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Jackson Five legends sign deal to move into new Devon home...but will Michael come too?
Last updated at 18:00pm on 04.04.08
Devon wants you back: The Jackson Five, with a young Michael Jackson at the rear, sat far left, in their heyday
But probably none quite as famous as the Jackson Five.
The 1970s pop superstars have hired a five-bedroom holiday home while they look for land on which to build a permanent base.
Matt Fiddes, a local who is already described by the Jacksons as a family friend, said yesterday: "They can't wait to get here.
"They love North Devon and they'll be moving in to the rented house during the first week of May.
"The brothers want to live here permanently.
"They get no hassle and they've been blown away by the peace and beauty of the area when they've stayed."
Reports say the Jacksons are negotiating terms on a secluded piece of land in the nearby Croyde area on which they plan to build a "glass-style" mansion.
In Appledore, the £5,000-amonth barn conversion being rented by Tito Jackson, 54, has plenty of rooms, big gardens and views of the Taw and Torridge estuary.
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Jacksons haven: The brothers of superstar Michael Jackson are moving to a new home in Appledore, North Devon
It has a surround-sound ceiling speaker system, and homely U.S. flag cushions on the sofa.
Mr Fiddes said: "It is set back from the road with its own gate, but it's a fairly normal house really.
"It's not as private as they are used to, but they have bodyguards.
"Tito and his sons are putting the finishing touches to an album and are desperate to get here as they know it's more peaceful than California."
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Lounging: The Jacksons plan to decamp to this modest, comfortable North Devon house from next month
Tito and his sons Taj, 34, Taryll, 32, and TJ, 29, who make up the band 3T, are expected to arrive at the beginning of next month, when the move will be the subject of a reality TV show.
It will see Tito based at the house with other family members - including Michael, Janet and Jermaine - flying in for short breaks.
Jermaine said: "It's a beautiful place and we can't wait for Tito to set us up a family home there."
Mr Fiddes, 28, escorted Michael on a previous visit to Devon and last year accompanied Jermaine on a nationwide anti-bullying campaign.
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Comfortable: The family have a close friend, martial arts master Matt Fiddes, living nearby in Barnstaple, and are looking forward to spending time with him
He said yesterday: "The TV people will follow them from California to Appledore and make a documentary-on how they settle in.
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Brothers Jackson: The Jacksons are said to be negotiating to buy land in Devon on which to build their own glass-style mansion
"Tito will be based in Appledore throughout and we know that Jermaine and Janet will all be dropping in.
"With Michael, you never know. But I'll be very surprised if he doesn't show up too."
James Davison, manager of The Quay restaurant in Appledore, said: "I'm sure the family will be made welcome. They'll certainly put Appledore on the map."
