Freddie Mercury's London Sanctuary Hits Market After Renovations

This undated handout image shows the house known as the Garden Lodge in London, where rock star Freddie Mercury's lived the final decade of his life. The mansion that was Freddie Mercury's sanctuary i

Freddie Mercury's iconic sanctuary in London, known as Garden Lodge, is now up for sale for the first time in nearly 50 years. The neo-Georgian brick home, located in the prestigious Kensington neighborhood, is being offered by Knight Frank for offers exceeding 30 million pounds ($38 million) in a private sale.

The Queen frontman purchased the property in 1980, the same year the band's album “The Game” achieved chart-topping success with hits like “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Mercury reportedly paid cash for the house, which was originally listed for over 500,000 pounds.

Mercury, known for his extravagant taste, undertook extensive renovations on Garden Lodge and filled it with a collection of precious artwork, including pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, and Matisse. Describing his love for opulence, Mercury once stated, “I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter.”

The property is listed for over 30 million pounds in a private sale.

Freddie Mercury purchased Garden Lodge in 1980 in Kensington.

Mercury filled the house with precious artwork by Picasso, Dalí, and Matisse.

He passed away in the house in 1991 at the age of 45.

Tragically, Mercury passed away in the house in 1991 at the age of 45 due to AIDS-related pneumonia. Following his death, the property and all his belongings were inherited by his close friend and ex-girlfriend, Mary Austin, who resided there. Over the past year, Austin has been selling off Mercury's possessions, including stage costumes, fine art, and song lyrics, amassing millions in sales.

Austin, reflecting on her time at Garden Lodge, expressed, “This house has been the most glorious memory box, filled with love and warmth in every room. 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.”

One of the notable items from the property, the famous gate to the garden adorned with graffiti and love notes from fans, was among 59 of Mercury’s prized possessions that were auctioned off in September, fetching a total of 12.2 million pounds. The gate itself sold for 412,750 pounds, including a buyer's premium.