World’s priciest apartment sells for $220M

The world’s priciest apartment, at One Hyde Park in London

A six-bedroom, two-floor penthouse in the One Hyde Park development in
Knightsbridge, London has sold for £140 million — equivalent to around
$220 million — making it the world’s priciest apartment sale, according
to Holiday Lettings, a British real estate website. The buyer, who was not disclosed, will enjoy views of the London skyline, private wine tasting facilities and top security features which include bullet-proof windows and a panic room. The property also has tunnel access to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and its 24-hour room service. One Hyde Park was designed by Sir Richard Rogers’ architectural firm Rogers Stirk Harbour. In 2004, the site was acquired by developers Nick and Christian Candy for £150 million, or close to $235 million. The recent sale dwarfs the previous purchase price record for Britain held by an apartment in Westminster’s 8 St. James’ Square, which sold for £115 million — or $180 million — in 2008. By comparison, the most expensive home in the United States is the Manor in Holmby Hills, Calif., a $150 million, 56,500-square-foot mansion owned by Aaron Spelling’s widow, Candy, according to Overseas Property Mall. The 4.6-acre California property features a library, gym, bowling alley, wine cellar, gift-wrapping room and media room. The grounds have pools, gardens, a waterfall, and parking for over 100 cars. [Holiday Lettings]