While others may be satisfied with boring old traditional trappings like an indoor health spa or cinema, Caudwell is thinking outside the box: and has just been given permission to build a railway around the grounds.

According to reports, the idea is that the 28-acre formal gardens and parkland around his incredible Jacobean mansion are tricky for a billionaire and his family to cover. Once you’ve expended all your energy in finding one of the 50 bedrooms, using the indoor swimming pool, or running around on the tennis courts, who as the energy to schlep about enjoying the grounds?

So instead, they’ll be able to step onto the train, and travel three miles around the property without moving a muscle.

62-year-old Caudwell has now been granted planning permission to build the narrow gauge railway around Broughton Hall home, near Eccleshall, Staffordshire.

The railway, which will echo the design of a similar attraction at nearby Weston Park, will not be open to the public.

The three-mile track will run past the estate’s tennis court and indoor swimming pool, through the large gardens and then round the parkland attached to the property.

Mr Caudwall’s agent said: “To enhance the enjoyment of the estate Mr Caudwell wishes to construct a light private narrow gauge railway that travels through both the formal gardens and open parkland.

“This is a private residence so it will be for the enjoyment of family and friends only and will not be open to the public.”

The application was granted on December 22 and will also include an 18m by 9m shed to protect the train when it is not in use.

The building will also provide shelter for 18 cows which graze on the land.

Mr Caudwell, a father-of-five, is currently ranked as the 464th richest person in the world, and the 13th wealthiest in the UK. The philanthropist’s net worth is estimated to be around £2billion.