Inside Abramovich's New $230 Million London Mega-Mansion

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Dec 27th 2010 at 6:02PM

Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has purchased all nine luxury apartments in two adjoining buildings in London's posh Knightsbridge neighborhood and plans to transform them into a mega-mansion at a total cost of about $230 million. He aims to turn the 30,000-sq.-ft. eight-bedroom buildings, a historic property located next to famed department store Harrods and designed by renowned master builder Thomas Cubitt, who also designed parts of Buckingham Palace, into a high-tech luxury fortress with five above-ground stories and three underground levels, the London Daily Mail reports. The paper has obtained a schematic of the plans, above; most of the cost of the project will go towards the renovations.

"He wants a very plush interior in the style of high neoclassical Victorian to match the exterior," an insider tells the paper. "He's going to be very hands-on and there will be nothing minimalist about his taste. Inside will be all cornices, thick pile carpeting and heavy drapery." The plans call for six bedrooms two guest rooms all with en suite baths; a multicar garage with staff accommodation in a mews behind the main building; a cinema / entertainment room; an indoor swimming pool; a steam room and sauna; and a children's study and entertainment room. Abramovich has been patiently acquiring the flats in the buildings since the late '90s, the paper reveals, and just recently closed on the last one.

Tags: abramovich, abramovich+london, abramovich+mansion, abramovichlondon, abramovichmansion, billionaire, estates, Harrods, Knightsbridge, London, mansion, Roman Abramovich, Russian billionaires, UK, wealth

Filed under: Estates, Wealth, Architecture & Design

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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)

ELECTRICJV Dec 31st 2010 8:50PM

I AM SO SICK OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE RICH, GET OFF YOUR ASS AND MAKE YOUR OWN MONEY!!!!!!

Steven R. Russell Dec 31st 2010 9:33PM

The Bible tells us about the rich fool, who had a bumper crop, and said within his soul that he had much food, etc., and what should he do?

He said he would tear down his barns, and build greater, as he said to himself to take his ease, for he had food for many years to come.

But God said to him, "Thou fool! Tonight your soul shall be required of you, and then who's shall those things be, which thou hast prepared?"

So is everyone who is rich towards themselves, but not rich towards God.

mamboq7 Dec 31st 2010 9:50PM

Jared P. Stern, you are an insensitive dick. Why print such an article of
self absortion, ridiculous arrogance when people are losing their homes,
people are starving, children dying of uncurable cancers...
America! What have we become? Is this what we really care about?

judithgrayson Jan 1st 2011 12:08AM

This must be the new trend amongst the weirdly rich. In Japan, a billionaire bought a 24-story building to turn it into a mansion for himself and his family.

I don't envy these pathetic creatures. Although I certainly wouldn't mind having the money to spend in Sephora.

David S. Jan 1st 2011 4:15AM

$230 million for that? I confess I don't know much about London's property values, but I am guessing he is paying for location.

Marit Londeaux Jan 1st 2011 5:59AM

Denizio, It kind of reminds me of Carlos Slim Helu, the world's wealthiest man. It's unbelievable that this man lives in Mexico when most of its population lives in poverty. I would think that he would take some of his $53 billion and start a foundation that would fund several programs that would educate some of the poorer parts of the country, or build a low cost medical clinic, or even low cost housing. People with that much wealth almost have an obligation to help those who are less fortunate than they are. Bill Gates and Rupert Murdoch have the right idea.

Brenda Jan 4th 2011 1:06AM

I would love to have even 1/4 that so I could start a battered womens shelter in my area. I need ALOT of money because I need it to sustain itself. Bills and furnishings for 6 months at a time for each woman and her children. So the women wouldnt have to pay a dime for up to 6 months. Just get a job, save and get on her feet so she CAN start over. But I dont want it to be government run. I want it to be REALLY nice. A home. Furnished, all inclusive for up to 6 months. Some place they can feel safe AND at home with nice things. With 24 hour security guards, play grounds, water fountains, trees...you know..nice. I was thinking about 8-10 homes on 4-5 acres..with privacy fences. No way I can afford it... but if I EVER win the lottery...you can bet thats what I would do.
Yeah, my mom was a battered woman....who felt like she didnt have a choice....
But even though we all have different dreams Im happy this guy can live his.
Congrats ! :)

Kelly Jan 4th 2011 5:53AM

Where's the kitchen?

Cindy Lou Jan 4th 2011 7:14AM

Wait a second -- why would any of you think that a Russian made his money honestly? Why would you think he "worked" for it? Maybe he has criminal ties. That would not be shocking, shocking, in the "new" Russia. Do you admire Colombian drug lords, too? Is that what you call "work," and should honest people who do real work be considered "jealous?" If you believe in having no laws at all, and if money is the only standard of morality, say so out loud. Fine by me, just don't hide what you really think.