Garden Lodge: Freddie Mercury's Iconic London Residence Hits Market for £30 Million
Freddie Mercury's iconic London residence, Garden Lodge, is making headlines as it hits the market for a staggering £30 million.
Nestled in Kensington, the property served as a beloved retreat for the music legend, who dubbed it "his country house in central London." Originally built in 1907 in the Neo-Georgian style and purchased by Mercury in 1980, the house boasts unique features such as a double-height dining room, a fully mirrored dressing room, a bar, library, and a Japanese-style garden with water features and topiary.
After Mercury's passing in 1991, his close friend Mary Austin inherited the property and lived there for 30 years. Speaking to Bloomberg, Austin, now 72, shared, "It was really only ever my house in name only. I had worked on the house with [Mercury] and for him, and it will always be his. It was his dream, it was his vision."
Last year, Austin auctioned off 1,500 items from the house at Sotheby's, raising an impressive £39,435,000. The proceeds were directed towards the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity founded by the surviving members of Queen for global HIV/Aids initiatives, and the Elton John Aids Foundation. Notable items included a replica of St Edward's Crown and handwritten lyrics of Queen's biggest hits.
However, potential buyers won't find detailed information online due to privacy concerns. Knight Frank, the estate agent handling the sale, will vet applicants to ensure they have the £30 million required for the purchase. With the property's rich history and unique charm, Garden Lodge promises to be a coveted piece of musical history for the fortunate buyer.
