Rihanna’s former historic estate, located in London’s prestigious St John’s Wood Park neighborhood, has been sold for a staggering $33.4 million to a Chinese millionaire and his family. This record-breaking transaction not only sets a new price benchmark for the area but also marks the most expensive house sale in North London this year.
Constructed in 1844 for a diamond tycoon by the renowned architect John Shaw, this mansion is a rare survivor of Shaw’s villas in the area. Over the years, it has undergone extensive modernization and refurbishment while retaining its historic charm, according to the New York Post.
The Barbadian singer, aged 35 and a mother of two, resided in this home from 2018 to 2020, shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, during her temporary stay in the UK.
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During her stay in the edifice, Rihanna’s presence at the compound was marked by her active engagement with the media, often conducting interviews and sharing her life through Instagram stories. As a result, the property gained significant public attention and has even been labeled as “Rihanna’s home” on Google Earth.
The mansion is an impressive white stucco estate with numerous luxurious features, including eight bedrooms, various reception areas, formal and casual dining spaces, a library, a gym, and a 21-foot terrace with stunning views of the expansive rear garden.
The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, but their nationality aligns with a prevailing housing trend driven by COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The sale underscores the increasing interest of Chinese buyers in high-end London properties. This demand has grown due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, with wealthy individuals from China and Hong Kong seeking a ‘Plan B’ should future unforeseen events result in movement restrictions by the Chinese government, said Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase, which collaborated with Savills on the sale.
