Abramovich closes in on historic New York mansion
October 23, 2013, 3:13 pm
The Russian billionaire is reportedly looking to buy out Berwind Mansion's two remaining residents.
Photo: Getty
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is a mere $24 million (US$23 million) away from owning the entire Berwind Mansion on Fifth Avenue, according to the New York Post.
Earlier this month, the owner of Chelsea football club bought three units in the building from the family of late real estate mogul Howard Ronson for US$75 million.
Built in the 1800s by coal magnate Edward Berwind, the property was transformed into apartments in the 1970s. Ronson, who passed away in 2007, had hoped to turn the grand space with views of Central Park into a single home.
The world's most expensive billionaire homes
Two other residents remain, and rumours are swirling that Abramovich is trying to buy them out.
Page Six reports that the Russian tycoon has offered between US$10 million and US$15 million to fashion designer Adolfo Sardina, who lives in a duplex; while Eugenia Olazabal, who has owned a fifth-floor unit since 1981, is reportedly holding out for US$23 million.
Once described as "about as close to Versailles as residential New York has to offer", the Italian Renaissance-style building boasts intricate carvings and plasterwork.
Abramovich's property portfolio includes homes in London, France, St. Barts, Colorado and Los Angeles, and the 533-foot Eclipse, one of the world's largest luxury yachts.
