Afternoon:
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Des res ... targeting the most sought-after addresses
Robert Mendick, Chief Reporter22 Jan 2009
39a Clarges Mews, a £22.5million Grade II*-listed townhouse between Berkeley Square and St James's Park.
The Da! Collective-a group of young artists - set up home just in time for Christmas. The house, which was sold in April 2007 for £22.5million, was empty while awaiting planning permission for major changes.
The squatters are enjoying the benefits of the townhouse's high ceilings, huge fireplaces and antique wallpaper while staging a series of artistic events, promoted on their website www.temporaryschool.org
18 Upper Grosvenor Street, a £6.5million, Grade II-listed townhouse, built in the 1730s.
The Da! Collective lived here for a month from last October until being evicted. The six-storey house, which is close to the US embassy, comprised 30 rooms, which the squatters transformed into an artists' commune. Benefits included being opposite chef Richard Corrigan's eponymous restaurant although it is not thought the squatters ever ate there. They got in by posing as workmen, climbing a ladder and getting in through an unlocked window.
