Sir Elton to sell home's contents

Sir Elton's sitting room was put on show

Sir Elton John has opened the doors to his lavish London home as he prepares to sell its entire contents at auction.

The singer decided to have a clear-out of his possessions to allow him to redecorate in a more modern style.

Among the items going up for sale on 30 September are his double bed, fake leopard skin upholstery and 17th Century art.

The sale at Sotheby's of more than 400 pieces is expected to raise more than £800,000.

Other items available include matching wardrobes and bedside tables designed by royal furniture maker David Linley, which are currently in the Linley Suite of Sir Elton's home.

"I wanted to have the opportunity to display more contemporary work in one of my UK homes, but as my house in Windsor has a very traditional style, the obvious choice was to remodel my Holland Park home," said Sir Elton.

In pictures: Sir Elton sells up

Art works up for auction include the 17th Century Portrait of a Lady with her Son by Edward Bower, which it is estimated to fetch £20,000-£30,000, and two busts of Napoleon.

Sir Elton is even selling the hundreds of photo frames that adorn his house, although he is keeping hold of the pictures of various celebrity friends and partner David Furnish inside them.

Sir Elton is no stranger to having a clear-out, having auctioned nearly 2,000 pieces of jewellery, art and memorabilia from his Windsor home in 1988.

He also regularly sells off unwanted items of clothing for charity, and plans to sell his massive collection of glasses once he undergoes corrective laser eye surgery.