A London mansion that sold for £210 million in 2020 has remained unoccupied inside for years, while a homeless former journalist has made its covered entrance his shelter. Located at 2-8A Rutland Gate in Knightsbridge, the property has 45 rooms, 4 lifts, an indoor swimming pool and 116 windows, 68 of which overlook Hyde Park. Anders Fernstedt, a Swedish-born former journalist, has lived on its porch for about 3 years, sleeping beneath a makeshift tent made largely from umbrellas. His belongings include books, flowers, baskets, pictures and teddy bears. In a June 2026 report, The Guardian documented Fernstedt’s life outside the mansion and the property’s complicated ownership history. The contrast between the vacant interior and the makeshift shelter outside has drawn attention to the intersection of luxury property and homelessness in London.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
