AS THE TENNIS ACE REVEALS HOW HE FIRST COURTED HIS WIFE
DAVID LLOYD AND DESIGNER TEO INVITE US INTO THEIR STYLISH
HOME AND TELL WHY THEY MAKE THE PERFECT MATCH
Former British tennis star and entrepreneur David and his wife of three years Teo are the picture of happiness cuddled up by the fire in their dream home in Surrey. The pair first met in its kitchen in 2010, when David was hosting a barbecue and 84 Moldovan-born Teo, a guest, offered to help with the cooking
‘David is my soulmate. Every day I learn something new from him’
and Gretel” cottage in 2010, she had no idea she was about to become part of the fairytale. She had been invited to a barbecue at the £2.2million property and drifted into the kitchen to see whether her host needed any help. Within two years Teo, now 33, and David, 68, were married in front of a congregation that included their newborn son Dennis, now four. Today, Teo welcomes hello! into that home as Mrs Lloyd. “I clearly remember walking into this house on a summer’s day. David, an incredible chef, was cooking asparagus and bacon in the kitchen. I offered to help. He looked at me and said, ‘Of course you can. In fact, you will have to learn where everything is because this might be your kitchen one day.’ I quipped back, ‘I might be blonde but I’m not so blonde as to believe you.’” While Teo, or Dolly as family and friends affectionately call her, was secretly bowled over by the millionaire’s remark, it took several weeks of wooing before she agreed to accompany him on a date. “We exchanged numbers and I finally accepted an invite to the Wimbledon
V
(LEFT) TEO’S JUMPER & LEGGINGS: AMANDA WAKELEY
hen fashion designer Teo Gheorghita first W stepped over the threshold of former British tennis star David Lloyd’s stunning “Hansel
The couple’s 100-year-old “Hansel and Gretel” cottage (left) near Cobham in Surrey houses a rare Steinway piano (above), work by Scottish artist Gerard M Burns and lots of family photos. David first sought sanctuary there after becoming single again in his late 50s. “I was a bachelor but wanted somewhere homely,” he says. “I love cooking, watching films and back-to-back fires. This was the perfect house”
85
(BELOW, FAR RIGHT) TEO’S SHIRT: JAMES LAKELAND
‘My son Dennis is very bright and mischievous. He’s turning out to be a good little golfer’ David
While Teo works on her designs in the stunning waterside treehouse (above and right), David hits the right note with his and Teo’s adorable four-year-old son Dennis on the Steinway (below). Having a young son has forced the high-flying ex-British Davis Cup team captain and founder of David Lloyd Leisure to find more “daddy time”
86
‘I always dreamed of having my own fashion label – it makes me happy and drives me’
Having taught herself to use a sewing machine at the age of six, Teo has progressed to fashion design and recently launched her own label and boutique, Dolly Lloyd, in London’s prestigious Fulham Road. Here, she models an outfit she created
members’ party. I’d just come out of a relationship and wasn’t ready to start another but we formed a solid friendship that, within two months, blossomed into a relationship. David is more than my husband – he’s my soulmate.”
V
HAPPY FAMILY As the couple cuddle up in front of a roaring log fire, it seems like they are destined to live happily ever after at the 100-year-old property, which is set in 1.1 acres near Cobham in Surrey and boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool, stunning treehouse office, snooker room, cinema, gym, sauna and steam room. As well as their son Dennis, David and Teo share their home with Teo’s son Chris, 17, from a previous relationship, and Duke, a Hungarian vizsla puppy – a Christmas present from David to his wife. On the driveway is an impressive fleet of cars that includes a Range Rover, a Porsche and, Teo’s favourite, a Bentley GT Speed Convertible that bears the number plate “III Do” – a gift from David during his campaign to make Teo his wife. David, a former British Davis Cup team captain and founder of David Lloyd Leisure, was captivated by Teo’s admirable work ethic. Born to teacher parents in a rural village in Moldova, Teo taught herself to sew at the age of six on an old machine given to her by her grandmother. She learnt five languages before moving to Britain as a 21-year-old single mother and enrolling in Northumbria University,
where she graduated with a degree in fashion and retail merchandising. Last month she launched her own fashion label and boutique – Dolly Lloyd. The shop, on London’s Fulham Road, stocks Teo’s creations alongside pieces by emerging designer Monica Ricci. “I gained experience as a boutique manager but always dreamt of having my own label,” says Teo. “It makes me happy and drives me. I admire Victoria Beckham but my main muse is [John] Galliano, particularly his work at Dior. I also adore Alexander McQueen. “I design my pieces for classic women who wear classic pieces on a daily basis. I mainly envisage ambitious, working women wearing my designs. My own muses are Olivia Palermo and Natalie Portman. I love their edgy, modern style.” Teo models her creations in our photoshoot, her outfits accessorised with her 3ct diamond engagement ring, which was crafted by Florida-based jeweller to the stars David Schneider. Teo considers her greatest achievement her family. “Sometimes I just sit watching David, Dennis and Chris together, thinking, ‘What more could I want than what is here in front of me?’” she confides. David also considers himself lucky to have found love again after divorcing his first wife Veronica 15 years ago. Their relationship is amicable and photos of their children are on display throughout the house. Scott, 40, is non-executive deputy chairman of
87
‘I have nice cars, bought lots of houses, but what’s important is family’ David
‘Cus dustotate sinctur uiate quid mxplacc ullaceaqui editusadasd asdbis nonsequae’
David, Teo, Dennis and Teo’s son Chris pose outside their front door (above), before David and Dennis head out for a game of tennis (right). Some 40 years earlier, David’s partner was his brother, fellow tennis player John Lloyd (together, below)
88
ADDITIONAL PHOTO: REX FEATURES. (TOP LEFT) DAVID’S JUMPER: HAWES & CURTIS
David Lloyd Leisure, Camilla, 36, has just had twins and Laura, 34, is a microbiologist. David’s own career, of course, has been impressive. He and his brother John were members of the British Davis Cup team that reached the final in 1978 and David credits their tennis-loving dad as the driving force behind their success in the sport, as well as in business, with David bringing the concept of up-market but affordable leisure centres to Britain. “Dad inherited a cloth business but sadly it went bankrupt,” explains David. “I remember him coming to me in my late teens saying, ‘Dave, it’s gone wrong. I’m going to do coaching at the [tennis] club to tide us over.’ I had to become an entrepreneur after that, re-stringing rackets, selling balls – whatever I could think of. “I was invited to join a tennis circuit in South Africa aged 17 but there was no money to finance it so I set off with a trunk full of Crimplene dresses and sold them on the roadside to pay my way. I was determined and dogged.” David’s business career has seen him start up two leisure club groups, making millions in the process, as well as going into property, overseeing projects across several continents. Now he has his eye on trampoline parks. “I opened a trampoline park in Borehamwood [Hertfordshire] just before Christmas. Three years from now extreme, high-adrenaline-type teenage sports will be a big thing,” he predicts. HOLDING COURT Tennis has taken a back seat in David’s life and, tellingly, the only symbol of a racket in his home is the one etched on the bottom of his pool. “The only thing I’ve kept is a DVD of John and me on Wimbledon Court No.1 in the Davis Cup match where we beat the Italians after being seven points down. You have to go forward in life, not back.” That said, David remains a controversial voice. “If I were in charge I’d take away the Lawn Tennis Association’s job of coaching because it’s a monopoly. I’d set up 12 regional squad systems in competition, make indoor court space free and take the snob factor out of the game. We have a world champion in Andy Murray, but he came from outside the traditional coaching ranks. Our standing overall is very, very poor.” Though well into his seventh decade, David’s boundless business energy shows no sign of petering out, although having a young son is forcing him to find more leisure time. His love for Dennis is palpable, demonstrated by frequent hugs and kisses. “He’s very bright and mischievous. We enjoy swimming and cooking together. He is also turning out to be a good little golfer.” The family divides its time between Surrey and Florida, where David and Teo are building a French-style home on the edge of a golf course. “I have nice cars and I’ve bought lots of houses but hopefully I’ve stayed the same,” says David. “What’s really important to me is my family.” Teo agrees: “Our relationship is amazing. We’re not only life partners, we’re best friends. Every day I learn something new from David. He can be dominant because he’s done lots of things but I have opinions, too, and he listens to them. “I was very young when I had Chris and my patience levels and approach to parenting were different. With Dennis, it’s more calm and relaxed. We’ve enjoyed him from day one. Recently he told us, ‘I love you more than gold.’ He couldn’t have put it better because it’s H the way we all feel about each other.” INTERVIEW: SHARON HENDRY PHOTOS: TREVOR LEIGHTON STYLING: GAYLE RINKOFF AT CAROL HAYES MANAGEMENT HAIR & MAKE-UP: ALICE THEOBALD AT JOY GOODMAN USING ARK SKINCARE, KIEHL’S & MAC