Historic London mansion with ties to Saudi royal family sells for $15 million
A historic London mansion with ties to the Saudi royal family came to the market earlier this month asking 12.5 million US $15.05 million The Grade II-listed estate known as Fairwood was designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Marketing materials from Aston Chase show that he was commissioned for the project in 1935 by the politician and Midland Bank chairman Reginald McKenna. McKenna had previously commissioned Lutyens to design another private London mansion and the Midland Bank headquarters in the City of London, a building that is now home to The Ned Hotel.
More: The U.K. Property Market is Cooling Down.
In the 1960s, members of the McKenna family sold the property to the Saudi royal family who owned the home until 2002, according to representatives from Aston Chase. The current owner could not be identified.
Fairwood is a landmark property on a remarkable plot, with an illustrious history that combines royalty, aristocracy, noted political figures and captains of industry, according to an emailed statement from Marc Schneiderman, principal of Arlington Residential.
The eight-bedroom home is surrounded by landscaped gardens that are directly linked to Turners Wood, a nature conservation site that is used as a private bird sanctuary and woodland.
More: Renovated Victorian Estate in Somerset, England, Hits the Market for 8 Million Dollars.
The original facade of the home was reconstructed in 2006, according to marketing materials, and leads into a triple-height entrance hall. The home's extensive entertaining space includes a total of three reception rooms, a library, family room, and a spacious open kitchen and breakfast room with a skylight, listing photos show.
All eight bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, and the home is equipped with modern amenities, including a gym and double garage.
The owners of Charlton Brown Architecture and Interiors have commissioned Charlton Brown Architecture and Interiors to draw up plans for a potential 5,100 square-foot leisure complex that would include a pool, hot tub, lounge area, sauna, treatment rooms, a Hammam and shower and changing facilities, according to marketing materials.
The new complex would also include a home theater, bar area, four-car garage and staff quarters. It would be under the rear garden area, according to the listing.
More: Shakespeare House, a former U.K. Inn Frequented by The Bard, Lists for 1.5 Million Dollars
The plans provide an outstanding opportunity for a discerning purchaser to create an exceptional leisure complex and in doing so increase the capital value, Mr. Schneiderman said. The proposed leisure complex would require updated planning permission and Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust approval. The previous sale price could not be determined, but the home came on the market Aug. 3, and the previous sale price could not be determined.