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      English Poet Lord Byron’s Former London Townhouse Just Listed for $37.7 Million

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      A London mansion that was once home to poet Lord Byron and banking heiress Baroness Catherine d’Erlanger has hit the market.

      Listed for a cool £29.5 million (or roughly $37.7 million), the palatial townhouse at 139 Piccadilly most recently served as an office building. However, the historic property is being sold with full planning permission to convert it back into a single-family house—one that listing brokerage Wetherell estimates would be worth a whopping £70 million (or about $87.9 million).

      “The provenance of this Piccadilly mansion building overlooking Green Park is outstanding,” Peter Wetherell, founder and chairman of Wetherell, said in a press statement. “It was once the London home of poet Lord Byron, and during the 1920s and 1930s, it was the Mayfair private palace of French heiress Baroness Catherine d’Erlanger, one of the richest women in Europe at the time. Now a buyer has the opportunity to close the circle and bring this landmark building back to life.”

      An 18th-century London mansion formerly owned by Lord Byron is up for sale.

      Casa E Progetti/Tony Murray

      The Grade II-listed building offers up an impressive 15,339 square feet of living space and still retains tons of period details. Think tall sash windows, ornate ceilings, original fireplaces, and stone staircases.

      As a single-family residence, the mansion would include a stately entrance hall, seven grand reception rooms, and eight ensuite bedrooms. There’s also an elevator and a brand-new rooftop garden. Down below, the double basement could accommodate a recreation complex equipped with a movie theater, game room, swimming pool, and a wellness center that sports a sauna, steam room, and gym.

      Dating back to the 18th century, the abode was originally built sometime between 1760 and 1764. After it was renovated in 1815, it became the home of the British poet Lord Byron and his wife. According to the listing, Byron wrote Parsinia and The Seige of Corinth in the study of this home. However, he was forced to leave the home in April 1816 after his divorce, which involved an alleged infidelity scandal. The property was later scooped up in 1910 by the Baron and Baroness d’Erlanger.

      The British poet penned two poems inside the home’s library.

      Casa E Progetti/Tony Murray

      “This magnificent period building is one of the few surviving private palaces in Mayfair providing a discerning buyer with the opportunity to regenerate and transform it into a single palatial family home, an Embassy, private member’s club, new offices or a flagship retail boutique,” says Robert Britten, sales Director at Wetherell. “Buildings of this scale and importance and in such an ultra-prime Green Park location rarely come up for sale in Mayfair.”

      Click here to see all the photos of 139 Piccadilly.

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      Football Club Boss David Sullivan Puts His Storied London Mansion Up for Sale at $94 Million

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      After eight years of ownership, plus a seven-year, nearly $63 million renovation spearheaded by London‘s MSMR Architects and 1508 design studio, West Ham United Football Club chairman David Sullivan has decided to kick his U.K. mansion back on the market.

      The wealthy Welsh media mogul—who amassed his fortune as a publisher of pornographic magazines and proprietor of erotica shops, and chief of the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport tabloid newspapers—is looking to sell the historic residence for $94.6 million, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Records show he purchased the Georgian-style dwelling for around $34 million in 2015 from convicted fraudster Edward “Fast Eddie” Davenport, a British entrepreneur and socialite known for hosting raucous, celeb-studded parties at the premises during his tenure there.

      The Portland Place mansion has been called “one of the largest and most remarkable houses in central London.”

      Julian Abrams/United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty

      Originally designed and built by the noted architect brothers Robert and James Adam way back in the mid-1770s, the Grade II*-listed property has been occupied by numerous aristocrats through the years, including antiquarian and traveler Joseph Wyndham, 4th Earl of Abergavenny William Nevill and James Blyth, a millionaire who founded the famed gin distillery W&A Gilbey.

      More recently, the building served as the Sierra Leone embassy, as well as a main location for the Oscar-winning film The Kings Men, an Agent Provocateur fashion shoot featuring Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse’s Rehab music video.

      A large formal dining room opens to a reception room via a hydraulic wall.

      Julian Abrams/United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty

      Billed in marketing materials as “one of the largest and most remarkable houses in central London”—and sited on the unusually wide Portland Place street, within walking distance of Regent’s Park, West End and Marylebone High Street—the property features a six-story main home and separate mews house, for a total of 11 bedrooms and 10 baths in nearly 21,000 square feet of meticulously preserved living space replete with bespoke joinery, marble finishes, hand-painted wallpaper and artisan chandeliers.

      Highlights include an opulent entrance hall adorned with a curving staircase, along with a formal dining room spotlighted by a hydraulic wall that disappears at the push of a button to reveal an adjoining reception room. There’s also a gourmet kitchen outfitted with an eat-in island and accompanying breakfast nook.

      An indoor lap pool and hot tub offers the perfect spot for relaxation.

      Julian Abrams/United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty

      A plush master retreat occupies the entire second floor, and comes complete with dual dressing rooms and baths; and elsewhere is a screening room, wine cellar, gym, massage room, an indoor pool and spa, and a top-level atrium “sky lounge” boasting a seated bar and access to a terrace overlooking views of the BT Tower.

      The listing is held by James Gubbins of United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty.

      Click here for more photos of David Sullivan’s London mansion.

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      Rihanna’s Lavish London Mansion Just Sold for a Record $33.4 Million

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      A London mansion rented by Barbadian superstar Rihanna has just been sold for £27.5 million, or roughly $33.4 million. 

      According to Savills and Aston Chase, who were the appointed agents, the Diamonds singer’s 6,332 square-foot former rental on swanky St. John’s Wood Park was snapped up by a family from overseas for a record-breaking £3,500 (or about $4,250) per square foot. The Fenty Beauty founder lived at the palatial pad for about two and a half years when she was based in the U.K. between 2018 and 2020, reported The London Evening Standard. At the time, the multihyphenate billionaire mogul was leasing the place for a whopping £18,000 (or $21,870) per week.  

      “This sale is indicative of the surge in demand from Chinese buyers for super-prime homes in London,” explains Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase, in a press statement. “As a result of an inability to travel during the pandemic many wealthy Chinese and Hong Kong residents are prioritizing a ‘Plan B’ in the eventuality of another unforeseen event leading to the Chinese government restricting movement.” 

      A London home once rented by Rihanna just sold for $33.4 million.

      Aston Chase/Tony Murray Photography

      The white stucco mansion, designed by renowned architect John Shaw Junior and built in 1844 by local builder William Holme Twentyman, first belonged to De Beers diamond tycoon Daniel Francis. The fully refurbished five-story home contains eight bedrooms, multiple reception rooms, a library, and an open-plan kitchen. An impressive 21-foot terrace that overlooks a sprawling rear garden. 

      A notable perk is the dwelling’s private gym, which features a weight room and exercise studio. While it’s not clear whether the new owner intends to expand the abode’s current wellness offerings, the property includes approved plans for an additional health spa with a swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, and massage facilities. 

      The St. John’s Wood Park property features a fully equipped gym and approved plans for an extensive wellness complex.

      Aston Chase/Tony Murray Photography

      “Savills is delighted to have introduced the buyer and successfully sold this famous house on St John’s Wood Park in one of the biggest deals in St John’s Wood in 2023,” added Stephen Lindsay with Savills. “This is an extremely special house, the only one of royal architect John Shaw’s original villas on St John’s Wood Park to have survived into the 21st century. The substantial price achieved firmly underlines the value and quality of this unique trophy home and the enduring appeal of St John’s Wood with buyers from both the UK and from around the world.”

      Click here to see all the photos of Rihanna’s former London rental.

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      A London Townhouse Once Owned by the Manager of The Beatles Just Listed for $10.6 Million

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      Not only did Brian Epstein launch The Beatles into superstardom, he also offered up his home in London as a hideout for the Fab Four to escape their hordes of screaming fans. Fast forward to today, and the late manager’s Mayfair townhouse has hit the market for £8.75 million (or roughly $10.7 million).

      The Grade II-listed Georgian dwelling measures 3,800 square feet and features five bedrooms plus an adjoining mews house. The latter is connected to the main house through the basement and is where Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr used to hang. It’s also believed to be the place where they worked on their eighth studio album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

      Originally built in the 1750s, Epstein acquired the swank abode in the 1960s as his private residence. He later turned the townhouse into an early version of the Apple Corps headquarters before he died of an accidental overdose in 1967. Following Epstein’s passing, the residence was purchased by author and politician Norman St John-Stevas, Lord St John of Fawsley, a close advisor to Margaret Thatcher.

      The Beatles used to hide out and hang out in the home’s adjoining mews house.

      Wetherell

      “This Charles Street townhouse and mews was the Mayfair base of two famous showmen, firstly Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who allowed the Fab Four to use the mews as their bolthole, and later Norman St John-Stevas, one of British politics’ most colorful characters,” explains Peter Wetherell, founder and executive chairman of Wetherell, in a press statement. 

      The Charles Street townhouse dates to the 1750s.

      Wetherell

      The 18th-century pad spans six floors and was designed by master carpenter John Phillips. On the outside, you’ll find tons of period details like a slate roof, sash windows, and wrought-iron railings. Internally, the reception spaces are decked out with parquet flooring, fireplaces, plaster paneling, and gilded ceiling motifs. The various living and entertaining spaces include a drawing room, a home office, a modern kitchen, and a roof terrace. Fun fact: Lennon once tagged the kitchen tiles with graffiti, but they were later removed and sold at auction. 

      “It is extremely rare to find a Grade II listed townhouse in the heart of Mayfair that has not only retained so many wonderful traditional Georgian features but comes with its original mews house intact and several private outdoor spaces,” adds Wetherell. 

      Click here to see all the photos of Brian Epstein’s Charles Street townhouse. 

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      Richard Burton’s Former London Mansion Hits the Market for $9.8 Million

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      Richard Burton went from being a humble, stage-trained Welsh actor to an international movie star, and it was while he lived in a handsome house in London’s leafy Hampstead Village that he cemented his status as an Old Hollywood legend. 

      The late performer lived on Lyndhurst Road with his first wife, Sybil Christopher, between 1949 and 1956. The couple originally bought a one-bedroom, ground-floor apartment in the building and eventually purchased the remaining floors following Burton’s success. It was while in residence on Lyndhurst Road that he took on some of his most famous roles, including those in The Desert Rats, The Robe, and Alexander the Great.

      It’s also where he lived when he first met Elizabeth Taylor in 1953. Burton and Taylor would not, however, get to know each other romantically until after they were reacquainted in the early 1960s on the set of the epic period drama Cleopatra. They would later and famously go on to marry—twice.

      The London residence where Welsh actor Richard Burton once lived has hit the market

      Grant Frazer

      Fast-forward to today, and the Victorian residence is now on the market for £7.95 million (or roughly $9.8 million). A blue plaque near the front door commemorates Burton’s time in residency; the historic destination was unveiled in 2011 by fellow Welsh actor Michael Sheen. 

      “This Blue Plaque house is not only notable due to the provenance of its former famous resident, but it also represents a rare opportunity to purchase a magnificent family home situated in the heart of Hampstead and within easy walking distance of Hampstead Heath,” says Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase, in a press release. 

      The primary suite has views of St Paul’s Cathedral

      Grant Frazer

      The abode, built by architect Henry Davidson, dates back to the 1860s. Altogether, the spread comprises a semi-detached dwelling with six bedrooms plus a separate self-contained two-bedroom garden apartment. 

      There are heaps of original period details throughout, like high ceilings, tall windows, marble fireplaces, and French doors. Other highlights include a top-floor penthouse studio, a 60-foot-long rear garden, and views of St. Paul’s Cathedral from the primary suite.

      “It’s a rare find on one of Hampstead’s most sought-after tree-lined streets,” adds Knight Frank’s Katy Brookes, who’s co-listing the home. 

      Click here to see all the photos of Richard Burton’s house.

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      The Former London Home of Late Romance Author Dame Barbara Cartland Just Listed for $44 Million

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      The late and famously prolific English author Dame Barbara Cartland, whose 720-plus novels sold upwards of 750 million copies, was the so-called “Queen of Romance,” so don’t be surprised if you fall in love with her sumptuous former London home. Located in Mayfair, one of the most affluent areas of the British capital, the novelist’s lavish five-story mansion is newly listed for a hefty £35 million (or roughly $44.2 million).

      Originally built in 1902 for Liberal politician and stockbroker Sir Cuthbert Quilter, the Edwardian-style abode has played host to its fair share of high-profile residents. The elegant abode was purchased by Cartland in 1936 and is where she raised her daughter, Countess Raine Spencer, better known as the stepmother to Princess Diana. (Despite the connection, Cartland was not invited to Diana’s wedding to Charles in 1981.) In the century-plus since it was erected, the palatial pad also served as the birthplace of Sir Alec Douglas-Home, who briefly served as Prime Minister in the mid-1960s.

      The former London townhouse of British novelist Dame Barbara Cartland just listed for $44.2 million

      Christophe Schaillee

      “This remarkable property is widely regarded as the quintessential London mansion. It exudes elegance and sophistication, with its exceptional features and prime location just moments away from Park Lane and Grosvenor Square,” notes the listing, which is held by Michael Holt and Nicole Hay of Compass.

      Designed by acclaimed architect Detmar Blow, the 8,500-square-foot property features a stately red-brick exterior adorned with neo-classical cornices. Inside, soaring and embellished ceilings, stone fireplaces, and a sweeping wooden staircase are among the home’s original period features.

      For all the historic detailing and traditional finery, there are, however, a notable number of modernizations. For example, the basement has been turned into a full-blown spa, where you’ll find an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a designated relaxation zone, and even a bar.

      The lower level has an indoor pool and spa that opens to a patio.

      Christophe Schaillee

      No stranger to entertaining, Cartland made good use of the grandly proportioned principal reception areas on the ground and first floors, which combined can accommodate over 100 guests. Elsewhere, the deluxe digs comprise six bedrooms, including a swanky primary suite that occupies the entire second floor. The space is decked out with a projector over the bed, an enormous walk-in closet, an ensuite bath, and its own private terrace.

      “Undoubtedly, this truly magnificent home stands as the epitome of luxury living in London,” crows the listing. We concur.

      Click here to see all the photos of 28 South Street. 

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      Rolling Stones Guitarist Ronnie Wood’s Former London Manse Hits the Market for $26 Million

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      Gimme shelter? The London manse where Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood once lived is up for grabs. 

      The Gothic-style estate that used to belong to the British musician just hit the market and can now be yours for a cool £20 million (or about $25.5 million). Spanning a whopping 12,295 square feet, Wood scooped up the property back in 1997 alongside his now ex-wife, Jo, The Observer reported. Despite only posting up here for the better part of 10 years, the bassist left an imprint on the abode in more ways than one.  

      Today, the palatial pad still sports his personal recording studio. There are also a few of his sculptures strewn about the gardens, plus a portrait of bandmate Keith Richards hanging on the wine cellar wall. In its lifetime, the roughly two-acre spread has housed more than just rock royalty. In fact, the residence was originally constructed as a hunting lodge for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.  

      The former home of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood just listed for $25.5 million

      DDRE Global

      Nestled behind a gated drive, the three-story stunner has 13 bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Inside, you’ll find tons of dark wood paneling, along with arched doorways, opulent chandeliers, ornate ceilings, and more medieval embellishments. Though, Wood’s former flame did make a couple of modernizations before she sold the digs in 2010, specifically to the primary suite, kitchen, and gym. Did we mention it’s also energy efficient? 

      The Gothic-style mansion has its own screening room

      DDRE Global

      Some of the standout features include a swanky movie theater with a projector, a billiards room, and an adjacent 3,425-square-foot swimming pool annex. The glass-roofed complex is equipped with a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. Not that you’ll be looking for a reason to leave, but the dwelling itself is positioned right along the edge of Richmond Park. At 2,500 acres, you’ll essentially have the largest Royal Park in London as your backyard. Turns out, you can always get what you want. 

      DDRE Global has the listing.

      Click here to see all the photos of Ronnie Wood’s former London home.

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      Inside 12 Extravagant Estates Owned by the British Royal Family

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      The British royal family is known for their extravagant estates, from Buckingham Palace to Balmoral Castle—and even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s former residence, Frogmore Cottage, has gotten press since the couple’s Netflix special. With King Charles III’s impending coronation on May 6, just how many homes does the monarchy have? Well, since Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, King Charles III now oversees the late monarch’s $42 billion portfolio of assets, reports Forbes, including jewels, art, and the Ascot Racecourse and golf courses. A huge chunk of that massive sum includes a $25 billion real-estate portfolio, which encompasses seven palaces, 10 castles, 12 homes, 56 cottages, and 14 ancient ruins throughout the U.K., Ireland, and Romania. There are many lesser-known residences that the royals own, too, like sprawling estates and modest, tucked-away country retreats. Read on to discover 12 of the most extravagant royal residences—and their estimated values.

      Buckingham Palace

      Buckingham Palace in London is one of the most-visited royal palaces.

      Pawel Libera/LightRocket via Getty Images

      The most iconic and important piece of royal real estate is London’s Buckingham Palace, said to be worth an estimated $4.9 billion. One of the world’s most-visited tourist attractions, the famed property has been the official residence of the monarch since 1837. The neoclassical-style palace has a whopping 775 rooms, including 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, and 19 state rooms. It also functions as the monarchy’s administrative headquarters.

      Balmoral Castle

      Queen Elizabeth II spent much of her time here, including her final days.

      Tim Graham/Getty Images

      Located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Balmoral Castle was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite summer home, and also where she ultimately passed in September 2022. Prince Albert purchased the castle for Queen Victoria in 1952, and it became a go-to summer home for the royal family and the location of the annual royal summer party known as the Ghillies Ball. Spread over 50,000 acres, the estate has 150 buildings and a tried-and-true Scottish design of plaid wallcoverings, ornately carved wooden cabinets, and tartan decor.

      Kensington Palace

      This is the former official residence of Prince William and Princess Kate.

      Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images

      The former official residence of Prince William and Kate until the Queen’s passing, Kensington Palace in London has been owned by the British family since 1698 and was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. Many famous royals have lived here, including Princess Diana during her marriage to the now-King Charles. According to Forbes, it’s said to be worth an estimated $630 million. There are 547 rooms in total, but William and Kate resided in Apartment 1A within the palace—a residence with four floors and 20 rooms. According to the royal family’s official website, other royal residents have included the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent (who live in the palace’s Wren House), the Prince and Princess of Kent, and Princess Eugenie and her husband (who now reside in the palace’s Nottingham Cottage, also Prince Harry and Markle’s first home). 

      Windsor Castle

      Windsor Castle is worth an estimated $743 million.

      Daniel Leal/ AFP/Getty Images

      Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, located in the English county of Berkshire 25 miles west of Central London. Since their move from Kensington Palace, William and Kate have resided in Windsor Home Park’s Adelaide Cottage, which is about a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle. Worth an estimated $743 million, the famed site can be visited by the public throughout the year. 

      Sandringham Estate

      The royals have their annual Christmas celebrations here each year.

      Radcliffe/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

      The Georgian-style Sandringham Estate was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favored homes and where she held the royal family’s annual Christmas celebration. It now is the private country retreat for King Charles and Camilla. Built in 1771, the Grade II–listed mansion is situated on 20,000 acres of land, 350 of which is a public park. The grand estate has belonged to the British monarchy since 1862, when Queen Victoria bought it as a gift for her son and heir, Prince Albert Edward of Wales. William and Kate also have a home on the property, called Anmer Hall, which they intend to keep. 

      Frogmore House

      Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

      The Crown has owned Frogmore House, located in Windsor, England, since 1792. The house is currently unoccupied but is the site of many private and office events. The more well-known Frogmore residence may be Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, that shares the same grounds as Frogmore House. Frogmore Cottage was built in 1801 when Queen Charlotte reigned. 

      St. James’s Palace

      Princess Anne resides here when she comes to London.

      JOHN STILLWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

      St. James’s Palace in London was the official residence of the monarchs for 300 years until the reign of Queen Victoria. It still holds an important role today; it’s where the Garter King of Arms announces the accession of the new monarch. It’s also where Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Alexandra reside when they’re in London. More than 100 charity receptions for charities associated with the royal family are held here annually. According to Forbes, it’s worth roughly 700 million. 

      Clarence House

      The home where King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla lived before the accession.

      Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

      Before the accession, King Charles and Camilla lived in London’s Clarence House. It was built between 1825 and 1827, and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip even resided here after they got married in 1947. The Queen Mother also lived here for nearly five decades, and Prince William and Prince Harry briefly stayed here before moving to Kensington Palace. Said to be worth $72 million, the Regency-style house was built by architect John Nash.

      Highgrove House

      King Charles III purchased the Highgrove House in 1980.

      Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

      King Charles purchased this nine-bedroom Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, with his then-wife, the late Princess Diana, in 1980. They renovated the Neoclassical Georgian mansion into a fitting country retreat, as well as planted gardens with rare trees and plants. King Charles spent a day of reflection here after the death of the Queen, and it is now one of his private residences with Camilla, according to the website.

      Palace of Holyroodhouse

      This is King Charles III’s official residence in Edinburgh.

      Palace of Holyroodhouse

      The $83 million Palace of Holyroodhouse is King Charles’s official residence when he goes to Edinburgh, Scotland, for official royal engagements. There are 14 apartments within the residence, but it is also open to the public year-round. It was originally built in 1503 by King James IV and is probably best known as the residence of Mary, Queen of Scots. 

      Kew Palace

      The smallest royal palace.

      In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images

      Small but mighty, the Kew Palace on the banks of the River Thames was once the home of Queen Caroline and George II in the 1720s and later George III and Queen Charlotte. It’s the smallest of all the royal palaces, but still said to be worth $70 million. The grounds feature magnificent gardens, royal kitchens that depict Georgian life in the early 1800s, and Queen Charlotte’s rustic cottage.

      Royal Lodge

      The Royal Lodge in 1942.

      Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

      This Grade II–listed home 3.2 miles south of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England, has had much chattered surrounding it as of late: King Charles has asked his brother Prince Andrew, Duke of York, to vacate the Royal Lodge, his residence of more than 20 years. Though Charles reportedly offered Prince Andrew Frogmore Cottage, the former senior royal is refusing to downsize. More