What’s inside JD. com Richard Liu and Zhang Zetian’s Sydney penthouse, which has just been sold for US$16 million?
Chinese billionaire Richard Liu Qiangdong’s share of the online retailer JD.com has decreased from 16.67 per cent to 14.02 per cent since he was accused of the rape of a 21-year-old Chinese female undergraduate in the United States in August.
Liu has denied the allegations.
The change in his shares means he is no longer the biggest shareholder of the company he founded.
Zhang Zetian, Liu’s wife, has just sold their penthouse flat in Sydney, Australia, which was given to her by her husband, for US$16 million.
The couple originally bought the four-bedroom, five-bathroom flat in 2015 for a then record-breaking US$12 million (HK$93 million).
The property was initially listed for sale at US$18 million.
Located in the The Rocks precinct, the building was designed by Kann Finch Group and built in 2012.
It overlooks Sydney harbour and is only steps from iconic landmarks such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Opera House.
The 598-square metre (6,400-square foot) 28th-storey penthouse flat spans three levels, with interiors designed by Thomas Hamel & Associates.
It is the perfect combination of classic elegance and contemporary chic; the decor touches on mid-century modern design.
Anchored by a sweeping curvilinear staircase, which connects the different levels of the flat, the open concept living area features natural timber walls and Pietra grey marble floors connecting all of the main spaces.
[The flat] located in the heart of Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct is ideally placed to benefit from what I can describe as an axis of sheer opulence
If the interiors were not enough, the comprehensive floor-to-ceiling windows offer elevated, dual aspect 240-degree panoramic views from the Sydney Harbour Bridge all the way to the Blue Mountains.
The flat “is located in the heart of the historic Rocks precinct and is ideally placed to benefit from what I can describe as an axis of sheer opulence,” Michael Lowdon director of Ray White Residential, said last year.
“[It is] one of the most stunning penthouses to ever grace the Sydney marketplace.”
The penthouse is capped by a rooftop terrace – in addition to terraces off the entry and second levels – which is the ideal place for firing up the barbecue or enjoying a leisurely drink in the shadow of Sydney’s central business district, high above the streets below.
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The four-bedroom, five-bathroom flat, which the couple originally bought in 2015, went for US$2 million under the original asking price