Big fat bank accounts enable entrepreneurs and businessmen to enjoy a seemingly flawless lifestyle and to buy pretty much whatever they want. Apart from buying real estate for investment purposes, they also want to live life king-size, compelling them to buy palatial mansions with jaw-dropping features and amenities. Not only are those house big in size, but they are luxurious to the hilt, showcasing the kind of money their owners have. Do you know which houses we are talking about? If not, here is our comprehensive list that will guide you through some of the largest, costliest, and most luxurious homes in the whole world. We are, of course, leaving out the palaces because these come with royalty - they were inherited, not bought. But if you ask us, the Sultan of Brunei's palace, as well as Buckingham Palace, would definitely be featured here, too.
So without further ado, here are the four most expensive houses in the world!
Antilia, India — $1-2 Billion
Antilia happens to be the private residence of Indian business giant, Mukesh Ambani. He is not only one of the richest men in his country but also across the globe, owing his immense him to his company Reliance Industries. Instead of opting for the usual opulent mansion, Mukesh Ambani chose to make Antilia, a 27-story skyscraper, his home. The 550-foot building towers over other skyscrapers in downtown Mumbai. Built by firms like Perkins + Will and Hirsch Bedner Associates, this incredibly luxurious abode cost a staggering $2 billion. The 400,000-square-foot house took four years to complete. There are nine elevators inside the house, and the top floor offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. All the floors have different structures and are built with different materials and are Vaastu-compliant which, if you didn't know, is the Indian equivalent of Feng Shui. We guess that explains all the luck this man has been having in his professional career!
Villa La Leopolda, France — $750 Million
Built by American architect Ogden Codman Jr., the Villa La Leopolda is located in the gorgeous Côte d'Azur or the French Riviera. The chateau-style home was once owned by the king of Belgium Leopold II which he gifted for his mistress Caroline Lacroix. It had several notable owners over the years including the president of Fiat, Gianni and Marella Agnelli. At present, it is owned by philanthropist Lily Safra who was also the wife of a late Lebanese banker, Edmond Safra. The property features a huge greenhouse, a pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a guesthouse. The entrance has a stone staircase inspired by Chateau Borelli. There are eight luxurious suites and eight staff bedrooms. It was once a military hospital and was also used by Alfred Hitchcock in his movie To Catch A Thief. You can take a house tour if you want to see its amazing interiors.
Villa Les Cèdres, France — $410 Million
The Villa Les Cèdres is up for sale, and if you have $410 million in your bank account, then you can afford this elegant property. Built in 1830, this luxurious abode is a mix of history, beauty, and class. Its first owner was the mayor of Villefranche-sur-Mer who made use of this property for an olive tree business; in fact, 300-year-old olive trees still stand proud around the property. Later on, it was sold to King Leopold II of Belgium. The home is 18,000 square feet in size and has 14 bedrooms set on 35 acres of land. The Olympic-sized pool and the lily ponds are worth a mention — you can even find Amazonian lily pads in the pond, too. The library has 300 books on flora and fauna, and there is also a stable and a chandelier-adorned ballroom. The current owner is Italian distiller Davide Campari-Milano SpA. The villa got its name from the cedar trees that lines the long and winding road approaching the house itself.
Tour Odeon Penthouse, Monaco — $387 Million
Monaco - the name itself brings to mind sun, sand, and luxury. And located in this place is the fifth costliest house in the world right now. The Tour Odeon Penthouse has emerged as a game-changer in the real estate scenario in Monaco. The penthouse itself has five floors, and the massive outdoor terrace has an infinity pool and a waterslide that starts from the second floor. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows provides a sweeping view of Monaco from the top. The house also has a private chef and a chauffeur.
Not only is it enough to buy superbly luxurious houses, but you also need to have enough money for its upkeep, insurance, and taxes. While we can't even think of buying anything even close to the houses that are listed here, the only way we can see them are through pictures. Have you seen any of these up close though?
