British inventor Dyson pays $54m for Singapore penthouse

British billionaire inventor James Dyson has paid a reported $54 million for Singapore’s biggest, most expensive penthouse: a three-floor residence with a rooftop terrace, private pool, and jacuzzi. His electric appliance company, known for its bagless vacuum cleaners, hand dryers and fans, announced this year it was shifting its global headquarters from England to the city-state to be closer to Asian markets.

The company also plans to produce electric cars there, as part of its expansion east after Britain’s decision in 2016 to leave the EU. The Brexit-backing tycoon purchased the 21,000 square foot (1,960 square metre) “super penthouse” for almost Sg$74 million ($54 million), Singapore’s Business Times newspaper reported, without citing a source. A land title document seen by AFP lists Dyson and his wife Deirdre as joint tenants of the 99-year leasehold property, with the sale registered on June 20.

The company confirmed Dyson, 72, had bought a property in the city. The luxury home at Wallich Residence sits on the top three floors of a 64-storey, 290-metre high tower -- the tallest in Singapore -- which is in the business district and has panoramic views over Singapore, including popular waterfront area Marina Bay. It has five bedrooms, each with their own en-suite bathroom, a private garden and a viewing deck on the 62nd floor, according to a sales brochure for the property.

It also has a private lift, storage for 600 bottles of wine, and a round-the-clock dedicated butler service. The cost is below a price tag of over Sg$100 million originally sought for the property. A Dyson spokesman declined to give details of the purchase but told AFP: “Given the decision to locate the headquarters in Singapore and the growing focus of the company’s business in the region, of course James Dyson has bought a property there.”