A palatial home that once belonged to the legendary late prima ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn is looking for its next steward.
The newly listed, nearly 16,000-square-foot property is located in the Knightsbridge district of London — and asks a mighty $85.81 million.
Originally built in 1928, Fonteyn — who passed away in 1991 — moved into the six-bedroom property, the official residence of the Ambassador of Panama, after her diplomat husband Dr. Roberto Emilio Arias was appointed to the role in 1955.
The pair lived at the historic estate, which is now referred to as Fonteyn House, until 1966. During their time there they entertained a slew of stars, including actor John Wayne, the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, the ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev and Princess Margaret, according to press materials.
The compound ceased to be the official residence of the Panamanian Ambassador in 1999, when the title was transferred to a residence in Mayfair and the Fonteyn House underwent an extensive restoration.
Today the three-story Art Deco-inspired manse remains regal, with French and sash windows, ornamental balconies, bespoke fittings and fine finishes throughout.
Amenities include three reception rooms, a home theater, a gym with an indoor swimming pool, a walled garden, a roof terrace with an outdoor kitchen and an elevator. What’s more, there’s even a 12-seat dining room, a beauty salon with changing rooms and a massage bed, a semi-private driveway and proximity to Hyde Park.
Lars Christiaanse, Group Director of Sales at Caudwell, which holds the listing, noted in press materials that “The driveway shields the house from the street and this seclusion gives the garden an exceptionally quiet and peaceful ambience that resembles a country house garden rather than a city one.”