Lawsuit reveals Rupert Murdoch’s $25M townhouse buy almost fell through

Dispute between the seller and his lenders threatened to shut down the deal

278 West 11th Street in the West Village (inset: Rupert Murdoch)
278 West 11th Street in the West Village (inset: Rupert Murdoch)

News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch bought his dream home West Village townhouse earlier this year for $25 million — but the deal was almost threatened by a dispute between the seller and his lenders, a new lawsuit reveals.

The seller, George Agiovlasitis, allegedly tried to back out of the sale to Murdoch at the last minute to force his lenders, Hercules and Therese Kontos, to cover the sales taxes.

Agiovlasitis purchased the former bed-and-breakfast for $8.2 million in 2011 and converted it to a single family.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

Fearful of losing the deal, the Kontos’ gave in, and are now suing Agiovlasitis in New York State Supreme Court.

The townhouse, at 278 West 11th Street, is three stories and spans 6,500 square feet. It sits between Bleecker and West 4th streets. [NYDN] — Tess Hofmann