# What They Found in Freddie Mercury’s London Home Shocked His Closest Friends
When Freddie Mercury, the iconic Queen frontman, passed away in 1991, the world mourned a rock legend. Yet, for his closest friends, the true shock came from what lay behind the walls of Garden Lodge, his Kensington sanctuary in London.
Purchased in 1980 for half a million pounds at the height of Queen’s fame, this Georgian-style home was more than a residence; it was a reflection of Mercury’s soul. For 30 years, it remained a time capsule of his eccentricity, preserved by Mary Austin, his lifelong confidante, until its contents were revealed, leaving even those who knew him best utterly stunned.
Garden Lodge, hidden behind a now-iconic green door at 1 Logan Place, embodied Mercury’s contradictions—ornate yet intimate, bold yet serene. Mary Austin recalled the peace she felt upon first entering, describing it as a true artist’s haven. The saffron yellow walls radiated the same brilliance Mercury exuded on stage, while the two-story drawing room housed the piano where *Bohemian Rhapsody* was born.
Upstairs, a mirrored dressing room led to his bedroom, a private retreat where the showman found rest. The gardens, designed by Mercury in a Japanese style, featured magnolia trees, water elements, and sculpted topiaries, creating an otherworldly Eden in bustling Kensington—a space for reflection visible from his music room and bar.
Beyond its aesthetic, Garden Lodge was a vault of Mercury’s treasures. When Mary decided to part with the home, over 1,500 items were auctioned through Sotheby’s, with proceeds donated to AIDS charities. Among them were the replica of St. Edward’s Crown and velvet robe from Queen’s 1986 Magic Tour, symbols of Mercury’s self-proclaimed royalty in rock.
Handwritten lyrics, flamboyant costumes, and personal objects offered glimpses into his life. Most striking was the green garden door itself, adorned with decades of fan tributes—love notes and confessions—that fetched an astonishing £412,750 at auction, nearly matching the original cost of the house. By 2024, Garden Lodge’s value had soared past £30 million.
Mercury’s life within these walls was as vibrant as his public persona. A lover of Japanese art and antiques, his home brimmed with collected treasures, mirroring the passion he poured into music.
His cats, especially Delilah, were like family, with Mercury famously calling home during tours to “speak” to them. Despite his larger-than-life image, Garden Lodge offered quiet moments of creativity and love, a sanctuary where he entertained close friends and crafted melodies.
Mary hoped future owners would feel the same joy and inspiration she and Mercury experienced. Like his music, Garden Lodge remains bold, tender, and timeless—a testament to Freddie Mercury’s magic that continues to captivate, proving his legacy lives not just on stage but in every space he touched.