Fame Academy House Goes For £32 Million

The property used as the setting for the BBC's Fame Academy is to be transformed into the country's most expensive home. Witanhurst, the second largest private residence in London, after Buckingham Palace, has been sold to the property developer Marcus Cooper for an estimated £32 million.

The Cooper Group, plans to spend further millions transforming the house, which sits on West Hill, Highgate, into what the developer expects will be the capital's first £150 million home.The price tag dwarfs that of Britain's current most expensive home,Updown Court in Windlesham, Surrey, which is for sale at £75 million.

Built in 1913, the house covers almost 40,000 sq ft and has 65 rooms across three floors, including 25 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a library, a gym and a sauna.

Aside from film work, it has been largely untouched for 20 years and is in need of major restoration. The gardens are of historical importance and will also need to be restored.

Mr Cooper said: "We are planning to carry out major renovation and redevelopment to create London's first £150 million estate. We will be working with architects and interior designers to create a bespoke and outstanding residence in the middle of Highgate, including all the amenities one would expect."