Here is the ultimate opportunity for fans of the late lead singer of rock group Queen! Freddie Mercury’s seven-bedroom house in London has come onto the market with a £30 million (€35.2 million) price tag.
In 1978, the rising star spotted Garden Lodge on Logan Place, Kensington, West London, for sale, seeking offers over £300,000 (€352,000). He bought it on the spot, having already made serious money from rock hits such as We Will Rock You and We are the Champions.
In 45 years, this incredible property has seen a 100-fold increase in value and, although this is partly due to a ‘super-prime’ location, the celebrity link has had a significant effect too.
The current owner is Mary Austin who was left the property after Freddie’s death in 1991. She said: “This house has been the most glorious memory box, because it has such love and warmth in every room. It has been a joy to live in and I have many wonderful memories here.”
Garden Lodge was originally built in 1907 by the architect Ernest Marshall for the artists Cecil Rea and Constance Halford. During the first 10 years of his ownership, Freddie Mercury transformed the house to reflect his own tastes and style.
There is a Studio Room where music was created and a minstrels’ gallery with its own bar. The house glows with light to reflect Freddie’s love of bright colours and warmth.
Paddy Dring from estate agents Knight Frank says: “The sale of Garden Lodge presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a significant property combined with a piece of cultural history, the beloved home of an icon. Having been carefully preserved with love and respect over the last three decades, we expect that the exceptional provenance of the property will be incredibly alluring to buyers across the world.” Buyers with very deep pockets that will be!
Reach for the sky!
Over the last 30 years, the skyline of the Square Mile has changed dramatically, and it looks as though a new kid on the block will be coming soon.
The property market in London generally has been weak since the pandemic with erratic news and economic conditions bringing storm after storm across both the residential and commercial markets.
So-called hybrid working and the desire of many people to work from home more generally has seen businesses look at the savings gained through giving up prime commercial real estate in the UK capital.
However, with better economic news and many realising that home-working often has massive disadvantages in denying social interaction, creativity and exchange of ideas, it looks as though things may be changing once more.
In this new environment, Brookfield Properties has announced it will be submitting plans this summer for a landmark redevelopment at 99 Bishopsgate, right in the heart of the City. Ambitious plans will see the base of the building opened up to pedestrians and a new market at ground-floor level.
“The plans will significantly enhance and increase the amount of public realm amenity around the site, including a cultural offer, enhanced retail and greening throughout,” they have said, adding “this will improve connections and pedestrian thoroughfare to the surrounding area and transport hubs, such as Liverpool Street Station.”
The new tower will have 54 storeys and, if approved, this will make it one of the tallest buildings in the City.
Who wants to be the next James Bond?
007 has been in the news recently with endless speculation as to who will be the next James Bond.
Well, there is a chance it could be you! 007: Shadow of Spectre is an interactive treasure hunt game, played across London. The team behind this great way of exploring the capital have worked with the producers of the James Bond films to let you become an MI6 agent for the day. You will be working with Monneypenny and Q Branch to solve a series of clues across the city and outsmart SPECTRE.
Using your mobile phone to receive interactive text messages and phone calls from other agents, you will make your own story as it very cleverly adapts to the decisions you take. Starting at the Understudy Bar at the National Theatre, the experience lasts about 2-3 hours, depending on whether or not you rest a while at the many pubs en route!
The experience has some great reviews. Visit London said: “You need to add this experience to your London to-do list”; and one participant said: “Excellent way of discovering parts of London you never knew existed, with great clues and planning for a fun adventure. We did.”
Tickets cost from £20 (€23.20) and can be booked at www.inthecity.com
Put that light out!
Over the last few years, the lights have gone off for one hour on one day all over London and around the world.
Earth Hour is an initiative from the World Wildlife Fund for Nature and this year it took place between 20.30 and 21.30 on March 23.
Major London landmarks such as Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace were shrouded by the dark night for one surreal hour. Other major cities around the world joined in too with the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House and the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil all in the dark.
The WWF also suggested to individuals to use the 60 minutes “to do something positive for the planet”. Earth Hour has been running for several years but has yet to capture the imagination of people generally. However, with 70% of people still believing the worst effects of climate change can be avoided, maybe this is one to watch and support into the future.
Going underground
A new tunnel under the Thames is due to open in 2025. The Silvertown tunnel in East London has been built to ease traffic congestion and links Newham to the Greenwich Peninsula.
The wide new tunnel has been controversial as most measures over the last few years have been aimed at reducing travel by cars and other vehicles, bringing in restrictions and charges across the capital.
This will be a toll tunnel and will have a bus and HGV lane to further avoid congestion. It generally seems popular in the area as the existing Blackwall Tunnel is endlessly congested. Nearly 60 years have passed since the last road tunnel was built in London and it will be interesting to judge this one on how it benefits the slowest traffic city in the world!
Richard Lamberth leads parallel lives with homes and business interests in London and Portugal. He provides consultancy services to leading businesses in insurance and financial services, property and media sectors. He has four sons, two dogs and enjoys a busy family life. He likes swimming, keeping fit and an outdoor life.
londoncalling@portugalresident.com
