In the world of extravagance and opulence that exists today, the real estate market offers some of the most breathtaking homes, many of which have astonishing price tags. Now, let’s go into the world of luxury and examine the leading candidates to become the world’s most costly homes.
1. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom ($4.9 billion)
Although it is unlikely to be for sale anytime soon, Buckingham Palace would be the most expensive residence in the world if it were. Its estimated value is $4.9 billion.
The British Royal Family calls this location home. It has 240 bedrooms (188 staff rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a doctor’s office), and it is also available for public guided tours.
This opulent mansion has 775 rooms total, which includes 19 staterooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. It also boasts lovely grounds and a sizable workforce. There are rumours that there are further hidden chambers spread throughout this enormous luxurious home. One of the largest homes in the world, Buckingham Palace is spread out across about 77,000 square metres.
2. Antilia, India ($2 billion)
Named after a legendary island in the Atlantic, Antilia is the most costly private mansion on Earth worth $2 billion and is owned by India’s wealthiest person, Mukesh Ambani.
This 400,000-square-foot structure has 27 stories, with each double-height ceiling representing two floors, and is located in India’s most exclusive postcode. However, in spite of its enormous height, it is built to survive powerful earthquakes.
Named after a legendary island in the Atlantic, Antilia is the most costly private mansion on Earth and is owned by India’s wealthiest person, Mukesh Ambani. This 400,000-square-foot structure has 27 stories, with each double-height ceiling representing two floors, and is located in India’s most exclusive postcode. However, in spite of its enormous height, it is built to survive powerful earthquakes.
3. Villa Leopolda, France ($759 million)
Villa Leopolda, the most costly private home in Europe, is situated between Monaco and Nice, two of the most affluent cities in the world. Originally owned by King Leopold II of Belgium, this opulent and fashionable French Riviera estate has a royal past—hence the name.
Since then, it has been owned by numerous affluent people and has used as a set for Alfred Hitchcock’s film “La Main Au Collet” (To Catch a Thief).
The former owner, Lebanese-Brazilian banker Edward Safra, bequeathed the villa to his wife, Lily Safra, also known as “The Gilded Lily,” after he passed away in 1999.
The enormous swimming pool and extravagant landscaping of the opulent home are said to need the labour of almost fifty gardeners every day. There are 80,000 square feet of area on this opulent property overall. It’s estimated value is $750 million.
4. Villa Les Cèdres, France ($450 million)
Constructed approximately around 1830, the 18,000-square-foot Villa Les Cèdres—named after the numerous Cedar trees in the area—is more akin to an opulent palace than a modest dwelling. This historic, opulent mansion, which spans 35 acres in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the South of France, is fit for a king. In fact, King Leopold II of Belgium previously owned it.
The property was acquired by the Campari Group of Italy in 2016 as a result of their acquisition of the Grand Marnier liqueur. In 2019, Rinat Akhmetov, a Ukrainian billionaire and businessman, purchased the expensive estate.
This European luxury house boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a breathtaking ballroom, and a stable that can accommodate up to 30 horses, in addition to a limitless number of bedrooms and common areas.
There are 20 greenhouses filled with exotic flowers from around the globe and 15,000 plants outside. It features several balconies covered with palm trees and a view of the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Les Palais Bulles ($420 million)
The Palais Bulles, also known as Bubble Palace, is perhaps the most lavish residence on the French Riviera. It differs slightly from the typical million-dollar property.
This magnificent estate in Théoule-Sur-Mer, close to Cannes, is shaped like a massive bubble the colour of terracotta, as its name implies. A group of round structures can be seen from above at the Palais Bulles. Inside, the circle motif is still present.
Antti Lovag, a Hungarian architect, built the luxurious mansion, which has ten suites that are individually designed by modern artists. This lavish mansion has a number of round chambers in addition to a large, outdoor 500-seat amphitheatre on the hillside grounds that overlooks the Mediterranean.
The magnificent mansion, which has served as the background for numerous fashion and celebrity events, was last held by the late French fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who bought it in 1992 as a luxurious vacation residence. Additionally, the entire estate is available for rent; however, it is not currently open to the public due to Cardin’s death in 2020.
Conclusion
The most costly homes in the world are examples of human intellect, inventiveness, and the desire for luxury. These homes, which range from contemporary wonders to historical landmarks, represent the pinnacle of extravagance and opulence, capturing people’s attention and evoking wonder everywhere they go.
