A mansion where a millionaire fashion tycoon was murdered in what remains one of London’s most high-profile unsolved crimes has been put up for sale for £12million.
The killing of Ariella’s founder, Aristos Constantinou was committed in his seven-bedroom residence on The Bishops Avenue.
He was gunned down by silver-colored bullets in his chapel on New Year’s Day 1985. It has been more than 35 years since the murder.
When the Constantinou family sold the house in 2015, the chapel was taken down.
Constantinou’s spouse, Elena, was there on the night that the murder took place. She was not charged with any crime in 1997 by the police, but has repeatedly denied that she had been involved in the death of her husband.
2017 saw the Metropolitan Police open the case again. In January 2017, Constantinou’s older brother Achilleas claimed that officers had informed him that the Crown Prosecution Service was set to determine whether or not to prosecute the identified suspect.
Since it was home to some the richest people on earth, Bishop’s Avenue is known as “Billionaires’ Row” because of its 66-house count.
However, images from 2019 show how the building had been in disrepair with most of its properties abandoned.
A mansion where a millionaire fashion tycoon was murdered in what remains one of London’s most high-profile unsolved crimes has been put up for sale for £12million
The murder of Aristos Constantinou, founder of Ariella, took place in the seven-bedroom house in luxury The Bishops Avenue. Right: This is an image taken just after Constantinou’s funeral of the front yard of the property.
Behind electric gates, the property that once belonged to Constantinou is now secure. Inside, there is a grand entrance hall with marble floors, lavish décor and an enormous, glittering chandelier.
In an additional annexe, there is an indoor swimming area that also includes a spa and sauna.
Knight Frank estate agents say that the property, just like the neighbouring homes in the block, requires a comprehensive renovation.
However, planning permission is required for demolition of the property.
Constantinou is the son of master tailors and graduated from the London College of Fashion. He worked in Mayfair for Mattli the Couturier before starting his own company.
He was joined by his brother after he graduated from university, and together they founded Ariella.
Behind electric gates, the property that once belonged to Constantinou is now secure. Inside, there is a grand entrance hall with marble floors, lavish décor and an enormous, glittering chandelier
Also, the property boasts a large dining room that is great for hosting big dinner parties and family reunions.
This luxurious bathroom features a large bath, as well as detailed wall illustrations of landscapes.
His murder occurred when the company was operating 11 stores, plus more than 300 wholesale accounts in different parts of the world.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated to the Evening Standard that the Metropolitan Police Service is committed to investigating the brutal murder in East Finchley in East Finchley in New Year’s Day 1985.
‘As we would with an undetected crime, we will use any additional information and conduct regular reviews. This case is under review.
The Daily Mail reports on the assassination.
In the aftermath of the murder, The Daily Mail reported how Constantinou was shot dead by raiders who were apparently trying to force him to hand over valuables worth around £1.5million (£4.7million in today’s prices).
Constantinou was able to prevent the criminals from entering his property despite having an extensive security system.
Following the shooting of her husband, Constantinou is reported to have fled screaming from their home before flagging down an approaching motorist.
Constantinou had suffered injuries to his right arm when his body came to light. Police thought Constantinou might have been murdered after trying to stop the intruders.
The Hampstead home, which has gardens of just over half an acre in size, was last sold in 2015 for £9million, according to the Evening Standard.
Trevor Abrahmsohn was the Glentree luxury estate agent’s managing director. He told the paper that the Constantinou family sold him the house to an Indian businessman.
Constantinou claimed the chapel where Constantinou was killed, as well as bullet holes that were visible in the house, still existed.
He said, “I believe that most people would like to tear down the house and start over because it’s a bit higgledy-piggledy” and is very outdated. “It won’t suit everyone.
Constantinou’s brother founded Ariella in 2019 and said that after 35 years without closure, his family was eagerly waiting for this much-awaited step toward finally getting closure.
Constantinou stated that police had repeatedly told him that evidence only pointed at one suspect, however the CPS always requested additional investigations.
He claimed that it was disappointing, after he was told by officers that there was “overwhelming evidence” for a prosecution.
Reports say that Mrs Constantinou fled the scene screaming after her husband was killed, before signaling to a passing motorist.
According to reports, after her husband’s death, Mrs Constantinou ran screaming from her house and flagged down a motorist. Constantinou had injured his right arm when his body was discovered. Police believe that Constantinou might have been shot to death.
His coffin was transported in a horse-drawn hearse on the day of the funeral. Constantinou installed a complex security system, but the criminals managed to get into Constantinou’s home.
He stated that he was disappointed at the CPS previous decision not to prosecute.
“We were repeatedly told by police that evidence pointed only to one suspect since 1986, but CPS wanted further inquiries to be made.
“In 1997, the chief of the second investigation police told us that the evidence against the suspect was overwhelming. But the CPS refused to ordain the request by the police for arrest and prosecution.
“The third and current police investigation team have worked hard and found new evidence to support and strengthen the conclusion of the 1997 second police report. They are now asking the CPS for permission to order this arrest.
The Hampstead home was last sold in 2015 for £9million. Above: A second image of the marble flooring and elegant furnishings
Knight Frank, estate agents, stated that the house, like neighboring houses, needs a ‘comprehensive remodel’. Above: One bedroom
This sale includes planning permission to demolish the property. The new owner will be able to build their mansion.
Gardens measuring just half an acre are found at the home. Above: As a fixture delipidated in the grounds, one can see the property from far away.
The property will be a great deal more desirable than it was once. Any new owners will have to invest a lot. Above: The property’s parts and the grounds
Past homeowners on The Bishop’s Avenue have included the Sultan of Brunei, Saudi royals, Heather Mills and Sir Billy Butlin – the founder of the holiday camps.
Richard Desmond (billionaire) was the ex-owner of Daily Express. He also had a house on the street.
A row of 10 homes, worth £73million, has stood empty since they were reportedly bought by the Saudi royal family.
An investigation by the Guardian in 2014 found that the row of mansions is collectively worth roughly £350million. The value of the mansions will increase significantly.