The word “home” brings a mixed feeling of warmth and comfort in most of us. The size of the home is important as it brings calmness, peace, and security. This is very true to a large extent. But for those, who ace the list of ‘Top Billionaires’, a home is a place where they can flaunt their wealth, afford unimaginable luxuries and live a life that is king size.
Billionaire homes are an architectural expression that came into existence with vanity and extravagance. Its uniqueness and luxury not only inspire common people to become stinking rich, but also provide golden opportunities to experiment with some of the most creative and expensive innovations of technology.
In this article let us take a look at 10 most expensive homes in the world.
Buckingham Palace| London, UK
Did you know the Buckingham Palace located in London, UK is the most expensive building in the world? Though the Queen of England is no more, she is still the queen of real estate. Yes, you read it right and it’s a fact. The world’s most iconic landmark the Buckingham Palace located in the heart of the city of London in the United Kingdom has 775 rooms, 188 staff rooms that include 52 royal and guest rooms. The palace has 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, and 19 staterooms making this not just the world’s most expensive residence but also making it the most roomy residences in the world. Although the Queen owns many castles and mansions throughout the UK, Buckingham Palace has been the official home of the monarchy since 1837.
Buckingham Palace is known to be the administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Situated in the city of Westminster, Buckingham Palace is often at the center of attraction for the people of England at times of national rejoicing and during mourning’s. Originally, known as ‘Buckingham House’ the palace was a large town house built for the Duke of Buckingham in the year 1703. During the 19th century, the palace was renovated by architects who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. The front palace measures 355 feet across, by 390 feet deep, by 80 feet high and covers an area spanning across 8,30,000 sq ft. Buckingham Palace also has a post office, cinema theater, swimming pool, a medical care center, and a jewellery workshop. The property is valued at $6.7 billion which makes it the most expensive home in the world.
Antilia| Mumbai, India
Can you believe it? The world’s second most expensive home belongs to the Indian business tycoon Mr. Mukesh Ambani. Known to be one of the richest Asians, Mukesh Ambani’s residence Antilia located on Cumballa Hills in Mumbai is spread across 4,00,000 sq ft in area. Designed by Chicago -based architects and with an Australian based firm taking charge, Antilia comes with 27 floors with extra-high ceilings. The beauty of Antilia is that every floor is equivalent to an average two-storey building’s floor. That is quite huge. Isn’t It? Antilia is built in such a way that it can withstand an earthquake of magnitude 8 mm on the Richter scale. The grand structure also has 6 dedicated floors for cars, including Ambani’s Mercedes Maybach which costs approx 5 crore INR.
Named after the mythical islands in the island city of Mumbai, Antilia is known to be the second most expensive home in the world after Buckingham Palace. The sky-scraper mansion overlooking the Arabian sea is one of the world’s second largest and most elaborate residential homes. Antilia was completed in the year 2010, and the family moved to the new abode in the year 2012. The residential structure is 173 meters (568 feet) tall, and spreads across 37,000 square meters. Antilia has some of the best world-class amenities like 168 garages for car parking, a ballroom, 9 high-speed elevators, a 50-seat theater, terrace gardens, 6 levels of basement parking, salon, dance and yoga studios, swimming pool, spa and Jacuzzi, health center, temple, snow room, and has 3 helipads. The property is valued anywhere between $2billion.
Villa Leopolda | Cote D’Azure, France
Villa Leopolda is one of the prominent landmarks located in Cote D’Azure, France. The estate is spread over a land area of 50 acres and has lots of flora and fauna. Villa Leopolda also has a helipad, swimming pool, sauna, spa with Jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen, a pool house, and a luxurious guest house. Located on the beautiful lagoons of the French Riviera in France, Villa Leopolda is the third largest expensive home in the world. In 1963, The Agnellis sold the villa to the Canadian philanthropist Dorothy. J. Killam where she resided until her death in 1965. Many notable movies were shot in and around the Villa Leopolda which is known for its picturesque scenery. The value of the property is estimated at about $750 million.
Villa Les Cedres | French Riviera
One of the most beautiful and luxurious homes that one can find in the French Riviera is the Villa Les Cedres. Known to be as ‘fit for a king’ probably because it was built for the King of Belgium back in 1830. Villa Les Cedres is spread across 18,000 sq ft. The world’s fourth largest expensive homes comes with 14 large-sized bedrooms, a giant Olympic-sized swimming pool, a wood-panelled library that can hold 3,000 books about flora and fauna, an artificial pond with Amazonian lily pads, a bronze statue of Athena, a chandelier-lit ballroom, a large stable that can accommodate 30 horses, grand sitting rooms, portraits in ornate frames belonging to the 19th century, and has stunning woodwork throughout the villa. Villa Les Cedres is priced at a whopping $410 million.
Four Fairfield Pond | Sagaponack, NewYork
Four Fairfield Pond situated in Sagaponack, New York is one of the most beautiful and expensive residential homes on the planet. The mansion is owned by Ira Renner, owner of the Renco Group, a holding company with investments in auto manufacturing and smelting. Four Fairfield Pond spans across 63-acres and comes with 29 bedrooms. The world’s fifth most expensive homes come with 39 bathrooms, a power plant, basketball court, bowling alley, squash courts, tennis courts, 3 huge swimming pools, and a massive 91-foot dining room, parking slot for 100 cars, and other recreational facilities. The estimated net worth of Four Fairfield Pond is approx $248.5 million.
Ellison Estate | Woodside, California, USA
Owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison this 23 acre palatial mansion is situated in Woodside, California in the United States of America. The property consists of 10 buildings within the compound with a man-made lake. Ellison Estate also boasts of a koi pond, tea-house, and numerous bath houses. The entire estate is surrounded by lush greenery. One can find several expensive trees in and around the Ellison Estate like redwood, cherry blossom, oak, maples, cedar etc. The 15,000 sq ft estate has 7 bedrooms,11 bathrooms, a home theater, and a swimming pool. The beauty of the estate is that it has 520 feet of open sea facing area. The estimated value of the property is approx $145 million.
Palazzo di Amore| Beverly Hills, California, USA
Palazzo di Amore is owned by an American real estate entrepreneur and American Politician which is situated in Beverly Hills in California, United States of America. This Mediterranean-style villa measuring approx 53,000 sq ft comes with 12 bedrooms, 23 bathrooms, tennis courts, a 128-feet long swimming pool, amphitheater, waterfalls, reflecting pools, ballroom, and with a revolving dance floor. Another prime feature of Palazzo di Amore is that it has a garage space that can accommodate up to 27 cars. Moreover, it also has a bowling alley, a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, and a separate guest house.
Palazzo di Amore elevates European aristocratic pomp to eleven, curating an awe-inspiring environment for the distinguished guests to refine the art of luxury living. The second level of Palazzo di Amore has two bedroom wings that provide every imaginable amenity and indulgence. The master suite is truly a home unto itself as it covers an area measuring 5,000 sq ft. In addition to the private vineyard, Palazzo di Amore has an entertainment complex sprawling about 15,000 sq ft. The property is worth $195 million. Being one of the prominent landmarks in Beverly Hills, many Hollywood movies have been shot in this locale.
The Pinnacle at Montana 7| Montana, USA
The Pinnacle at Montana 7 is owned by Edra and timber baron Tim Blixseth. This luxurious home is based in Montana. The home comes with heated floors, multiple pools, a gym, ski-lift, a wine-cellar, a mini theater, tennis courts, and much more world-class amenities. The luxury homes provide stunning views of the mountains. The Pinnacle at Montana 7 are known for their high-quality construction and luxurious finishes. Spanning across 30,800 sq ft area, The Pinnacle at Montana 7 has a large saltwater aquarium, exterior radiant cement floors to easily melt the snow from Montana winters, high ceilings, hardwood floors, a spiral staircase and a large-scaled rock fireplace with a copper hood. The property is estimated worth $155 million.
Xanadu| Medina, Washington, USA
You will not be surprised to know that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates' home in Medina, Washington DC will make it to the Top 10 most expensive homes in the world. The 66,000 sq ft home took almost 7 seven to build. The majestic looking mansion is located on the shores of lake Washington. Xanadu is an earth-sheltered home, which means it is built into its surroundings to control temperature more efficiently. The lavish mansion has a 60 feet pool in a separate 3,900- sq ft building. Besides, the house has a library having an area of 2,100 sq ft with a dome roof and two secret bookcases, including the one that reveals a hidden bar. Another astonishing feature of this home is that the artwork on the walls can be changed with just a single click of a button. How’s that for a high-tech home?
The house is also loaded with high-tech features like an underwater music system in the main swimming pool, and an individualized HVAC system. It also has a gym with a trampoline room, a garage having a parking slot for 23 cars, 24 bathrooms, a banquet hall, and domestic servant quarters. The lake shore has a beach with sand imported specially from the Caribbean Islands. The total value of the asset is approx $ 147.5 million.
Kensington Palace| London, UK
Kensington Palace situated in the heart of the city of London is owned by none other than the Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal. This 19th-century mansion was constructed as two-semi detached houses and has an area measuring about 55,000 sq ft. The building was renovated by developer David Khalili who combined them into one luxurious palace. Kensington Palace comes with 12 bedrooms, Turkish bathrooms, an indoor pool with spa and Jacuzzi, and a parking area for 20 cars.
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens in London, UK. The palace has been the residence of the British royal family since the 17th century. Presently, it is the official residence of the Prince and Prince of Wales. Kensington Palace is a treat for the eyes for the visitors. The palace displays an array of collections of paintings of the Queen and the King. There are also many artifacts which are on display from the Royal Collection. The high ceilings with chandeliers give the visitors a royal welcome. Explore two new exhibitions to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth at Kensington Palace.
The palace boasts of its rich royal history that dates back to the 17th century. Not only was it the birthplace of Queen Victoria, but it is also the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The palace has housed a host of Georgian monarchs who have left their mark on this stunning palace as well. The Victoria revealed exhibition will take you back in time to the 19th century to discover Queen Victoria’s childhood, her marriage to her first cousin Prince Albert and lots more for an unforgettable experience. The 300-year old palace is well known for its stunning interiors and exteriors. The King’s State Apartments, The Queens State Apartments, Modern Royals, and Kensington Garden are few worth visiting. One can also witness fashion on display ranging from elegant outfits from the Georgian period to the iconic style of Princess Diana shown through a special exhibition held at the Kensington Palace. The Net Asset Value of the palace is estimated to be $630 million.
Conclusion:
Hope the above article was informative and provided the relevant information about the 10 most expensive homes in the world.
