Garden Lodge, in the capital’s posh Kensington, was Mercury’s much-loved home from 1980 until his death in 1991
3 min
The eclectic London home that Freddie Mercury designed to fit his eccentric lifestyle has hit the market for offers over £30 million (US$38 million).
Garden Lodge, in the capital’s posh Kensington, was Mercury’s much-loved home from 1980—when on a first viewing he decided to buy the property on the spot—until his death in 1991, at which point the Queen frontman’s residence and everything in it was bequeathed to his one-time fianceé and close friend, Mary Austin.
In the 30 years since, Austin has taken “meticulous” care of the home, according to Knight Frank, which listed the walled and private property on Monday.
“This house has been the most glorious memory box, because it has such love and warmth in every room,” Austin, 72, said in a statement. “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,” she said.
Mercury designed the house to be a memorable, inviting place that reflected his personality, case in point, the dining room, which he painted bright yellow—his favourite colour.
It also served as a place to showcase his collection of beautiful objects and art from around the world— much of which was sold at auction last year .
The home’s most “spectacular” space is the double-height drawing room, complete with a wraparound gallery that serves as a library and bar overlooking the room and Mercury’s grand piano, below.
There’s also the Japanese room, a sitting room that leads out to the home’s Japanese-style garden, which Mercury helped to create, complete with magnolia trees, topiary and water features.
The primary bedroom suite, meanwhile, is lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrored doors, behind which Mercury stored his clothes and stage costumes.
“The sale of Garden Lodge presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a significant property combined with a piece of cultural history, the beloved home of an icon,” said Paddy Dring, Knight Frank’s global head of prime sales and joint head of its private office.
“Having been carefully preserved with love and respect over the last three decades, we expect that the exceptional provenance of the property will be incredibly alluring to buyers across the world,” he said. “Notwithstanding the legacy of the house, it is very rare that unmodernised homes of this scale, set in such beautiful mature gardens come to market, so it is certainly an exciting prospect for any future purchaser.”
Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, formed Queen, one of the best-selling bands of all time, in 1970. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, Mercury died from complications from the disease at the age of 45, the day after publicly announcing his diagnosis.
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Three completed developments bring a quieter, more thoughtful style of luxury living to Mosman, Neutral Bay and Crows Nest.
From the shacks of yesterday to the sculptural sanctuaries of today, Australia’s coastal architecture has matured into a global benchmark for design.
Three completed developments bring a quieter, more thoughtful style of luxury living to Mosman, Neutral Bay and Crows Nest.
5 min
Luxury means different things to different people. On the Lower North Shore, it often means the everyday things are well considered and exceptionally executed.
House-like proportions. An abundance of natural light. Security and privacy. Materials crafted with care.
Homes built for the way people truly live, shaped by industry expert and Lower North Shore local resident at the helm, Justin Brown, whose attention to detail is constant and uncompromising.
This is the space Abadeen has occupied for more than 25 years.
The developer has delivered premium residential, commercial and mixed-use projects across Australia, but the Lower North Shore has become the clearest expression of its philosophy.
A recent example is Cremorne Point Estate, completed in 2020.
Its craftsmanship is so enduring that the penthouse is now reselling for almost twice its original price in only four years. Smaller buildings. Real liveability. Design that retains its elegance over time.
Abadeen’s current portfolio also includes The Villas, Mosman Residences, Park Residences, Northcote Collective and the newly announced Burran Residences in Balmoral. But three completed buildings now take centre stage: The Hampden in Mosman, ENSO in Neutral Bay and KOYO in Crows Nest.
All are complete, move-in ready, and only a limited number of residences remain. At The Hampden, only one whole-floor residence remains available.
Meticulously crafted by acclaimed Mathieson Architects and delivered by Abadeen, The Hampden offers a rare level of refinement within an exclusive collection of only three residences.
The final available home is a brand-new, whole-floor residence capturing sweeping Middle Harbour views over Chinamans and Clontarf Beaches from a prized northerly aspect. It delivers a house-like ambience with floor-to-ceiling glass that draws in natural light, paired with exquisite finishes in natural stone and warm timber.
Expansive open plan living and dining areas are anchored by a premium fireplace and flow out to a generous north-facing entertainers’ terrace overlooking boat-studded waters. The high-spec kitchen includes a full butler’s pantry, WOLF appliances, an integrated Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, a wine fridge and a Taj Mahal Quartzite island.
With only nine residences, ENSO is a boutique collection where Koichi Takada’s architecture focuses on calm, contemporary living.
Natural stone, timber and soft curves create a sense of warmth, while generous glazing and landscaped outlooks bring light and greenery into the heart of each home. Rooms are designed for real daily use, with integrated joinery, considered storage and floor plans that prioritise ease and comfort. The result is a series of homes that feel composed, tactile and effortless to live in every day.
Designed by Koichi Takada, KOYO is a boutique collection of 27 residences shaped by natural textures, soft curves and a refined sense of luxury.
Its low-rise form sits within a leafy cul-de-sac, offering privacy only moments from Crows Nest village and the new Victoria Cross Metro station.
Inside, every space is crafted for daily ease. Timber, stone and sculptural details create a warm, tactile palette, while full-height glazing draws light into the heart of each home.
Integrated joinery, intuitive circulation and thoughtful storage keep rooms open, calm and effortless to live in.
KOYO reflects Abadeen’s approach to modern living: refined, confident and beautifully functional. KOYO is modern, confident and created for daily life without unnecessary embellishment.
Abadeen’s philosophy is shaped by Executive Chairman & Founder Justin Brown, whose three decades in the industry have defined a distinct approach to residential development on the Lower North Shore and beyond.
Justin believes luxury should feel effortless. A home should work beautifully every day, with planning that makes sense, materials that age gracefully and detailing that supports calm, comfortable living long after the first inspection.
This philosophy is embedded early in the design process. Acoustic comfort, natural shading, solar orientation and circulation are resolved from the outset.
Landscapes are designed to welcome residents rather than simply frame buildings. Interiors prioritise clarity and ease, with joinery, storage and spatial proportions refined to deliver homes that feel composed, tactile and intuitive to live in.
Justin’s values-led approach unifies Abadeen’s Lower North Shore projects. Each reflects the same commitment to certainty, longevity and quiet architectural excellence. These are homes built to be lived in, not performed, shaped around the daily rituals, warmth and comfort that define enduring residential design.
This part of Sydney reflects Abadeen’s values. Established neighbourhoods. Walkable villages. Tree-lined streets. Natural light and natural rhythm. It is a quieter style of luxury that holds its value and relevance over time.
Abadeen is a leading Australian property developer with premium residential and mixed-use projects across NSW, VIC, QLD and WA. Limited residences remain at The Hampden in Mosman, ENSO in Neutral Bay and KOYO in Crows Nest. Private appointments and viewings are now available. Call Jay Carter on 0417 248 117.
