With Myanmar’s economy shattered by the civil war triggered by the military coup, it is unclear who in the country would be in a position to spend US$140 million on a single, increasingly dilapidated property.
Real estate agents say similar-sized properties in upmarket Yangon areas might fetch US$1 million to US$2 million.
The house holds a special place in Myanmar history – Aung San Suu Kyi was confined within its crumbling walls for around 15 years after shooting to fame during huge demonstrations against the then-junta in 1988.
Cut off from her husband and children in England, Aung San Suu Kyi spent time playing the piano, reading detective novels and meditating as her status as a democratic leader grew.
Hundreds of people would regularly gather on the pavement outside to hear her talk about democracy and fighting military rule through non-violence.
After her release in 2010, she lived on in the villa, receiving a string of foreign leaders, including then-US president Barack Obama, journalists and diplomats.
Aung San Suu Kyi, 79, is serving a 27-year prison sentence on charges ranging from corruption to not respecting COVID-19 pandemic restrictions – charges rights groups say are a junta sham designed to eliminate her politically.
