Freddie Mercury's iconic London haven, Garden Lodge, listed for £30 million

Garden Lodge, once the creative and personal sanctuary of Freddie Mercury, now for sale at £30 million, promises unmatched privacy, musical history, and cultural legacy.

The iconic residence of Freddie Mercury, Garden Lodge, is up for sale, marking an end of an era and a new chapter in rock history. This property is not just a testament to his legacy but also a rare ownership opportunity.

In the heart of Kensington, one of London's most distinguished neighborhoods, lies an architectural and musical gem that has recently caught the attention of enthusiasts and buyers alike: Garden Lodge, the former home of Freddie Mercury. This property is renowned not just for its design and privacy but also for its historical significance in music and pop culture.

Purchased by Mercury in 1980, Garden Lodge served as the personal sanctuary of the Queen frontman, becoming the epicenter of his creative and personal life until his death in 1991. The residence, shielded by high walls promising privacy, has never been open to the public, maintaining its aura of mystery and exclusivity.

Mary Austin, a close friend of the singer and the inheritor of the property, has decided to put the mansion up for sale. With a starting price of 30 million pounds sterling (approximately 35 million euros), the sale represents not only a high-profile real estate transaction but also the transfer of an invaluable cultural legacy.

The mansion boasts eight bedrooms, spacious living rooms, and a dining room where Mercury used to host memorable dinners. Every corner reflects the artist's personal touch, from the decor to the design of the extensive Japanese-inspired garden, highlighting his love for beauty and tranquility.

The decision to sell Garden Lodge comes after a successful auction where numerous personal items of Mercury were sold, reaffirming the ongoing value of his legacy. The sale will attract not only those interested in music and history but also those looking to own a piece of rock royalty.

Austin hopes that the future owner will appreciate the historical and emotional value of the residence, maintaining the spirit and essence that Mercury instilled. In Austin's words, Garden Lodge is not just a physical structure but a home filled with memories and creativity, a place that will always belong to Freddie Mercury.

Toyota's Profits Soar to $24.73 Billion in First Three Fiscal Quarters of 2023

Toyota accelerates its financial growth, doubling profits to $24.73 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, thanks to robust global sales.

Toyota showcases a remarkable financial performance with a 107.9% profit increase in the first three quarters of fiscal 2023, setting sights on even higher annual forecasts.

Toyota, the Japanese automotive giant, has reported a net profit of 3.947 trillion yen ($24.737 billion) for the first nine months of its fiscal year (April to December 2023), marking a staggering 107.9% year-on-year growth from the 1.899 trillion yen ($11.899 billion) recorded in the same period of 2022, according to the company's latest financial release.

The company forecasts a net profit of around 4.5 trillion yen ($28.207 billion) for the fiscal year ending in March 2024, an 83.6% increase from the previous year's 2.45 trillion yen ($15.361 billion).

This financial upturn is attributed to Toyota's aggressive marketing efforts and a significant increase in new car sales across all regions, particularly in hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), which saw a 37.9% increase to 2.64 million units.

So far in this fiscal year, Toyota's revenue reached 34.022 trillion yen ($213.263 billion), a 23.9% year-on-year increase, while its operating profit also doubled (+102.1%) to 4.240 trillion yen ($26.575 billion).

By the end of the first nine fiscal months, Toyota registered global vehicle sales of 7.29 million units, up 12.4% from the previous year. Looking ahead to the full fiscal year ending in March 2024, Toyota aims to sell 9.45 million vehicles worldwide, marking over a 7% increase from the last fiscal year.

Furthermore, the company projects its operating profit for the fiscal year to reach approximately 4.9 trillion yen ($30.699 billion), a 79.8% jump from the previous year.

Nintendo Profits Surge 18% in Nine Months, Upgrades Annual Forecasts

Nintendo celebrates an 18% profit boost and raises its Switch sales expectations, reflecting its strong global performance.

In a positive turn, Nintendo revises its annual projections upward after reporting an 18% increase in profits, driven by strong sales in America and Europe.

Nintendo, the Japanese gaming giant, has taken the industry by surprise with a 17.9% increase in net profit, reaching 408,041 million yen ($2.553 billion) over the first nine months of its fiscal year, ending March 31. This result surpasses last year's figures, showcasing the enduring appeal and strength of its Switch console.

The company's net sales also saw a healthy rise, totaling 1.394 trillion yen ($8.720 billion), marking a 7.7% increase compared to the previous period. This growth was particularly driven by key performances outside Japan, with notable increases of 10.2% in America and 8.2% in Europe.

Despite a slight dip in Switch console sales in Japan, with 13.7 million units sold, 8% less than the previous year, Nintendo has revised its expectations for the fiscal year-end. The firm now projects net sales of 1.63 trillion yen ($10.200 billion), adjusting its forecasts upwards thanks to strong international demand.

In terms of net profit, Nintendo expects to close the year with 440,000 million yen ($2.753 billion), exceeding its previous expectations and marking a 4.8% increase from its last forecast. This optimism extends to the sales of its flagship console, with an upward revision to 15.5 million units expected for the year, demonstrating Nintendo's confidence in its star product and market strategy.

This financial performance reflects not just the quality of Nintendo's products but also its ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive global market. With the Switch leading the charge, Nintendo once again positions itself as a benchmark in the gaming world, ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the next fiscal year.