LONDON-Sorgente Group has purchasedSeven Burlington Gardens, formerly known locallyas the Queensberry House, for $259 million. Thisis the first UK property purchase for the Rome-based firm.

The 240,000-square-foot building in the Mayfairdistrict along the historic Savile Row here was built in 1725. Themixed-use property includes offices, multifamily and retail,including the UK’s two-story flagship Abercrombie &Fitch store. Aviva Investors sold thebuilding to Sorgente’s Donatello Fund David.

Sorgente managing director John Benucci said ina statement that the acquisition represents the beginning of hisfirm’s active investment interest in UK property. “The demand foroffice space remains high in London and we believe that thesituation will continue to improve in coming years,” he said. Hisfirm has about $5.1 billion under management, and aims to reach$10.3 billion under management by 2015, according to thestatement.