LONDON-Sorgente Group has purchased Seven Burlington Gardens, formerly known locally as the Queensberry House, for $259 million. This is the first UK property purchase for the Rome-based firm.

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

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