In the midst of London’s exclusive neighbourhoods of Hampstead and Highgate lies the renowned ‘Billionaire’s Row’ known as Bishops Avenue. This opulent street, once home to over 60 immense mansions collectively worth hundreds of millions, is now a mix of grandeur and abandonment. While some of the grand dwellings are occupied, many stand desolate or have been repurposed into care homes. The ownership of these mansions remains shrouded in secrecy, hidden behind companies in offshore tax havens, making identification nearly impossible without expert assistance.
Within these luxurious estates reside renowned figures, such as the Saudi royal family who purchased an extravagant set known as “The Towers” to avoid potential conflicts. Heath Hall, owned by a Czech magnate and previously housing celebrities like Justin Bieber and Salma Hayek, stands as another prestigious estate on this iconic street. Some of the properties on Bishops Avenue hold fascinating stories, like one serving as Salman Rushdie’s fortified refuge amidst death threats, or another once belonging to a Nigerian politician that fell into disrepair after his demise.
Despite neglect and disrepair, these homes command prices in the tens of millions, owned by the affluent who can afford to keep them unoccupied. The street’s history dates back to the 1930s when it was referred to as “Millionaire’s Row”, with notable residents including sugar tycoon William Lyle and the Sultan of Brunei. However, the true owners of many residences on this elusive street remain untraceable, with 60% of the properties owned by shell corporations in foreign tax havens.
The allure of Bishops Avenue lies not only in its grandeur but also in its intrigue and enigmatic history. From former Lebanese prime ministers to the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the street has been home to an array of fascinating individuals. However, tragedy has also marked its history, such as the shooting of fashion tycoon Aristos Constantinou and the fatal accident that befell a former resident attempting a coup.
Some of the mansions on Bishops Avenue have fallen into disrepair, while others have been redeveloped or repurposed. For instance, Hammerson House was transformed into a care home in 2021, and plans are underway for another luxury care home to open in 2025. The Towers, previously owned by the Saudi Royal family, have now been sold to a developer aiming to convert them into luxury flats, providing a new chapter in the legacy of this illustrious street.