The Queen frontman left the eight-bedroom villa and all his possessions to his close friend and ex-girlfriend, Mary Austin.
Freddie Mercury's London home, known as Garden Lodge, has been put up for sale for the first time in nearly fifty years. Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Kensington, this neo-Georgian brick home is being marketed by agent Knight Frank with offers expected to exceed €35 million. Despite not being publicly listed, the property has garnered significant attention.
Mercury, renowned as the lead singer of the iconic rock band Queen, purchased Garden Lodge in 1980. As recounted in "Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury," he acquired the property with cash, despite its then-listed price of over €585,000. "I saw the house, fell in love with it, and within a half an hour it was mine," Mercury proudly declared, as documented in the book.
Mercury undertook extensive renovations on the property and adorned it with valuable artwork, including pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, and Matisse.
"I like to be surrounded by splendid things," Mercury expressed. "I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter."
Despite these embellishments, the home was recently listed for sale late last month. Following Mercury's passing, he bequeathed the eight-bedroom villa and all his belongings to his close friend and ex-girlfriend, Mary Austin, who resided there.
In recent times, Mary Austin has generated millions of pounds by selling Mercury's collection of stage costumes, fine art, and handwritten song lyrics. The decision to place the home on the market once again was made late last month.
"This house has been the most glorious memory box, because it has such love and warmth in every room," Austin expressed in a statement. "It has been a joy to live in, and I have many wonderful memories here. Now that it is empty, I’m transported back to the first time we viewed it."
"Ever since Freddie and I stepped through the fabled green door, it has been a place of peace, a true artist’s house, and now is the time to entrust that sense of peace to the next person."
The famous gate to the garden, adorned with graffiti and love notes from fans, was among 59 items from Mercury’s estate that sold for €14.2 million pounds in September 2023.
Mercury passed away in the house in 1991 due to AIDS-related pneumonia at the age of 45.
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