70 Million Pound House

                                                                     History

The original Updown Court, built in 1924 and later acquired by Lord parker of Burley 

in 1977, was severely damaged by a fire in 1987.

Developer Leslie Allen-Vercoe purchased the burnt-out shell of the property, for the approximate 2009 equivalent of $38.4 million. He invested a further $60 million.The new development was designed by John B Scholz, an Arizona architect. Notable aspects of the architecture, which has been described as "neo-classic Californian" include its double staircase that is modelled on the one that fashion designer Gianni Versace had in his mansion in Miami, its grey-slated rooftops, and its bathroom's honey-colored granite Guatemalan marble.

Estate

Entered by a $3 million heated marble driveway, Updown Court has 103 rooms, of which 24 are bedrooms, each with its own marble en-suite bathroom. Among other features, it has a two-lane bowling alley, five swimming pools, a squash court, a floodlit tennis court, a wine cellar, and a panic room in case of a terrorist attack. There are 5 acres (20,000 m²) of more than 30 different types of imported Italian marble, expansive terraces, and a 50-seat cinema. It also features an underground garage, with granite flooring, that has enough room for eight limousines. The first floor is the main residential area, featuring eight generous bedroom suites. The penthouse floor contains two separate penthouses, each with two bedrooms and occupies an entire wing of the property.

Updown Court is set in the centre of 58 acres (230,000 m²) of grounds, gardens and woodland. Neighbours include Elton john and Sarah, Duches of york

Ownership

Despite the extravagent nature of the property it is viewed by local residents as somewhat of a 'white elephant' given the length of time the property has been for sale without finding a buyer. The estate has NOT been sold and is still on the market.

According to the estate’s developer, Leslie Allen-Vercoe, Updown Court is specially built for and targeted at the billionaire market.

The 40,000 sq ft mansion triumphs that of both Hampton Court Palace or Buckingham Palace, and to give you an idea of the opulence, there are more than 100 rooms, five swimming pools (including a roof-top infinity pool and two indoor pools), a garage with room for eight limos, gold-leaf tiled mosaic floors in the study.

There’s even a 50-seat cinema with private bar, a two-lane bowling alley, a snooker room, squash court, sauna, beauty salon, and a banquet hall with two powder rooms.

It’s not difficult to imagine this palatial residence becoming the summer getaway for Chelsea’s millionaire footballers as a reward from Abramovic, provided a certain Mr Donald Trump hasn’t beaten the Russian to this property.

 

 

London’s Updown Court in Windlesham, Surrey, looks set to be the most expensive property in UK’s real estate market with a price tag of more than £85 million (or upwards of US$160 million).