Britain’s most expensive house ever to hit the market has been discreetly put up for sale. It is enviably located in the heart of affluent Knightsbridge in what realtors and bankers refer to as PCL, or Prime Central London, a property hotspot. However, would-be window shoppers will certainly not be getting a look inside at an open house.
A Rare Trophy
This super mansion of seven stories, originally built as four houses, features an astonishing 45 bedrooms. It is being touted to a private list of a select few at an asking price of £300 million, which is just under $500 million, before tax. Lucian Cook, director of residential research at Savills, is quoted by The Guardian saying, “The house is a completely unique property, not just in a London context but a global context.”
Stamp Duty Extra
Residential property purchasers in the U.K. pay a one-time tax known as stamp duty. At this price, the home buyer will attract tax of £21 million, about $33 million on top of the purchase price. And, if you’re looking for an acre or two, best look elsewhere, as there is virtually no private land adjoining the property.
Rooms With a View
Within the 60,000-square-foot home is said to be millions of pounds worth of gold leaf adorning the decor. Its large underground swimming pool would not disappoint Olympians, the kitchen is industrial-sized, a fleet of Rolls Royces will fit nicely in the self-contained car park with elevators, and bullet-proofed glass is already fitted in dozens of windows. Perhaps guests of the owner would care for a park view? Not a problem, as no fewer than 68 of the mansion’s windows at 2-8A Rutland Gate overlook Hyde Park along the frontage.
Key Figures as Previous Owners
The property belonged to the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Harari, assassinated by a bomb blast at age 60 in Beirut in February 2005. The building was then gifted to his friend and ally, Sultan bin Abdulaziz, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, who died aged in October 2011 at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Record-Breaking Prices
London’s top purchase price is £136 million for a penthouse at the newly built tower, One Hyde Park, also in Knightsbridge. Costlier still, the highest price paid for any U.K. residence was outside London. A Russian buyer paid £140 million in 2011 for the 18th century Park Place near Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire. The chateau-like mansion of 30,000 square feet backs onto the River Thames and comes complete with a boathouse, helipad, spa complex, 200 acres of gorgeous parkland, stables, a home cinema, and high-tech security. It was formerly home to Frederick Prince of Wales, eldest son of Charles II.
Dwarfed by Buckingham Palace
If you’re wondering how the square footage of 2-8A Rutland Gate, London SW7, measures up against Buckingham Palace, be assured there’s no contest. This property could fit into Buckingham Palace approximately 14 times.
