Homes are definitely the most cherished possessions of a human being. Partly because they ensure a comfortable life and partly because they’re the main ways to show the social status of their inhabitants. And in our modern and overly competitive world, status is utterly important. Especially for some of the men and women of today’s high society.
While for most people a decent sized house is more than enough, for some, it’s only giant ostentatious mansions that rise to their limitless expectations. And you can bet those expectations come with more money than they can count. But, and we have to be honest here, that doesn’t mean the houses we’re going to be talking about aren’t beautiful, because they are. They’re simply gorgeous.
Beyond their massive size, their style and architecture are something not many of us can dream of. Grand, stylish and full of tech, these are The Top 10 Biggest Houses in The World right now:
Contents
- 10. Pensmore – Highlandville, Missouri – 72,215 square feet
- 9. The One – Bel-Air, California – 74,000 square feet
- 8. Villa Leopolda – The French Riviera – 80,000 square feet
- 7. La Reverie – Palm Beach, Florida – 84,626 square feet
- 6. Modern Versailles – Windermere, Florida – 90,000 square feet
- 5. Witanhurst – London, England – 90,000 square feet
- 4. Safra Mansion – Sao Paulo, Brazil – 117,000 square feet
- 3. Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina – 178,926 square feet
- 2. Antilia – Mumbai, India – 400,000 square feet
- 1. Istana Nurul Iman Palace – Brunei – 2.15 million square feet
- Video
10. Pensmore – Highlandville, Missouri – 72,215 square feet
While most people build huge houses to boost their social status or show off with their purchase power and their extravagant tastes in terms of design and aesthetics, this one guy named Steven Huff decided to build one for proving something else. Something a lot more different than most would expect.
Steven Huff is an astrophysicist and former CIA officer and his plans for the huge mansion is to prove that a house can be, oh well… bullet, bomb, earthquake, fire, tornado, hurricane and pretty much everything proof.
The construction works began back in 2008, but its future is still unclear. The latest news are that the owner wants it torn down and rebuilt from scratch because it’s not as strong as he wished it, blaming the construction company for that.
9. The One – Bel-Air, California – 74,000 square feet
Imagined and built by film producer and real estate developer Nile Niami, the 74,000 sq ft property in Bel Air, California, nicknamed “The One”, will – when finished – be the most expensive house in America. The price of this modern beauty rises to the astounding sum of $500 million.
Too much? Probably. Too large? Depends on who you’re asking. Too ostentatious? Well, the answer is the same, it depends who you’re asking. But what’s certain is that the house will have almost all the amenities you can think of, including – but not limiting to – a 5,000 sq ft master bedroom, an Imax-style theater, four swimming pools, a garage for no less than 30 cars and a 8,500 sq ft night club.
With 20 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms and a specialy designed jellyfish room, The One seems more like a party house used for all kinds of events rather than a true home.
8. Villa Leopolda – The French Riviera – 80,000 square feet
Constructed between 1929 and 1931 by the American architect Ogden Codman Jr. and belonging to the Brazilian billionaire Lily Safra until 2008 when she finally sold it to a Russian oligarch, Villa Leopolda is a history book in itself. Situated in the French Riviera, it first belonged to King Leopold II of Belgium who built it as a gift for his mistress Blanche Zélia Joséphine Delacroix.
The 80,000 sq ft property was even used as a military hospital during the arduous World War I. Nowadays, the huge villa is thought to be among the most expensive Europe homes, evaluated at around a little more than $500 million. The property boasts two guest houses with a total of 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, immense gardens and probably the best beach front on the whole continent.
7. La Reverie – Palm Beach, Florida – 84,626 square feet
Purchased for a modest $4.5 million back in 1995, La Reverie is the largest celebrity residence in Palm Beach, Florida and number 7 around the globe. It looks a bit like a house rendering in this photo, but trust us, it’s pretty massive. Beyond comfortable living, its current owners also use it also to host charity events and concerts.
La Reverie was built by Sydell Miller, the owner of Matrix Essentials hair product company. The location couldn’t have been better, since Palm Beach attracts all the rich and famous. Which is a good thing when you want to sell huge mansions for grand sums.
6. Modern Versailles – Windermere, Florida – 90,000 square feet
Situated in Orange County, Florida, the Versailles mega mansion belongs to Jaqueline and David Siegel, the CEO of Westgate Resorts. The huge estate was so long under construction that at some point, the couple went close to losing the immense house.
With a 8,000 sq ft master bedroom and over 30 bathrooms, 15 bedrooms, 11 kitchens and 6 swimming pools, the behemoth drew a lot of attention and was featured on several documentaries, the most famous one being The Queen of Versailles.
5. Witanhurst – London, England – 90,000 square feet
Witanhurst is the second largest residential estate in London after the Buckingham Palace. It was designed by architect George Hubbard and built between 1913 and 1920, incorporating part of the former Parkfield estate that stood on the massive property.
The 90,000 sq ft estate comprises of all the modern amenities one could wish for, such as a swimming pool with sauna room and gym, a movie theater, massage parlor and plenty of parking space. The owner? It seems to be the Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev, who bought it in 2008 for nearly $64 million.
4. Safra Mansion – Sao Paulo, Brazil – 117,000 square feet
Located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Safra Mansion reminds a little bit of the Villa Leopolda in the French Riviera, who was owned by Lily Safra and her husband Edmond, a renowned banker who died in a suspect fire at his mansion in Monaco back in 1999.
The Safra Mansion is an enormous 117,000 sq ft estate boasting no less than 130 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools and it’s surrounded by a high wall. What’s inside is not known to many, because the Safra family members like to keep to themselves. They are known to have several super expensive properties around the world.
3. Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina – 178,926 square feet
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is considered the largest private residence in the United States, and it’s no wonder with its 178,926 sq ft of splendid surroundings. Finished back in 1895, its architecture completes the beauty of the mountainous landscape in the area.
Unlike most other private mansions of the world, the Biltmore Estate comes with a twist. In 1930, it was open to the public, offering accommodation in its Village Hotel or the property’s four star Inn, plus gourmet foods and their own wine.
Owned by the railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, Biltmore Estate’s main house has a chateau-like charm and no less than 250 rooms. Add to that 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, a bowling alley, a 23,000 book library and a huge indoor swimming pool plus all the modern amenities you can dream of and you’ve got one of the best houses in the world. Or, to avoid being subjective, one of the largest.
2. Antilia – Mumbai, India – 400,000 square feet
While most people build themselves large mansions, one particular capitalist in India decided to build himself a personal skyscraper. The Indian pharmaceutical magnate Mukesh Ambani is the owner of Antilla, a 27 story 550 foot tall building in the heart of Mumbai, India.
With a total surface of 400,000 sq ft, it’s the second largest private residence in the world right now and took over $1 billion to be constructed. But that probably wasn’t too much for the owner, who is India’s richest man after all, with a net worth exceeding $30 billion.
The building boasts a unique architecture, with each floor designed differently and using different materials. The entire building was constructed with Vastu shastra as the central philosophy in mind, which is a traditional Hindu art of building houses. Every floor has its own purpose, from car garages to spa’s, gym’s and indoor pools and even a helipad on top.
1. Istana Nurul Iman Palace – Brunei – 2.15 million square feet
What could the largest house in the world be if not a huge luxurious palace? The official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, Istana Nurul Iman Palace is by far the world’s biggest home with its 2.15 million square feet of space.
Boasting no less than 1,788 rooms and 257 bathrooms, a 110 car garage, horse stables, banquet hall, swimming pools and even a mosque that can gather 1,500 people, the palace is sure to impress a lot of people.
Called the Palace of Faith Light, it was designed in 1984 by Leandro V. Locsin and constructed by the Filipino firm, Ayala International. And since most of you might be curious about the cost of such a mesmerizing home, it rises to a whooping $1.4 billion.
Video
What are the biggest houses in the world?
They say that buying a house is the single biggest purchase of your life, right?
Well, that’s true for the majority of people, but not for everyone.
The folks on this list, not only own the biggest houses in the world but also keep multiple homes around the globe!
So, let’s take a look at these mega-mansions, and who owns them.
Here’s a list of the 10 biggest houses in the world.
The 10 Biggest Houses In The World
The list of houses and figures mentioned below has been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Digital Trends & Wikipedia.
These are the 10 biggest houses in the world:
10. Fair Field, Sagaponack, New York, USA
Area: 64,000 Square Feet
Fair Field is a 64,000 sq ft private house, located in the Hamptons, in the state of New York.
It was built in 2003 and is owned by American Billionaire businessman, Ira Rennert.
The mansion is reportedly worth a whopping $249 million and is one of the biggest houses in the United States.
The home is reported to have 29 bedrooms and 39 bathrooms, 2 bowling alleys, multiple squash courts, a 164-seat theater room, and an indoor basketball court.
Not too shabby for $249 million, wouldn’t you say?!
9. Pensmore, Highlandville, Missouri, USA
Area: 72,215 Square Feet
Another one of the biggest houses in the world and the United States is Pensmore.
It’s located in the Ozark Mountains, close to Highlandville, Missouri, and has a 72,215 sq ft footprint.
The house was constructed in 2008, by American millionaire and astrophysicist Steven Huff, to be able to withstand earthquakes, tornadoes, and bomb blasts.
It’s believed that the home reaches approximately five stories high, and contains 13 bedrooms, 14 baths, and 12-inch thick exterior walls.
Huff decided to build Pensmore so he could explore how different climates would affect the concepts of the house on a commercial scale and showcase sustainable construction techniques.
8. Taohuayuan, Suzhou, China
Area: 72,400 Square Feet
Located in Suzhou, China, this 72,400 sq ft luxury home was built on a private island, over three years, by the property development company, Sunac China.
The house is situated on the south shore of Suzhou’s Dushu Lake and is believed to have 32 bathrooms and bedrooms, a wine cellar, lavish gardens, and an ornamental pond.
The surrounding gardens and landscaping were modeled on Suzhou’s Classical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2016, the house was put up for sale for $154 million, making it China’s most expensive home.
7. The One, Bel Air, California, USA
Area: 74,000 Square Feet
‘The One,’ built by film producer and real estate developer Nile Niami, is the seventh biggest house in the world.
It was built in 2013 and is located in Bel Air, California, in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the country.
For $500 million, the house comes with 20 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms, a bowling alley, an IMAX style theater room, four swimming pools, a wine room, and an 8,500 sq ft night club, as well as many other extravagant features.
The giga-mansion is believed to be one of the most expensive homes in the United States and even has walls made out of jellyfish tanks.
6. Villa Leopolda, French Riviera, France
Area: 80,000 Square Feet
Villa Leopolda was built between 1929 and 1931 and was owned by Brazilian billionaire Lily Safra until she sold it to a Russian Oligarch in 2008.
Situated in the French Riviera, the mansion was formerly owned by King Leopold II of Belgium, who later bestowed it upon his mistress as a gift.
The 50-acre estate boasts 19 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a commercial greenhouse, a private theatre, 12 swimming pools, an outdoor kitchen, and a helipad.
The property was used as a military hospital during World War 1 and has been featured in several films, including To Catch a Thief & The Red Shoes.
Villa Leopolda is believed to be one of the most expensive houses in Europe, valued in 2008 at $750 million.
5. Versailles, Windermere, Florida, USA
Area: 90,000 Square Feet
This 14 bedroom, 32 bathroom mega-mansion, is the home of Jacqueline and David Siegel, the CEO of Westgate Resorts.
The house was inspired by the Palace of Versailles and began construction in 2004.
However, due to some legal issues, building work was put on hold for several years and wasn’t completed until 2019.
It’s now thought to be the largest single-family home in the United States.
Versailles was featured in several documentaries over the years, the most famous being the 2012 documentary, The Queen of Versailles.
Some of the mansion’s other features include an arcade, a gym, a salon, a two-story movie theatre, 11 kitchens, 6 swimming pools, an exotic-fish aquarium, an elevator, and a garage big enough for 30 cars. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
4. Witanhurst, London, UK
Area: 90,000 Square Feet
The third biggest house in the world is the Grade II listed Georgian Revival mansion, Witanhurst.
Second, only to Buckingham Palace, Wintanhurst is the second-largest residential estate in London, England, and has been owned by several high-profile individuals throughout its lifetime.
The mega-mansion was built between 1913 and 1920 and was designed by architect George Hubbard.
The property became dilapidated after years of neglect and was brought back to life in 2008 after substantial renovations by the family of, a Russian businessman, Andrey Guryev.
It’s reported that Mr. Guryev paid somewhere in the region of $65 million for the estate in 2008.
Witanhurst is thought to have 65 rooms in total, including 25 bedrooms, a dining room, a billiards room, a massage parlor, a gym and sauna, and a movie theatre.
All in all, Witanhurst’s estate totals a whopping 90,000 square feet!
3. Safra Mansion, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Area: 117,000 Square Feet
Safra Mansion is the largest private residence in Sao Paulo and home to private banking family, the Safras.
It’s located in the Morumbi neighborhood of Sao Paulo and is often said to resemble Villa Leopolda from the French Riveria.
Not much is known about the details of the property; however, the 117,000 sq ft estate is believed to have 130 rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and is surrounded by a massive wall.
The Safra’s are known to be very private and like to keep to themselves, which is thought to be the main reason why they moved to Brazil from the United States.
Safra Mansions’ actual value is unknown, but it’s more than likely somewhere in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
2. Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Area: 178,926 Square Feet
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is thought to be the most significant private residence in the United States.
The chateau-inspired mansion was built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a successful shipping and railroad magnate.
The main house on the estate has 250 rooms, including 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor swimming pool, and a 23,000 book library.
In 1930, the house was opened to the public, offering the chance to stay in America’s largest private residence for as long as you could afford.
However, guests are permitted to stay in the on-site hotel or cottages, not the main house.
The 178,926 sq ft mega-mansion is open to the public for tours and accommodation.
1. Antilia, Mumbai, India
Area: 400,000 Square Feet
Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in India in 2018, calls this 27 story giga-mansion, home.
The oil and gas tycoon completed the $2 billion house in 2010, working with two different architecture firms to get the job done.
The 400,000 sq ft, 500 ft high skyscraper took approximately four years to build and was based entirely on Vaastu, a traditional Indian system of architecture.
Sticking to Vaastu guidelines, no two floors are the same, in terms of floor plan and materials, and the top stories offer panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Inside Antilia, there are six floors of car parking space to accommodate 168 cars, several spa’s and gym’s, indoor swimming pools, a theatre, guest apartments, a yoga center and dance studio, and helipads on the roof for three helicopters.
Antilia requires a staff of 600 people working around the clock to make sure the biggest house in the world is kept in pristine condition.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 biggest houses in the world.
Insane, right? It still blows our minds to think that one family can live in a 250 room house.
I mean, how much time can you spend in each room?!
Still, why not if you have the means to do it!
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 biggest houses in the world :
- Antilia, Mumbai, India
- Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
- Safra Mansion, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Witanhurst, London, UK
- Versailles, Windermere, Florida, USA
- Villa Leopolda, French Riviera, France
- The One, Bel-Air, California, USA
- Taohuayuan, Suzhou, China
- Pensmore, Highland, Missouri, USA
- Fair Field, Sagaponack, New York, USA
What’s your favorite house? Leave a comment below.
If we wanted to just make a list of the biggest residences in the world, it would be full of palaces. The Sultan of Brunei’s 2,152,782-square-foot, marble-laden palace would be at the top of the list.
Contents
- 1. Antilia — Mumbai, India
- 2. Biltmore Estate — Asheville, North Carolina
- 3. Safra Mansion — Sao Paulo, Brazil
- 4. Witanhurst London — England
- 5. Versailles — Windermere, Florida
- 6. Villa Leopolda — The French Riviera
- 7. The One — Bel Air, California
- 8. Taohuayuan — Suzhou, China
- 9. Pensmore — Highlandville, Missouri
- 10. Fair Field — Sagaponack, New York
For our list of the world’s largest homes, we tried to stick with privately owned homes, so we excluded Oheka Castle, Arden House, and some other Vanderbilt and Hearst homes, as many are now hotels, research facilities, or the property of a university or parks department, respectively. Read on to see just what kind of real estate big money can buy.
1. Antilia — Mumbai, India
With a net worth in the billions, Mukesh Ambani is currently the richest person in India and on earth. The oil and gas tycoon can boast about owning the world’s largest and most expensive private residence. The $2 billion home, known as Antilia — because, as you’ll notice, naming your home is apparently a thing for the uber-wealthy — is a towering, 27-story skyscraper situated in downtown Mumbai.
Ambani worked with architecture firms Perkins + Will and Hirsch Bedner Associates to build his personal skyscraper. Standing 550 feet high and hosting 400,000 square feet of living space, the entire project took more than four years to complete. To prevent repeating architectural elements, no two floors are identical in either floor plan or building material. The overall structure is based on Vaastu, an Indian architectural philosophy that’s similar to the Chinese feng shui tradition. Nine elevators carry individuals throughout the massive complex, and the top floors of Antilia offer panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
2. Biltmore Estate — Asheville, North Carolina
If you had to guess where shipping and railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt and his heirs built some of their many residences, you’d probably say New York City or Long Island. And, you’d be right. Asheville, North Carolina, probably wouldn’t immediately spring to mind unless you’re familiar with the Biltmore Estate. Completed in 1895, the chateau-inspired main house has 250 rooms. The estate’s 8,000 acres now hold a winery farm, stables, and gardens. (The Devil in the White City readers will recognize the name of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed the gardens, in addition to Central Park and the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.) Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil opened the home to the public in 1930. While you can’t stay in one of the house’s 34 bedrooms, there is a hotel, inn, and cottage on the grounds that accept guests.
With its 43 bathrooms, three kitchens, 65 fireplaces, banquet hall, 70,000-gallon indoor swimming pool, 23,000-book library, and bowling alley, it’s a palatial structure that came outfitted with modern conveniences for the era: electricity, central plumbing and heating, fire alarms, and elevators. The 178,926-square-foot home is considered the largest private residence in the U.S.
3. Safra Mansion — Sao Paulo, Brazil
What can we tell you about this mansion owned by a notoriously private banking family, the Safras? Not much, except it’s ginormous and is a bit reminiscent of Villa Leopolda, a French Riviera mansion that once belonged to his brother Edmond. (Actually number six on this list.) Surrounded by a high wall, the 130-room house is about 10,868 square meters (35,565 square feet) and features two swimming pools (one indoors).
The largest private residence in Sao Paulo, it’s located in the Morumbi neighborhood, next door to the city’s second-biggest home. Though it’s been the site of several Safra family members’ weddings, there don’t seem to be many photos of the home online. The Safra family is as sprawling as its mansion, and they have pricey real estate all over the globe. In 2014, Joseph bought the Gherkin, a London skyscraper, for more than $990 million (£700 million). Jacob M. Safra, the son of Joseph’s late brother Mosie, purchased Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s childhood home for more than $25 million in 2017. According to Forbes, Joseph Safra is worth $22.8 billion, making him number 39 on its billionaire list.
4. Witanhurst London — England
Technically, Buckingham Palace is the largest residence in London. It has roughly 830,000 square feet of living space, 775 rooms, and several corgis. Because it’s also the home of a queen, we’re skipping it in favor of the city’s second-largest abode. Designed by architect George Hubbard to incorporate part of the Georgian-style Parkfield estate that previously stood on the property, the newly named Witanhurst was built between 1913 and 1920. A former resident who had grown up using the trapeze in Parkland’s gymnasium once referred to the remodeled home as “the present monster.” Over the next century, Witanhurst became dilapidated after decades of neglect, despite serving as the setting for the BBC show Fame Academy in the early 2000s.
If Lady Greig thought the 40,000-square-foot home was monstrous before, there’s no telling what she’d make of Witanhurst’s most recent renovation. With the addition of two basements — housing a 70-foot swimming pool, movie theater, massage parlor, a sauna, gym, and parking spaces — the living space will add up to 90,000 square feet. Just who bought the mansion for £50 million in 2008 was a mystery, until 2015, when The New Yorker reported it was Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev.
5. Versailles — Windermere, Florida
Getting the gem-encrusted floor of your dreams can be a rocky road. The ups and downs of Jacqueline and David Siegel’s mega-mansion were chronicled in the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles. Back then it seemed like the couple might lose their still-under-construction behemoth. But in 2017, they were reportedly attempting to hire Bravo’s Flipping Out crew to decorate every inch of the suburban palace’s 90,000 square feet. Jeff Lewis turned the job down.
The home has 32 bathrooms, 11 kitchens, 14 bedrooms, an arcade, a gym, a salon, and a movie theater. There’s also space for 30 cars in the garage and six pools to choose from. On the Bravo show, Jackie said she scrapped plans for an indoor ice skating rink because she thought a roller rink would be more versatile. As of October 2019, the home mansion is still under construction, but should be completed within the next year or two.
6. Villa Leopolda — The French Riviera
Constructed more than a century ago, Villa Leopolda is brimming with history as well as extravagance. The 50-acre estate situated in the French Riviera was originally constructed by King Leopold II of Belgium, and was later bestowed upon one of his mistresses as a gift. Inside there are 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, as well as a commercial greenhouse.
The home was used as a military hospital during World War I and has made appearances in several films over the years, including Powell and Pressburger’s The Red Shoes and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, To Catch a Thief.
7. The One — Bel Air, California
Exclusive Look At LA’s $500 Million Mega-House | CNBC
When asked if some of the spec giga-mansions promising buyers 100,000 square feet of space would challenge Versailles’s supremacy, Jackie Siegel said they don’t count because it’s not all under one roof. She’s not wrong. Film producer and real estate developer Nile Niami has boasted about a 100,000-square-foot Bel Air, California, property, The One, but it’s actually a 73,934-square-foot main house and some adjacent buildings that make up that total figure. Not that nearly 74,000 is anything to scoff at, of course.
The prospective owner will be able to boast about being neighbors with Jennifer Aniston — for $500,000,000. They can also roam around the house’s 20 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms, go bowling, or feed the jellyfish that live in the ceiling. Despite several appeals, the city denied letting Niami add a third kitchen he hoped to have for catered events. It seems the neighbors aren’t keen on having a “party house” in the area. The new owner will just have to limit the guest list when inviting people to sample the wine room or chill in the night club.
8. Taohuayuan — Suzhou, China
Sometimes a lake view is not enough, and that’s when you have to spring for a swimming pool and pond, too. The landscaping is modeled on the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient gardens, which incorporate stones, water, and plants, are in the same city as Taohuayuan, a 72,441-square-foot mansion on Dushu Lake.
With 32 bathrooms and bedrooms and a wine cellar, the interior decor is a mix of modern and more classic design. When it went on sale in 2016, it was mainland China’s most expensive house, according to Mansion Global. With the $154 million (1 billion yuan) price came views of Suzhou’s skyline, the privacy of its island setting, and curved roofs and other traditional architectural elements.
9. Pensmore — Highlandville, Missouri
Most over-the-top mansions are built for aesthetics, but Steven Huff constructed Pensmore for science. Thanks to the concrete Huff created, it’s supposed to withstand bombs, earthquakes, and whatever else the Ozarks throw at it. The astrophysicist and former CIA officer wanted to use the 13-bedroom, 14-bathroom fortress as a testing ground for energy-efficient and disaster-resistant building technology, according to a slightly over-the-top Travel Channel video.
CIA plus astrophysicist plus disaster-proof equals conspiracy theories, and there are plenty of those swirling around Pensmore. Its future is uncertain, though, because Huff filed a lawsuit against the construction company that built the 72,000-square-foot lab/bunker/family home. At the time, Huff wanted it torn down and restarted from scratch.
10. Fair Field — Sagaponack, New York
In the Hamptons, there are Real Housewives homes — 4,239 square feet for $2.5 million — and then there are billionaires’ homes. Take industrialist Ira Rennert’s Fair Field. At 64,389 square feet, it just squeaked onto this list. With the other structures on the 63-acre property, it’s a 110,000-square-foot estate. Some of the amenities include two bowling alleys, squash quarts, a $150,000 hot tub, a theater with seating for 164, and an indoor basketball court.
Right from the start, neighbors were grumpy about the sprawling estate, and adding helicopters to the mix didn’t help matters. Then Rennert was accused of funneling money from a mining company to pay for Fair Field, which is valued at $248,477,200. He was ordered to pay $213 million in March of 2017. Back in the late 1990s, when Rennert was constructing Fair Field, Kurt Vonnegut was very perturbed, inspiring James Brady to fictionalize the story in The House that Ate the Hamptons.
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9 of the most expensive houses in the world
It is said that “Home is where the heart is” and a home or a house is a place where living beings seek permanent shelter and therefore, it is the most desirable possession for them. Apart from shelters, houses are a reflection of an individual or a family’s social status in today’s modern world scenario. A beautiful house, A Grand Mansion, A Royal Palace, etc are different expressions of dwelling spaces. This article captures all of these biggest mansions in the world featuring the 30 Biggest houses in the world in terms of their massive area having stylish amenities that one can ever dream of.
1. Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei | Biggest House In The World
Architect: Leandro Locsin
Year: 1984
Istana Nurul Iman, also known as the ‘Palace of the Light of Faith’ is the largest house in the world that belongs to the Sultan of Brunei, with a floor area of 2,152,782 square feet. This magnificent palace was constructed with Brunei’s Malay and Islamic architectural style. This is the largest single-family built residence ever with 17 floors having 1788 rooms including 257 bathrooms, 44 stairways, and 18 elevators.
2. Antilia, Mumbai, India | Biggest Mansion in the World
Architect: Perkins and Will
Year: 2006
Antilia is owned by an Indian Billionaire, Mukesh Ambani, and his family having a total area of 4,00,000 square feet with 27 floors including three helipads, a 168 car garage, and 80 seat theatre. This biggest house in the world is to be estimated at around 2 billion USD which ranks as the second most expensive house after Buckingham Palace.
3. Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, USA | Biggest House in the World
Architect: Richard Morris Hunt
Year: 1895
Biltmore Estate was built for George Washington Vanderbilt II with Chateauesque Architecture Style in Asheville, North Carolina. It is the largest privately-owned residence in the U.S. having a floor area of 1,78,926 Square feet with 250 rooms. This palatial structure comprises an 8000 square feet master bedroom, 15 bedrooms, 30 bathrooms, 11 kitchens with modern appliances like coffee grinders, and 6 swimming pools.
4. Safra Mansion, São Paulo, Brazil
Year: 1895
Safra Mansion belongs to a Brazilian Banker, Mr. Joseph Safra which is also reminiscent of Villa Leopolda, a french Riviera Mansion. Being the largest private residence in Sao Paulo, this Grandeur structure houses 130 rooms with a total floor area of 1, 17,000 square feet surrounded by a high wall all around.
5. Fairfield Pond, Hamptons | Largest house in the world
Year: 1999
Fairfield Pond is owned by an American investor called Ira Rennert, with a total area of 1, 10,000 square feet having an estimated price of 170 million USD. Having a controversial history, this house features 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, a formal dining area, a bowling alley, and a hot tub worth 1,50,000 USD.
6. Oheka Castle, New York, USA | Biggest House in the World
Architect: Delano & Aldrich; Olmsted Brothers, et al.
Year: 1919
Being the second-largest private residence in the U.S., Oheka Castle was the country home of an investment financier and Philanthropist called Ottoman Hermann Kahn which is also known as Otto Kahn Estate. This Magnificent castle having Chateauesque Architecture Style consists of 127 rooms over the area of 1, 09,000 square feet.
7. The One, California, USA
Architect: Paul McClean
Year: 2013
Currently, The One is the most expensive private house in the U.S. with an estimated cost of 500 million USD with a total area of 1, 00,000 square feet. This ultra-luxurious mega-mansion comes with a 30 car garage, a 5000 square feet master bedroom, and a casino.
8. Witan Hurst, London | Biggest Mansion in the World
Architect: George Hubbard
Year: 1920
This magnificent mansion is the second largest residence in London that reflects Georgian Revival Architectural style with an area of 90,000 square feet. The residence was owned by several owners consisting of all the modern facilities like a swimming pool with a sauna room and gym, a movie theatre, and a massage parlor.
9. Meadow Brook Hall, Michigan, USA
Architect: William E. Kapp
Year: 1929
Meadow Brook Hall, one of America’s classified castles, is also the fourth largest mansion in the U.S. with 110 rooms which covers an area of 88,000 square feet. It reflects the Tudor revival style, which is currently used as a museum and an exhibition hall.
10. Modern Versailles, Florida, USA | Biggest Houses In The World
Architect: Rick Brautigan
Year: 2016-present
As the name suggests, this grandeur was modeled after the Palace of Versailles with an area of 85,000 square feet. It belongs to the CEO of Westgate Resorts and it is believed that the completed project will be one of the largest private mansions in the U.S. This palatial structure comprises an 8000 square feet master bedroom, 15 bedrooms, 30 bathrooms, 11 kitchens, and 6 swimming pools.
What is the biggest house in the world? The answer depends on how you define size and net worth. Luxury properties aren’t hard to find, but you may have wondered what are the biggest homes in the world.
For the record, the largest home in the world is a palace. However, others homes rank at the top in size and luxury.
The biggest mega-residences are more than luxury homes and include grand estates, historical destinations, or a rich person’s folly.
In a rush? Check out this list of residences that vie for being the biggest houses in the world.
- Istana Nurul Iman – Brunei
- Buckingham Palace – UK
- Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia – India
- Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
- Oheka Castle – West Hills, New York
- Bel-Air Mansion – California
- Arden House – Harriman, New York
- Versailles – Windermere, Florida
- Villa Leopolda – Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Florham – Vanderbilt estate – Madison, New Jersey
- Fair Field House – Sagaponack, New York, USA
- House in Kensington & Chelsea – UK
The Biggest Celebrity Houses in the United States
- Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s
- Oprah Winfrey
- Dwayne Johnson
- Ryan Seacrest
- Tom Cruise
Who Has The Biggest House In The World?
The biggest house in the world is in Brunei. Keep reading to learn more about its owner and the people who live in it.
Istana Nurul Iman
Istana Nurul Iman Palace in Brunei is a staggering 2 million sq/ft residence that is home to the country’s royal family. The home is also the official seat of the Bruneian government and headquarters of the Sultanate.
The royal palace boasts 1,800 rooms and 257 bathrooms and a banquet hall. To navigate their way around the house, residents can use one of 44 marble staircases and 18 elevators.
The English translation of the palace’s name is “Palace of the Light of Faith,” and cost $1.5 billion to build. Equipped with five swimming pools, a helipad, an air-conditioned horse stable, and a garage big enough for a few hundred cars.
Buckingham Palace
Located in Westminster, London, England, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen of England and the royal family’s headquarters.
Encompassing 830,000 square feet, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 52 principal bedrooms and 19 staterooms. Added features are its own post office, swimming pool, cinema, doctor’s office and a jewelry workshop.
Built in 1703, it became the London home of the British monarchy when Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837. You might find this hard to believe, but Buckingham Palace is not a UNESCO world heritage site.
Antilia Mumbai India
Antilia is a skyscraper mansion in Mumbai, India. It is one of the most expensive mansions if not the most expensive around the world. The asymmetrical tower stands 60 stories tall and has 27 floors.
Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani commissioned the 400,000 square foot skyscraper, which was designed by Chicago architecture firm Perkins + Will.
The designers built the mansion to withstand an 8-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale. Not surprisingly, the family requires a staff of 600.
It includes all the modern amenities along with features including helipads, an ice-cream parlor, a 50-seat theatre and a swimming pool. There’s also a snow room that generates snowflakes and maintains a below-zero temperature.
Biltmore Estate Asheville North Carolina
Synonymous with historic opulence, the Biltmore Estate Asheville North Carolina home is one of the most expensive houses worldwide. Today it’s a historic house museum and tourist attraction.
Originally built as a private residence for George Washington Vanderbilt II. Today, it’s owned by Vanderbilt’s descendants, and remains the largest privately-owned house in the US, covering 178,926 sq ft.
Once the Gilded Age Biltmore Estate opened on Christmas Eve of 1895, it played host to a string of famous guests over the years. American writers like Edith Wharton and Henry James were frequent guests, along with US presidents and foreign dignitaries.
Oheka Castle
More than a century old, Oheka Castle was built by the late financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and is the second-largest residential estate in the US.
The 443-acre Cold Spring Harbor property on the highest point in Long Island boasts a residence that is 109,000 square feet. The 127-room estate was used as a summer home and hosted countless dignitaries and celebrities in the 20s.
Today, the mansion is a luxury historic hotel, with 32 guest apartments and rooms.
Master P – Bel Air Mansion
This mega-mansion in Bel-Air, California is the largest private residence in the US as well as one of the biggest houses in the world. Under construction for about seven years, the huge mansion called “The One” was created by film producer Nile Niami.
At 105,000 square feet, this ultra-luxury estate has 20 bedrooms, including a 4,000 sq ft master bedroom — the size of a large suburban home. It also has 30 bathrooms, five swimming pools, and a wine room
The home also features a 36-seat home movie theatre. There’s also a bowling alley, a night club, and recreational amenities.
Landed Historic Estate
When construction started in 1905, the 100,000 square foot Arden House had a place on the list as one of the most expensive houses around the world.
This beautiful home sits on an estate near Harriman, New York. It was built by railroad magnate Edward Henry Harriman. The secluded 450-acre estate on a mountaintop includes a 125-acre lake.
Arden House is home to the Research Center on Natural Conservation, a non-profit founded by Chinese company Fang Holdings Ltd.
Versailles Replica
This Versailles is in a gated community in Windermere, Florida, and covers 85,000 square feet. The original design will have nine kitchens, 14 bedrooms, three locations will house an indoor swimming pool.
The home has a ballroom that can host up to 1,000 guests. It also has a 20,000-bottle wine cellar, two-lane bowling alley, and a two-story movie theater.
Originally built as a replica of the Versailles in France, the private residence sits on a man-made hill, covering ten acres of lakefront property.
Outside, the property boasts two tennis courts, a baseball diamond and formal outdoor gardens. Founder of Westgate Resorts, David Alan Siegel, owns the home.
Villa Leopolda
Nestled along the luxurious French Riviera, Villa Leopolda in Villefranche-sur-Mer was once the third-biggest house in the world.
This dreamy getaway has a storied history, starting as a gift from King Leopold II of Belgium to his mistress Blanche Zélia Joséphine Delacroix.
Built in 1929-1931, Villa Leopolda is an 80,000 sq ft residence. It served as a World War I military hospital on the French Riviera. After that, Villa Leopolda has had a string of wealthy and famous owners, including current owner Brazilian billionaire Lily Safra
The 18-acre waterfront estate boasts a massive villa with 9 master bedroom suites, 14 bathrooms and 12 swimming pools. The breathtaking French Riviera location includes manicured gardens.
Christopher Wren Mansion
After having secured their place with the Biltmore, the Vanderbilt family also constructed Florham, an 80,000 sq ft Gilded Age estate.
Built in the 1890s for Hamilton McKown Twombly and his wife, Florence Adele Vanderbilt, it is one of the 10 biggest houses in the US.
Boasting 110 rooms, Florham was inspired by Sir Christopher Wren’s late 17th-century expansion of Hampton Court Palace. The interior was outfitted with luxuries like magnificent Renaissance fireplaces and a Louis XV ballroom.
When the last heirs died, it was broken up, with part of the property now a corporate park. The mansion, with its 178 acres of gardens and greenhouses, was sold to Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Fair Field House – Sagaponack, New York
Another one of the biggest houses in the world is in the Hamptons. Fair Field was controversial before the first shovel hit the dirt. Junk bond billionaire Ira Rennert built Fair Field in Sagaponack, New York. The massive 62,000 sq ft mansion is equal to 1.5 acres.
Residents in nearby Southampton opposed it due to the project’s impact on the area.
The Italian renaissance home sits on 63 acres of prime south shore Hamptons beachfront. Zillow reports that the main house has 21 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces, a 164-seat movie theatre, and a 91-foot-long dining room.
The Fair Field property includes has a 100-car garage, helipad, two pool houses and an outdoor kitchen. There’s also a playhouse, in which you’ll find an indoor basketball court, two-lane bowling alley, billiards room, and two squash courts and tennis courts.
Kensington & Chelsea
A corner residence in one of Knightsbridge’s most prestigious postcodes is also among the huge houses in the world. Although it’s not as massive as some, this Queen Anne-style home has 11,855 sq ft in a city where space is costly to come by.
Stuart House is six floors of grand interiors. Designed in 1880 by architects F.G Knight and Hunt Steward, it is the only property with a swimming pool in Cadogan Square.
The expensive house has seven reception rooms, five bedrooms, a family ‘den’ and study, as well as a teenage retreat on the top floor. The staff accommodations are located on the lower level.
Biggest Celebrity Houses in the US
Have you ever wondered who has the biggest mansion in the US? Or which celebrity own the biggest home. Whether a celebrity home is one of the largest houses worldwide, one thing is for sure, each home is special for its location, design, and architecture.
Here are some of the biggest houses of celebrities in the US.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Bel Air Mansion
The first couple of the music world, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, have a home that is one of the largest celebrity homes as well as one of the most expensive celebrity homes. The Bel Air residence has 30,000 sq ft that include eight bedrooms, and 11 bathrooms.
It has luxurious features that range from a 15 car garage, a spa, movie theater, two indoor pools, hot tub, and a basketball court. It reportedly is outfitted with bulletproof glass and state-of-the-art security technology.
Sitting on 1.88 acres, it features a massive outdoor living space with roughly 10,000 sq ft.
Oprah Winfrey – Montecito
Oprah Winfrey owns many properties, but her home in Montecito, California is the best known. The 23,000 sq ft Georgian revival home sits on 65 acres. It’s one of the biggest houses in the region and one of the most expensive celebrity homes.
Named Promised Land, the home has six bedrooms, and 14 bathrooms and plenty of indoor amenities. The sprawling estate also has a 5,000 sq ft ranch she acquired in 2016.
Outdoors, the expansive property has landscaped terraces, fountains and rose gardens. It also features a pool and spa area with a pool house and a carriage house that serves as an art studio.
Dwayne Johnson’s Mansion
At 18,000 square feet, Dwayne Johnson’s Beverly Park home is one of the biggest houses and also one of the most expensive homes. Johnson bought the home from Alex Van Halen, drummer for the seminal rock band, Van Halen.
The Mediterranean-style main house sits on 3.6 acres of land high in the mountains above Beverly Hills and has a floor plan that includes six bedrooms and 11.5 bathrooms.
There’s also a separate 2,500 sq ft guest home. At $27.8 million, it’s not the most expensive home, but it’s been described as “a complete resort.”
Ryan Seacrest’s House
Ryan Seacrest’s $85-million Los Angeles estate has a star-studded history, having been the former home of Hollywood royalty like Ellen DeGeneres. Seacrest had the five-structure property renovated by adding more property next door to create a massive main house and private ecosystem.
At 9,000 square feet with 22 sq ft ceilings, the large house feels expansive even though it might not be the biggest. The gourmet kitchen features an attached outdoor pizza oven. Other amenities include a gym, movie theater, and outdoor swimming pool.
Tom Cruise – Telluride, Colorado
Tom Cruise sold his Colorado home, which might not be the biggest in the world, but it’s a stunning piece of real estate. At a modest 11,512 sq ft, the seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom home marked the highest residential sale ever in Telluride.
Sitting on 320 acres, the $39.5 million home is at the end of a mile-long gated driveway in an Aspen forest. Bordered by a national forest on three sides, the property has a pool and spa, massage parlor, horse stables, and a helipad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Who has the biggest house in the world?
This may be debatable, but Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani has the most expensive and largest private home in the world. Antilia is a personal skyscraper 60 stories tall and encompassing 400,000 square feet, located in Mumbai, India.
What is the biggest house in the world in 2022?
Istana Nurul Iman Palace in Brunei was and is the biggest home in the world. With a staggering 2 million square feet, it is home to the country’s royal family and the official seat of the Bruneian government and headquarters of the Sultanate.
Who owns the biggest house in America?
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, takes the honor for being the biggest home in the U.S. Covering a massive 175,000 square feet, this house is almost 70,000 square feet bigger than the next largest one.
Who owns the biggest house in the Hamptons?
Junk bond billionaire Ira Rennert owns Fair Field, the biggest house in the Hamptons. Located in Sagaponack, New York, the house is a massive 62,000-square-foot mansion, equal to 1.5 acres. It sits on 63 acres of prime south shore Hamptons beachfront
Who owns the biggest house in California?
Called “The One,” this new mega-mansion in Bel-Air, California was under construction for about seven years. Built by developer Nile Niami, the 105,000 square-foot ultra-luxury estate is up for auction in a foreclosure sale.
Who owns the biggest house in LA?
While “The One” takes this title too, the next biggest is the Spelling Manor in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. Famed television producer Aaron Spelling built a 56,500-square-foot (5,250 m2) French chateau-style mansion. It has 123 rooms, including 27 bathrooms and 14 bedrooms.
Who owns the $500 million dollar house?
Developer and former film producer Nile Niami, built the home. However, Niami defaulted on a number of loans and the house was up for sale in a foreclosure auction.
What is bigger than a mansion?
When comes to residential real estate, a manor would be considered larger than a mansion, mostly because a manor is an estate with land. The actual house itself might not be bigger than a mansion. Otherwise, a palace would be considered bugger than a mansion.
Who has the smallest house in the world?
Artist Jeff Smith designed the smallest house in the world in 2015. This super tiny house has a sink and an oven — with a hole for a toilet. At just 25 sq ft, the resident can only sit or lie down
Which NBA Player Has The Biggest House?
Anthony Davis, of the Los Angeles Lakers, lives in Bel Air, California. His mansion is worth $31 million, making it one of the most expensive houses, if not the most expensive of all NBA players.
Which Rapper Has The Biggest House?
Rapper and record mogul Master P lives in Bel Air, California on an estate valued at $550 million. Master P’s home, which he named “The One,” is the biggest mansion owned by a rapper. The home beautiful home has panoramic views, 42 bathrooms, 21 bedrooms, a 30-car garage, bowling alley, movie theater, and more.
What Is The Biggest Lego House In The World?
Lego House is a 12,000-square metre building filled with 25 million Lego bricks in Billund, Denmark, near Legoland and The Lego Group headquarters.
What’s The Biggest House In California?
Marc Andreesen set a record in California after he paid $177 million for a compound in Malibu. Behind him, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong paid $133 million for a modern mansion in Bel Air.
What Are The Biggest Energy Users In A House?
Cooling and heating consume almost 50 percent of a home’s energy.
Biggest House In The World Conclusion
Most people will never live in one of the world’s biggest mansions. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t be fascinated by the luxuries and amenities the properties hold.
It’s always fun to dream and imagine what it would be like to live in one of the biggest mansions in the world. You might find an idea that you could incorporate into your home or tiny house for added luxury.
Living large is a state of mind. After all, who needs three kitchens when one is enough?