Rihanna, a Barbadian superstar, had been the lessee of a London residence that was recently sold for £27.5 million, or approximately $33.4 million. 

As per Savills and Aston Chase, the designated real estate agents, a family from abroad purchased the Diamonds singer’s former rental property on upscale St. John’s Wood Park for an unprecedented £3,500 (approximately $4,250) per square foot. The London Evening Standard reported that the Fenty Beauty founder resided at the palatial apartment for approximately two and a half years from 2018 to 2020 when she was domiciled in the United Kingdom. The place was leased by the multihyphenate billionaire magnate for an astounding £18,000 (or $21,870) per week at the time.  

“This sale exemplifies the surge in demand for suρer-prime homes in London from Chinese buyers,” explains Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase, in a press release. “Numerous affluent Chinese and Hong Kong residents are prioritizing a ‘Plan B’ in the event that the Chinese government is forced to restrict movement due to the inability to travel during the pаndemic.” 

Initially the property of Daniel Francis, a diamond magnate at De Beers, the white stucco mansion was crafted in 1844 by the local builder William Holme Twentyman under the design of the renowned architect John Shaw Junior. Eight bedrooms, numerous living areas, a library, and an open-concept kitchen are featured in the five-story, completely renovated residence. A magnificent 21-foot terrace with an expansive rear garden as a backdrop. 

A noteworthy amenity is the private fitness center of the residence, which includes a weight room and exercise studio. Although the intentions of the new owner regarding the expansion of the residence’s existing wellness amenities are not explicitly stated, the property contains authorized blueprints for an additional health facility that would feature a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and massage facilities. 

Stephen Lindsay of Savills added, “Savills is thrilled to have introduced the buyer and successfully sold this renowned house on St John’s Wood Park in one of the largest transactions in St John’s Wood in 2023.” “As the sole surviving original villa designed by royal architect John Shaw on St John’s Wood Park in the twenty-first century, this residence is truly extraordinary. The considerable amount of money paid for this exceptional trophy residence unequivocally demonstrates its worth and caliber, as well as the lasting allure of St John’s Wood among purchasers originating from the United Kingdom and beyond.