Freddie Mercury's home exhibits mood-boosting colors and baroque details – and it's listed for $38 million
The rock legend's London abode championed 'dopamine decor' long before it was a trend
Another one hits the market. Garden Lodge, the former home of legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, is on the market. And the interiors are some of the most unique we've ever seen.
The London-based townhouse has a rich history. It was built in 1907 in the Neo-Georgian style by architect Ernest Marshall before Freddie picked up the keys (on the spot) in 1980.
After buying the home, Freddie got to work on remodeling – using only the finest marble, wood, and other materials to create a true oasis in the city. He redesigned the home as a base for his eclectic art and antiques collection, ensuring the entire property tapped into his peculiar taste. He often referred to the house as his 'country house in central London,' and we can see why.
Taking a photo tour, it's easy to see Freddie's enthusiasm for design and joie de virve throughout the house: it's dopamine decor before the concept of even existed.
Starting with the garden, the Freddie Mercury touch is evident. It feels like a private paradise, from the towering magnolia trees to the carefully trimmed spherical topiaries. Out of context, one would never guess that the photos were taken in a bustling capital.
The entryway furthers the sense of whimsy with abundant mood-boosting decor, from the brushed yellow walls to the window above the door, which fills the space with natural light. An oriental-style rug on the hardwood floor also ensures the home conveys ultimate warmth.
The dining room continues with a similarly warm mood-boosting color scheme. Images showcase Freddie Mercury's penchant for decorating with antiques. There is plenty of room for displaying his collection of beautiful objects, and baroque-style trim around the windows gives the room an almost museum-like, yet homey, feel.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Mary Austin, Freddie's closest friend and confidant to whom he bequeathed the home when he passed away, beautifully described the sense of joy that these photos portray. She stated: 'This house has been the most glorious memory box because it has such love and warmth in every room. It has been a joy to live in and I have many wonderful memories here.'
'Ever since Freddie and I stepped through the fabled green door, it has been a place of peace, a true artist's house, and now is the time to entrust that sense of peace to the next person.'*
Shop The Look
*Quote from Mary Austin courtesy of Knight Frank
Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
-
Should you bother with a pizza oven? An expert tester reveals if they're actually worth the money
Pizza ovens can be pretty pricey, so it's smart to wonder if you should buy a one. As a product tester here's why they can - sometimes - be worth every cent
By Alex David Published
-
I created an 'eco-chic' coffee routine with these small swaps – and it's changed my mornings for the better
Short and sweet upgrades for a more eco-friendly brew
By Lydia Hayman Published