After splashing out millions of pounds on a grade II-listed mansion, Qatar Emir’s luxury renovated mansion now worth £200 million ($316,5 million), and is set to become Britain’s priciest property. The ruling Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, was generous when it comes to “Dudley House” in London Park Lane, since acquiring it for £37.4 million in 2006.
With the stunning view across Hyde Park in central London, this 185-year-old property will now have 17 bedrooms and 14 reception rooms. The only 19th century Park Lane mansion to have survived also boasts 50ft ballroom, an 81 ft picture gallery and furniture, which on its own is said to be worth £100 million. Further, luxury mansion has an enormous 44,000 sq ft of space and has undergone a £75m renovation which involved knocking three original properties on the Dudley House estate into a giant mansion.
Dudley House was built in 1827 for the Dudley Ward family, but would later be used by Edward VII, who would meet his mistress Lillie Langtry there in secret.
“There is gold leaf throughout. The other main colours are cream and neutral – it is very tastefully done,” said Gary Hersham, head of Beauchamp Estates.
“The ceilings are ornate and very high, although these have been dropped in the bathrooms, which are all marble. There is a very grand staircase, and chandeliers throughout. The stature and grandeur of the house cannot be compared to anything else on the market, where luxury properties already sell for 4,000 to 6,000 pounds per sq ft,” he added.
A property expert who recently visited Dudley House told the paper that should it go on the market, the Park Lane property could fetch up to £250 million ($395,5 million).