A mansion in London once rented by pop star Rihanna has been purchased for a staggering $33.4 million.
The 588 sq m property, located in the upscale St. John’s Wood Park, has been acquired by an overseas family, according to the Robb Report.
Rihanna, known for her beauty brand Fenty Beauty, resided in the property from 2018 to 2020.
She reportedly paid an eye-watering $21,870 per week for the lease.
Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase, the estate agency involved in the sale, states that the purchase reflects a rising trend among wealthy Chinese and Hong Kong residents.
Constrained by pandemic travel restrictions, these individuals are preparing for ‘Plan B’ scenarios should their governments impose further mobility constraints.
Built in 1844 by local builder William Holme Twentyman and designed by esteemed architect John Shaw Junior, the mansion initially belonged to diamond magnate Daniel Francis of De Beers.
The refurbished five-storey house boasts eight bedrooms, multiple reception rooms, a library, and an open-plan kitchen.
The property also features a 6.4m terrace overlooking a sizeable garden.
One of the property’s standout amenities is a private gym complete with a weight room and exercise studio.
While it remains uncertain whether the new owner will augment these existing wellness facilities, the mansion does come with approved plans for an additional health spa.
This proposed extension includes a swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, and massage facilities.
Stephen Lindsay from Savills, the second agency involved in the sale, emphasised the mansion’s unique historical and architectural pedigree.
According to Lindsay, it is the only villa designed by royal architect John Shaw still standing in St John’s Wood Park.
He noted that the sale underscores both the property’s inherent value and the enduring allure of the St. John’s Wood area to a global buyer pool.
