An abandoned embassy doors down from the Beckham’s residence is for sale for a staggering £25 million, with great sums more needed to turn the property into a home.
The building, which has been coined as the ultimate doer-upper for a willing developer, has been empty since around 2011.
The five-storey tall embassy is situated at the northern end of the upmarket Holland Park, where A-list residents include the Beckhams and fashion designer Stella McCartney.
The dilapidated building poses a challenge to its next owner, as it covers close to 10,000sq ft of space.
However, property agent Savills has listed a huge amount of potential benefits, such as a sunny south-facing garden and unusual Italianate style.
The embassy boats period features including fireplaces and cornicing as well as the “strong artistic heritage” of the surrounding area.
Currently Price On Application, it is understood to be on offer with a price tag of around $25 million.
It is understood that a buyer will need to spend vast sums more, to turn it into a family home rivalling those of the starry neighbours.
Photos of the Grade II-listed former Algerian embassy in the state agents’ brochure show water damage to the white stucco-fronted exterior.
The interior of the building is fairly grubby-looking, with wallpaper peeling from the ceiling.
Meanwhile, the south-facing garden is entirely overgrown.
Despite its run-down state, the interior has retained its elegant original features, including huge marble fireplaces.
According to the Evening Standard, the villa was used as an embassy for 43 years.
It has sat largely empty for close to a decade, since 2011, when the Algerian government put it on the market.
It was first listed for sale in 2017, for a sizable £30 million,
It is now with agent Savills, which has described the huge home as being in need of a “full refurbishment” with the potential to create “a magnificent residential house”.
