Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich appears set to realise a three-year dream in attaining planning permission to renovate a historic property overlooking the Thames.
Despite concerns from a number of neighbours, the Russian billionaire’s wishes look set to be granted by Kensington and Chelsea Council next week, reported Prime Resi.
Abramovich’s, 46, £10 million scheme to restore three linked Cheyne Walk properties into one super-home on the riverside could be worth up to £100 million.
The Grade II listed 17th century building was once home to artist James Whistler and the magnate has promised to transform its front garden to resemble one of Whistler’s paintings of the Thames embankment at night.
The transformation will also see a garage demolished and replaced with a “bespoke art studio, with a particular focus on the quality of light and display of artworks”.
One of the buildings looks to be reserved for staff and guests, while the grand reception rooms with river views are in for a dramatic restoration to their former glory.
The project began in November 2010 with plans drawn up by architects 6a promising a “beautiful and meaningful contemporary home”.
A report by the council concluded that the basement would not harm the “special architectural and historical interest” of the properties – one of which was built in 1521 by Sir Thomas More.
The Standard estimates that the project is unlikely to be finished for three years, with the family slumming it in Kensington Palace Gardens until then.
They seem to have kept the locals sweet though – one neighbour told the paper; “Abramovich’s people have worked hard to keep us content, as there were serious concerns when plans were submitted.”
D-Day is set for next Tuesday.
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