Roman abramovich buys £90 million ex-russian spy house in london

Roman Abramovich no doubt appreciates many of the features of his new Kensington Palace Gardens home - the unparalleled security, the world’s richest neighbours, the extensive gardens - but its connection to his motherland may also have been an attraction.

The 15-bedroom property, exclusively revealed to be of interest to Abramovich by FindaProperty.com last month, used to be owned by the Russian government, which during the Cold War would monitor activities from this base. Belgian hedge fund manager Pierre LaGrange bought the property from the Russians in 2004 for £19 million, when, according to a property source, it had “radio rooms” for surveillance and was in an appalling condition.

LaGrange and his wife Catherine spent £20 million doing up the property, though even this embassy-proportioned home didn’t have quite enough space for Catherine’s wardrobe, it seems. During her time at the house Catherine is believed to have rented a property on Kensington Palace Mews just to store her winter wardrobe.

Abramovich and partner Daria Zhukova, who have a two-year-old son, Aaron, bought the property directly from the LaGranges for £90 million, and now have plans to renovate further. They are converting the basement into a spa and gym - including tennis court - and a garage to showcase Abramovich’s six vintage Ferraris.

Source: FindaProperty.com