After buying the toy store chain Hamleys in 2019, Asia’s richest person Mukesh Ambani worth $96.7 billion bought yet another asset in London, the Stoke Park for $79 million in 2021. The historic estate is a star in its own right, appearing in to iconic James Bond films Goldfinger, and Tomorrow Never Dies. No strangers to extravagant homes, the Ambani family resides in a structure far more expensive than the British property.
Their home in bustling Mumbai City, Antilia, at $4.8 billion, is one of the most expensive residences in the world. Yet, there is no denying this iconic English estate brings a regal charm that suits the stature of the ultra-rich Indians. While their residence is widely discussed, let’s take a closer look at the neat and historic investment-
Stoke Park is an extraordinary estate-
The iconic property sits on 300 acres of parkland and gardens in the English countryside, about 40km outside London. Stoke Park includes a five-star hotel with 49 luxury bedrooms and suites, where guests indulge in the quintessential English charm, oak-paneled rooms, and first-class offerings.
Three restaurants, lounges, a spa and gym, 13 tennis courts, a 27-hole championship golf course, and 14 acres of private gardens make the historic estate one sought-after property. All this, combined with the serene landscapes of the United Kingdom, regularly attracts wealthy tourists worldwide.
Guests can also enjoy an English afternoon tea session at the Orangery or unwind at a spa with steam rooms and a Jacuzzi. For the fitness freaks, there is nothing quite thrilling as sweating it out at the 4,000 sq. ft. fitness center with a heated indoor pool.
Copious doses of history and glamour-
It is no wonder that Stoke Park has been outstanding for nearly 1,000 years. Interestingly, in 1760, the famous Penn family, founding fathers of Pennsylvania in the US purchased the estate and called it home till 1775. Up until 1908, it was used as a private residence. According to the estate’s official website, things changed when author and sports administrator Nick Lane Jackson bought and turned it into Britain’s first country club.
Today, Stoke Park boasts tennis courts that are Wimbledon standard, made the most of by the hotel with a five-day tennis event called Boodles. The tournament attracted noteworthy named like Andy Murray and Novak Djokovicthe week before Wimbledon. Another glitzy event is luxury watchmaker Patek Philippe-sponsored outdoor garden party event.
Stoke Park deals took place over several Zoom calls-
Owing to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the world coming to a standstill, the King brothers never met billionaire Mukesh Ambani. However, a member of the Reliance Empire was able to visit the sprawling estate in person. “We’re delighted to have found a great partner to look after Stoke Park for the next chapter of its life,” he said. We’re just a chapter of its incredible history,” King said.
What the future holds?
The affluent Ambani’s bought Stoke Park estate from the protective King brothers – Chester, Hertford, and Witney. They have owned the estate through their family business, International Group, since 1988. After spending nearly $30 million restoring the property, they wanted to part with it on the condition the new owner would be someone who would respect its heritage and history.
Purchased by Reliance Industries Ltd., the group is not looking at significant changes to the perfect space but will only “look to enhance the sports and leisure facilities at this heritage site,” said the filing. Ambani’s conglomerate is no stranger to world-class hospitality. Reliance entered the hospitality space with an 18.53 per cent stake in EIH Limited, the owner of the five-star Oberoi Hotels. The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has been voted the world’s best hotel brand at the Travel + Leisure, USA World’s Best Awards, 2022.
The Ambani’s reside in a 21st-century modern-day palace-
The posh sky-high residence of the Ambani’s is called ‘Antilia.’ It is located on Altamount Road, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Mumbai. The most abundant aspect of this incredible residence is the home itself. The palatial abode was designed by two US architecture firms, Perkins & Will in Chicago, and Hirsch Bedner Associates, in Los Angeles. The $4.8 billion 27-story skyscraper boasts more amenities than most hotels, let alone a home.
There is a snow room, an ice cream parlor, an 80-seater home theater with snack and wine-tasting rooms, health and wellness levels boasting several pools, massage rooms, a running track, and a well-equipped gym. In addition to three helipads and a massive temple that accommodates 50 persons, 600 staff work and maintain Antilia 24 hours a day.
