Chinese Tech Billionaire's Wife Snaps Up £19.5M London Mansion

In a high-profile real estate deal, Cathy Ying Zhang, the wife of Alibaba founder Jack Ma, has acquired a lavish £19.5 million mansion in London's prestigious Belgravia district. The 7,692 sq ft property was previously the Italian embassy and has been transformed into a luxurious six-bedroom home after a multi-million pound renovation.

The opulent residence features a range of impressive amenities, including a 520 sq ft master suite, a basement cinema room, a fitness studio, and separate accommodation for staff. Situated in a gated enclave, the mansion also boasts cutting-edge security features such as secure underground parking, two vaults, and sophisticated surveillance systems.

Despite the recent slowdown in the super-premium property market, the purchase marks one of the biggest London house sales since the current government came to power last year. The deal also highlights the continued expansion of the billionaire couple's global real estate portfolio, which includes properties in Singapore and France.

While the new owners have kept a low profile, the grand Lygon Place property remains a striking presence in the neighborhood, with its sleek blue Land Rover and works van the only visible signs of activity on the sweeping circular driveway.