When you think of the New Romantic era and the synth-pop explosion of the 1980s, one name inevitably rises to the top: Duran Duran. And at the helm of that legendary band stands Simon Le Bon, a figure synonymous with style, charisma, and enduring rock stardom. But have you ever wondered where a global icon rests his head after the world tours end?
Welcome to our deep dive into the Simon Le Bon House in London. Tucked away in the leafy, upscale enclave of Putney, this isn’t just a celebrity crash pad; it is a historic Victorian sanctuary known as Elmwood. For decades, this stunning property has served as the family hub for Simon, his supermodel wife Yasmin, and their three daughters.
History of Elmwood: A Victorian Legacy
To truly appreciate the Simon Le Bon House in London, you have to understand the history embedded in its red bricks. This isn’t a modern glass box dropped into the city; it is a piece of Putney’s heritage. Built in the late 19th century, the house stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur of the Victorian era, a time when Putney was transforming from a riverside village into a desirable retreat for London’s well-to-do.
From Chelsea to Putney
In the heady days of the 1980s, when Duran Duran was dominating the charts with hits like “Rio” and “Hungry Like the Wolf,” Simon Le Bon was living the quintessential rock star life in Chelsea. However, as his relationship with Yasmin blossomed and family life beckoned, the couple sought something more substantial—a place with roots.
They purchased the property during the band’s peak of fame. The move signified a shift from the frantic energy of central London to the quieter, tree-lined avenues of the southwest. They christened the home “Elmwood,” a name that pays homage to the lush greenery that surrounds the estate and the historic trees that define the property’s perimeter.
A Family Fortress
This house has seen the Le Bon family grow. It also connects deeply to Simon’s personal history. Originally hailing from Bushey, Simon has always had an affinity for the outskirts of the capital, where the air is cleaner, and the pace is slightly slower.
A significant milestone in the property’s history occurred in 1988, shortly after the couple moved in. They constructed a dedicated cottage annex on the grounds. This wasn’t just a guest house; it was built specifically for Simon’s mother, ensuring that Elmwood was a multi-generational hub from the very beginning. This decision highlights a side of the rock star often missed by the tabloids: the dedicated family man.
The 80s Real Estate Boom
It is also fascinating to view this purchase through the lens of economic history. The immense wealth generated by 1980s pop rock fueled a property boom in areas like Putney and Richmond. Rock stars were the new aristocracy, buying up grand old houses that required significant upkeep. The Le Bons’ stewardship of Elmwood over nearly four decades shows a commitment to preservation that goes beyond a mere investment.
Architectural Features of the Mansion
The Simon Le Bon House in London is a masterclass in Victorian elegance, boasting a layout that balances grandeur with the practical needs of a modern family. The structure itself is a classic example of late 19th-century design, featuring the robust red brickwork characteristic of the period, accented by contrasting stone masonry.
The Grand Entrance and Layout
Upon entering Elmwood, you are greeted by the kind of volume that is rare in modern builds. We are talking about soaring ceilings adorned with intricate, original plaster mouldings and cornices. The entrance hall sets the tone, leading into a sprawling 10-room layout that has evolved over the years.
The ground floor is dedicated to communal living. Here, the Victorian compartmentalization has been softened to improve flow, while each room’s distinct character remains. You will find:
- Formal Drawing Rooms: Spaces designed for entertaining, featuring period fireplaces that act as focal points.
- The Family Kitchen: The heart of the home, which has seen perhaps the most updates to keep up with Yasmin’s love for cooking and hosting.
- The Study: A quiet retreat filled with books and music memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the creative mind of the frontman.
A Blend of Old and New
What makes the architecture of the Simon Le Bon House in London so compelling is the friction between the old and the new. While the exterior retains its historic integrity—complete with sash windows and slate roofing—the interior has been adapted.
For example, the original Victorian layout likely included separate quarters for servants and a distinct separation between “public” and “private” spaces. The Le Bons have reimagined this. They have opened up spaces to bring in light, a commodity that can sometimes be scarce in Victorian buildings. The use of large French doors at the rear of the house blurs the line between the indoor living areas and the spectacular gardens, a technique that makes the house’s substantial footprint feel even larger.
Key Architectural Specs
To give you a clearer picture of the estate’s composition, here is a breakdown of the key features that define Elmwood:
Feature Original Description Current Status & Renovation Notes
Originally, 6 distinct bedrooms were converted into 3 sprawling suites in 2014 to accommodate adult children living at home.
Gardens Standard rear garden Tiered landscaping overlooking the Thames; features manicured upper lawns and a “wild” lower section.
The Cottage Non-existent Built in 1988; a 2-story detached annex originally for Simon’s mother, now a guest lodge/studio.
Bathrooms 2-3 standard bathrooms Upgraded to luxury en-suites for every bedroom, featuring marble finishes and high-end fixtures.
Facade Red Brick Victorian Preserved Period Facade with restored pointing and sash windows.
Gardens and Outdoor Spaces: A Putney Oasis
One of the primary reasons celebrities flock to Putney is the outdoor space, and the Simon Le Bon House in London is home to one of the finest examples of a private urban garden in the area.
The Tiered Landscape
The topography of the land near the Thames lends itself to a dramatic, tiered garden design. Elmwood takes full advantage of this.
- The Upper Terrace: Immediately off the back of the house sits a paved terrace area. This is the “social” zone, equipped for al fresco dining and summer parties. It acts as an outdoor extension of the living room.
- The Formal Lawn: Descending from the terrace is a wide, manicured lawn. Bordered by high-privacy hedges and mature trees, this space is secluded from prying eyes, whether neighbors’ or paparazzi’s.
- The Wild Garden: As you move further away from the main house, the garden steps down into a more rugged, naturalistic area. This leads toward the separate cottage and creates a sense of journey within the property boundaries.
Eco-Conscious Gardening
Simon and Yasmin have often spoken about their love for nature. The name “Elmwood” itself suggests a deep connection to trees. The garden is populated with mature elms, oaks, and weeping willows that provide shade and character. Unlike the stark, minimalist gardens often seen in modern developments, the Le Bon garden embraces the “English Cottage” aesthetic—overflowing flowerbeds, climbing ivy, and a sense of organic growth.
The Cottage Annex
Tucked away at the bottom of the garden is the two-story cottage built in 1988. This structure is a home in its own right. Visually, it complements the main house by using similar brickwork to maintain architectural continuity. It provides a retreat within a retreat, allowing guests or family members to enjoy total autonomy while remaining within the compound.
The 2014 Renovations Timeline
Houses like Elmwood are living entities; they need to change as the occupants change. The most significant transformation of the Simon Le Bon House in London occurred in 2014.
By this time, the Le Bon daughters—Amber, Saffron, and Tallulah—were young adults. The traditional setup of a main bedroom plus several smaller children’s rooms no longer fits their lifestyle. The girls were staying at home longer (a trend common among London millennials, even the wealthy ones!), and the house needed to adapt.
Creating the Super-Suites
The primary goal of the renovation was to reduce the number of bedrooms to increase the quality of the living space.
- The Conversion: The family undertook a massive project to knock down walls between smaller bedrooms.
- The Result: The original six bedrooms were consolidated into huge, self-contained suites. Each daughter effectively had her own apartment within the main house, complete with a lounge area and a private bathroom.
- The Master Wing: Simon and Yasmin’s quarters were also upgraded, reinforcing the sanctuary vibe with enhanced dressing rooms—essential for a supermodel—and a spa-like bathroom.
Modern Infrastructure
Beyond the layout changes, this renovation involved the “invisible” work that makes a Victorian home livable in the 21st century.
- Smart Home Tech: Discreet integration of lighting control, security systems, and high-speed data networks.
- Eco-Upgrades: improved insulation and heating systems to make the drafty Victorian structure more energy-efficient.
- Budget: Real estate experts estimate a renovation of this scale in Putney would easily cost upwards of £500,000, considering the bespoke joinery, high-end materials, and structural work required.
Interior Design Insights
Stepping inside the Simon Le Bon House in London reveals a design philosophy that is surprisingly grounded. You might expect gold records on every wall and leopard print carpets, but the reality is far more sophisticated.
Yasmin’s Curatorial Eye
Yasmin Le Bon has been a fixture in the fashion world for decades, and her taste dominates the interior aesthetic. The vibe is “collected” rather than “decorated.”
- Palette: The home uses a neutral base of creams, soft greys, and warm woods. This provides a calm canvas for the chaotic life of a touring musician.
- Textures: Luxury is conveyed through texture rather than bling. Think velvet sofas, silk drapes, and aged leather armchairs.
- Global Influences: The decor features art and artifacts gathered from their global travels. There is a bohemian undercurrent—a nod to the family’s artistic spirit—that keeps the house from feeling stuffy.
The Kitchen: The Social Hub
The kitchen at Elmwood is designed for use. It features a massive central island, likely topped with marble or quartz, which serves as the gravitational center for family interaction. Professional-grade appliances are standard, but the cabinetry often leans toward a classic shaker style, maintaining the Victorian heritage. It is a space where cooking happens, not just a showroom.
Music and Memorabilia
Does the house scream Duran Duran? Surprisingly, no. The memorabilia is subtle. A framed photo here, an award tucked on a bookshelf there. Simon has often mentioned that home is a refuge from the “Simon Le Bon” public persona. The house is designed to be a home for a father and husband, not a shrine to a rock star.
Lifestyle at Simon Le Bon House, London
What is life actually like behind the gates of Elmwood? It stands in stark contrast to the neon-lit stages of Rio or New York.
The Quiet Life
Putney offers a village-like atmosphere that is hard to find in Central London. For the Le Bons, life revolves around:
- Family Dinners: With the daughters living at home well into adulthood, the family dynamic is tight-knit. The house is frequently filled with the noise of family gatherings, cooking, and music.
- Riverside Walks: The proximity to the Thames allows for anonymity. Simon is a familiar face in the local pubs and cafes of Putney, where locals generally respect his privacy.
- Boho-Chic Living: The household is described as relaxed and bohemian. It’s not a place of stiff rules. It’s a creative environment where music, fashion, and art intersect daily.
The Financial Context
Simon Le Bon’s net worth is estimated to be over £50 million. This financial freedom allows them to maintain Elmwood without the pressure to downsize. In a London property market where running costs for large mansions are sky-high, having the resources to properly staff and maintain such a home is a luxury in itself.
Putney Neighborhood Guide
Why did Simon choose Putney over arguably “trendier” celebrity haunts like Notting Hill or Primrose Hill?
The Appeal of SW15
Putney, located in the London Borough of Wandsworth, offers a unique proposition:
- Green Space: It is flanked by Putney Heath and Wimbledon Common. For a family that loves the outdoors, it’s unbeatable.
- The River: The rowing clubs and the riverside embankment give the area a nautical, breezy feel, removed from the smog of the city center.
- Transport: It offers a quick escape route to the countryside via the A3, while still being on the tube line for city access.
Real Estate Value
When the Le Bons bought Elmwood in the 80s, Putney was affluent but accessible. Today, it is prime real estate.
- Market Growth: Victorian mansions in this area have seen their value skyrocket. A detached home with a large garden in Putney is a “unicorn” property.
- Current Valuation: While purchased for a fraction of the price decades ago, a property of Elmwood’s size and condition—especially with the cottage annex—would likely be valued between £4 million and £6 million in today’s market.
Comparisons to Other Celeb Homes
How does the Simon Le Bon House in London stack up against his peers?
- Vs. Mick Jagger (Chelsea/Richmond): Jagger’s properties tend to be grander, more museum-like, and located in the absolute epicenter of wealth. Elmwood feels more “lived-in” and suburban in the best possible way.
- Vs. Sting (Wiltshire Estate): Sting owns a massive rural estate with acres of land. Simon’s home is the urban compromise—a large garden in the city, rather than a farm in the country.
- Vs. Modern Pop Stars: Younger stars often buy modern, glass-fronted penthouses in Canary Wharf or Shoreditch. Simon’s choice of a Victorian renovation highlights a generational difference—a preference for heritage and soul over slick amenities.
Business Tie-In: Luxury Home Inspiration
So, what can you take away from Elmwood for your own home? You don’t need a rock star’s budget to steal some of these ideas.
- The Power of Landscaping: You might not have tiers of land, but you can create “zones” in your garden using planters or level changes to make a small space feel larger.
- Open plan Reform: The 2014 renovation teaches us that fewer rooms can sometimes mean better living. If you have a cramped 4-bedroom house, consider knocking down a wall to create a truly spectacular 3-bedroom home.
- Mixing Eras: Don’t be afraid to put modern art in a traditional room, or install a sleek modern kitchen in a historic property.
If you are looking to renovate your own property to achieve that “Elmwood” blend of historic charm and modern luxury, contact our design team today. We specialize in Victorian renovations and can help you unlock your home’s potential, whether you are in Putney or miles away.
FAQs
Where is Simon Le Bon’s house in London located? Simon Le Bon lives in the Elmwood mansion in Putney, South West London. The property is situated near the River Thames and is characterized by its large, tree-lined garden and high privacy walls.
What major renovations did Simon Le Bon do to his house? The most notable renovation occurred in 2014, when the family reduced the number of bedrooms from roughly six to three or four large, luxury suites. This was done to accommodate their adult daughters living at home. They also modernized the bathrooms, kitchen, and garden landscaping.
Can members of the public visit the house? No, Elmwood is a private residence. However, you can see aerial views of the distinctive red-brick property and its tiered gardens on sites like VirtualGlobetrotting.
How much is Simon Le Bon’s house worth? While the exact current value is private, estimates based on Putney real estate trends for large, detached Victorian homes with land suggest a value of £4 million to £6 million, significantly higher than the average Putney home price of £1.5 million.
Why is the house called Elmwood? The name is derived from the historic elm trees and the wooded nature of the large garden that surrounds the property, offering a “woodland” feel in the middle of London.
Where Does Simon Le Bon Currently Live?
Simon Le Bon currently lives in Elmwood, his 10-bedroom Victorian mansion in the Putney neighborhood of southwest London.
Simon Le Bon House Photos
