A London mansion formerly rented by Barbadian superstar Rihanna has been sold for £27.5 million, or approximately $33.4 million. According to agents Savills and Aston Chase, the 6,332 square-foot property on St. John’s Wood Park was purchased by an overseas family for a record-setting £3,500 per square foot (around $4,250). Rihanna lived in the mansion for about two and a half years during her time in the U.K. from 2018 to 2020, paying £18,000 per week in rent.
Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase, noted that the sale reflects a growing demand from Chinese buyers for high-end London properties, driven by concerns about travel restrictions and future uncertainties. The mansion, originally built in 1844 by William Holme Twentyman and designed by renowned architect John Shaw Junior, was first owned by De Beers diamond tycoon Daniel Francis. The refurbished five-story home features eight bedrooms, multiple reception rooms, a library, an open-plan kitchen, and a 21-foot terrace overlooking a large garden.
The property includes a private gym with a weight room and exercise studio. While it’s unclear if the new owner will enhance the current wellness features, the home comes with approved plans for a new health spa, including a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and massage facilities. Stephen Lindsay of Savills commented on the sale, highlighting the mansion’s unique status as the last surviving villa designed by John Shaw on St John’s Wood Park and its significant appeal to both UK and international buyers.
