Russian tycoon's Cape Town mansion and his Merc can be yours for just R24.9 million

Tough economic times spare no one - not if the "desperate" bid by a Russian businessman to sell his mansion in Llandudno is anything to go by. 

At the price the house is going for, he can afford a little generosity too, in the form of a Mercedes.

So, if you have a sizeable wallet and fancy living in a mansion with luxury finishes and uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, there's a 680m2 Llandudno property waiting for you.

But wait, there's more: if you should happen to buy before the New Year, he will throw in his Mercedes ML350 as a Christmas gift.

Many must have thought it was a joke when the tycoon advertised his property in the Sunday Times, with the banner "Urgent Sale!"

The ad in the classifieds reads: "Russian Tycoon selling mansion in Llandudno Cape Town in order to cover losses in oil trade."

The listed price for the 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom seaside villa is R24.9m. His Harcourts estate agent, Andrei Ermakov, told News24 on Monday the advert was completely legitimate and the price negotiable.  "Obviously I am not entitled to speak about the owner because of confidentiality," he said.

The property is on the top of the mountain in the third most expensive suburb in the country, on the outskirts of the Atlantic Seaboard.

Ermakov said it is perfect for a big family and "quite nice and spacious". It is spread over three storeys and has a rim-flow pool that affords views of the crystal waters of Llandudno beach, which is five minutes away by foot.

Guests have the luxury of a lift from the garage. They can relax in the sauna or at the fireplace. The main bathroom has natural rocks set in cement around the corner bath. 

Wannabe tycoons can impress potential business clients with the dark wood-panelled study and built-in bookcase. A photo of the study shows a large bear rug spread out on the floor, a globe on the desk, and three comfy leather armchairs.

To add some festive season cheer, there is a modest Christmas tree in the corner of the double-volume lounge. The kitchen boasts top-of-the-range appliances. The master bedroom has a cinema projector.

Photos of the main bedroom show expensive rugs on the wooden floor and a large circular bed with a headboard draped in golden silk. A nearby treadmill holds the promise of exercise with a view.

Protecting this private kingdom is a remote alarm system connected directly to a private security attendant. But fear not. At the right price, the doors will magically swing open to let in a potential buyer. 

Source: News24