It was Britain’s most expensive house. Why is its only resident a homeless man who lives on the porch?

‘It’s my pretend reality’ … Anders Fernstedt, a former journalist who has lived outside the property for three years. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

When it last changed hands, in 2020, 2-8A Rutland Gate was Britain’s most expensive house, selling for £210m. The word “house” hardly does it justice; palace is probably more accurate. It is in Knightsbridge, one of the most glamorous parts of London, and has 45 rooms, four lifts, an indoor pool and 116 windows, 68 of which overlook Hyde Park.

But no one is enjoying those views. This palace has been empty for years.