Von Essen founder Andrew Davis puts townhouse up for sale

Von Essen Group founder Andrew Davis has put his Belgravia mansion on the market weeks after his hotel group was placed in administration.

Halkin House is being marketed through estate agent Strutt & PArker for £29.5m.

The Times reported that it was bought by Halkin House Limited, a private company owned by Davis, for £20.2m in 2007. It was funded by an £18m mortgage from Lloyds TSB Bank who, along with Barclays, supplied the £250m of debt used to build the Von Essen Group.

Halkin House was used for business entertainment, while Davis used an £8m townhouse in Knightsbridge as his permanent residence.

In the particulars, which can be viewed online, Halkin House is described as "an exceptionally rare, low-build freehold house only moments from Belgrave Square. It includes six bedrooms, a staff flat, swimming pool and garage.

The Von Essen Group went into administration a month ago. The 28 hotels continue to trade as normal while administrators Ernst and Young seek buyers for the businesses.

Von Essen falls into administration >>

Von Essen announce senior redundancies >>

Von Essen administrators send Hunstrete House into liquidation >>

By James Stagg

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