Ballerina Margot Fonteyn’s former UK mansion fetches $85.8 million

A palatial home once owned by the legendary and late prima ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn is looking for its next steward.

The recently listed property, which spans nearly 16,000 square feet, is located in London’s Knightsbridge neighborhood and is asking a whopping $85.81 million.

Originally built in 1928, Fonteyn – who died in 1991 – moved into the six-bedroom property, the official residence of the Panamanian ambassador, after her diplomat husband, Dr Roberto Emilio Arias, was appointed to the post in 1955.

The couple lived at the historic property, now called Fonteyn House, until 1966. During their stay, they hosted a number of stars, including actor John Wayne, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev and Princess Margaret, according to press materials.

The complex ceased to be the official residence of the Panamanian ambassador in 1999, when the title was transferred to a residence in Mayfair and Fonteyn House underwent a complete restoration.

Today, the three-story, Art Deco-inspired mansion remains majestic, with French and sash windows, ornamental balconies, custom amenities and exquisite finishes throughout.

Amenities include three reception rooms, a home cinema, a gym with indoor pool, a walled garden, a roof terrace with outdoor kitchen and a lift. Plus, there’s even a 12-seater dining room, a beauty salon with changing rooms and massage bed, a semi-private driveway and proximity to Hyde Park.

Lars Christiaanse, sales director of the Caudwell Group, which owns the property, noted in press materials that “the driveway screens the house from the street and this seclusion gives the garden an exceptionally calm and peaceful ambience that resembles a country house garden rather than a city garden.”