London has long been a highly sought-after location within the global real estate market, famed for its rich history and cultural appeal. The city is especially desirable for ultra-high-end purchasers, largely due to its well-known streets and exclusive homes characterised by elegance, affluence, and spectacular design.
The demand for these affluent properties increased as the city expanded and became a magnet for the rich and powerful. A significant number of these individuals regard London real estate as a reliable investment, frequently acquiring properties as a means of safeguarding wealth.
The Holme, Regents Park
With an asking price of £250 million in 2023, The Holme is one of the most expensive houses ever seen on the UK market. The two-storey property is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, designed by the famous architect James Burton – responsible for Buckingham Palace – in 1818. Decimus, the son of Burton, was also responsible for its design, and the Burton family resided there before it was sold to private owners.
The mansion's striking design showcases Regency architecture with its grand columns, expansive bay windows, and beautifully landscaped gardens, which include a private lake. The property reportedly contains 40 bedrooms, eight garages, a tennis court, a sauna, a library, and a "grand dining room" as part of its 29,000 sq ft of living space. Given its high-profile owners and location, the building's architectural features and surrounding gardens are protected to preserve their historical and aesthetic value. The Holme is part of Regent's Park Conservation Area.
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Aberconway House, Mayfair
Designed in a neo-Georgian style in the early 1920s for Henry McLaren, the second Baron Aberconway, Aberconway House is a Grade-II listed home nestled amidst some of the most prestigious streets in London. This 25,000-square-foot home was sold in 2023 to Billionaire Adar Poonawalla for £138 million and is a prime example of Edwardian architecture, with grand staircases, ornate plasterwork, and spacious reception rooms.
The property at 38 South Street was one of the last residential houses of this size to be constructed in the area, built in 1920 by John Murray Easton, who was best known for his design of Westminster's Royal Horticultural Hall. After McLaren's departure in 1943, the Rank Organisation acquired the property. It was later owned by the late Jan Kulczyk, Poland's wealthiest individual.
The property is in the heart of Chesterfield Gardens in Mayfair, close to renowned landmarks such as Bond Street and Hyde Park. The affluent borough is a preferred choice among the city's wealthiest residents due to the abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury boutiques, and art galleries suited to those who enjoy the area's exclusivity.
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Hanover Lodge, Regents Park
Designed by John Nash in 1827, Hanover Lodge is a striking Grade II* listed building located on the outer circle of Regents Park. Sold in 2024 to Indian billionaire Ravi Ruia for £113 million, the property boasts 2,400 square metres of modern luxury, including a gallery, a massage room, a gymnasium space, state-of-the-art security systems, and a swimming pool that can be converted into a ballroom.
General Sir Robert Arbuthnot, a hero of the Napoleonic campaigns, initially owned Hanover Lodge. Since then, the property has been home to various notable individuals, including Thomas Cochrane and David Beatty. It was used as a residence to the French ambassador and Bedford College students from 1947 to the 1960s before being purchased by industrialist and Conservative peer Lord Bagri from the Crown Estate in 1994 for a 150-year lease. Russian billionaire Andrey Goncharenko paid Lord Bagri £120 million for the outstanding lease in 2012.
The preservation of the original architecture and the scope of the development within a historically significant area were among the concerns that prompted some controversy during the substantial modern renovation and expansion of Hanover Lodge in 2021. Despite the modifications, Hanover Lodge remains a significant example of Regency architecture, reflecting John Nash's vision for London's upmarket property landscape.
Also Read: The Best Places to Buy a House in London
2-8a Rutland Gate, Knightsbridge
Formerly four houses converted into one property in 1998, 2-8a Rutland Gate in the Knightsbridge area of London is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious addresses in the UK. The seven-storey mansion was sold to a low-profile Arabian/Antiguan heir named Mohannad Al Marar in 2023 for more than £300 million, making it one of the most expensive residences ever sold in the United Kingdom.
Spanning approximately 62,000 square feet, the property boasts 45 bedrooms, a swimming pool, and underground parking and is extensively decorated in gold leaf. With 68 of its 116 windows offering views of the lush greenery of Hyde Park, the location is one of its many desirable attractions and is a stone's throw away from both Kensington Palace and Harrods. Planning permission has been granted for extensive renovations, including a proposed two-storey basement, a triple-height ballroom, and reconfigured living spaces. Its potential as a luxury residence or even high-end apartments could see its value rise to as much as £580 million post-renovation.
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One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge
One Hyde Park is a luxurious residential development designed by the renowned architects Richard Rogers and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners in 2010. It comprises 86 tailor-made apartments, duplexes, and penthouses. With some listings exceeding £100 million, the development boasts uninterrupted views of Hyde Park and the highest standards of internal specification, with a particular emphasis on bespoke modern aesthetics and sustainability.
Apartments can span over 18,000 square feet and feature solid oak joinery, triple-glazed windows, and high ceilings alongside state-of-the-art amenities such as a private swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, private cinema, and wine cellar. Attracting high-profile residents like Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton and Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, One Hyde Park is also home to billionaire British property developer Nick Candy whose penthouse boasts five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, two wine cellars, and wrap-around terraces. In 2014, another penthouse was rumoured to have sold for almost £140 million, and it remains one of the most expensive residential transactions in the United Kingdom, further fueling One Hyde Park's reputation as the epicentre of luxury living in the city of London.
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The luxury real estate market in London continues to draw the wealthiest purchasers from across the world, providing an unrivalled combination of grandeur and affluence.
