The former London home of the late Earl Mountbatten of Burma will be offered at auction on July 26. Auctioneers Conrad Ritblat expect much foreign interest in the Grade I listed house at 9 Belgrave Square, SW1, which is being offered with its neighbour, no 10, and two adjoining mews houses.
The properties are tipped for conversion as an embassy, but any new occupier will have to meet the exacting requirements of the landlords, Grosvenor Estates.
Number 9, originally owned by the Earl of Essex, provides 15,000 sq ft arranged on four floors and includes a large mews house with parking and private garden. The lease has 43 years to run and produces £36,500 pa with reviews in 1996 and 2017.
Number 10 was built for the Earl of Eglintoun; it comprises 10,500 sq ft on five floors and includes a mews house sold off for 43 years. Current rental income is £36,500 pa, subject to the same reviews as its neighbour.
Both buildings have served as headquarters for the Institute of Directors.
Conrad Ritblat are quoting a guide price of £8m for the freehold.
