistic valuation should be considered." These objections highlight the complexities of the situation, suggesting factors beyond the alleged haunting are at play.

Lock House, once a convent, is a sprawling Victorian estate featuring ten bedrooms, indoor and outdoor pools, staff quarters, and even a helicopter pad. It's a property of considerable size and potential, but its future remains uncertain.

Sutton contends that the proposed conversion would address a perceived housing shortage, a claim met with derision by some villagers. One resident deemed it "a ludicrous statement," while another argued that the development would "consolidate an undesirable element of sporadic development in a rural area which would result in visual intrusion into the countryside to the detriment of the rural character of the area."

Despite the local opposition, the Horsham District Council granted approval for Sutton's controversial plans in March, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing saga. The property, previously marketed by Savills and Knight Frank, has since been withdrawn from the sales market.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case of Lock House serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of celebrity influence, property values, and the enduring allure of the supernatural. Whether Adele's comments truly "blighted" the property, or whether other factors are to blame, remains to be seen.

The saga continues with a new development in Adele's career, as she is set to release an autobiography.

After months of negotiation, the Hello singer has agreed to write a tell-all autobiography about her rise to the top, The Sun reports. The singer is understood to be keen to share insights into her childhood and family life. Adele will also delve into her rise to fame.

The autobiography will be the first time Adele has shared her own story in her own words.

There are also discussions underway about Adele touring the globe next year, as well as releasing new music.