Look Inside… The Former Home Of Prima Ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn
By
3 weeks ago
It’s one of the biggest mansions to hit the UK market this year
As the former home of Dame Margot Fonteyn, one of England’s most beloved ballerinas, this Knightsbridge mansion is brimming with history – it was even visited by the likes of Princess Margaret and Yves Saint Laurent.
Is This The Most Coveted Address In Knightsbridge?
Caudwell/Alex Winship
If walls could talk, this imposing property would have more than a few stories to tell. Dating back to 1928, it was originally designed as an ambassadorial residence, serving as the home of Margot Fonteyn and her husband Roberto Emilio Arias, a Panamanian diplomat, in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Caudwell/Alex Winship
Fonteyn and Arias entertained numerous high-profile figures during their time in London, from Princess Margaret to John Wayne, Yves Saint Laurent and (naturally) Rudolf Nureyev, Fonteyn’s dance partner.
Caudwell/Alex Winship
Tragically, however, Arias’ diplomatic career came to an end after an assassination attempt in 1964, prompting him and Fonteyn to leave Knightsbridge and relocate to the English countryside. Their mansion was subsequently sold, and it’s now back on the market after a landmark renovation by Caudwell, a super prime developer behind some of the most expensive residences in the world (including the French estate frequented by Coco Chanel).
Caudwell/Alex Winship
Proudly bearing the name of Fonteyn House, the mansion has undoubtedly become one of Knightsbridge’s most spectacular properties. Amassing more than 16,000 square feet of space, it contains six bedroom suites, three show-stopping reception rooms and a cinema room – not to mention a pool, spa and beauty salon.
Caudwell/Alex Winship
The interiors are, predictably, stunning; just take a look at the formal living room, which is kitted out with parquet flooring, a regency fireplace and even a marble-clad cocktail bar. This is a particularly brilliant setting for a dinner party – although guests can also gather at the 12-seat dining table in the kitchen, or head to the cinema room, which features a second built-in bar (and temperature-controlled wine storage, too).
Caudwell/Alex Winship
Feeling dizzy? It doesn’t stop there: wait until you check out the spa, which encompasses a glass-walled gym, sauna and steam room alongside a hair salon, massage area and a 15-metre swimming pool clad in Travertine marble. The house is topped off with two gorgeous outdoor spaces: an enormous rooftop terrace and a walled garden featuring a barbeque area and a lounge section with a built-in cinema screen. This really is one of London’s most luxurious homes – which might be why it’s on the market for £65 million.
Fonteyn House is on the market via Caudwell. caudwell.com
