From historic royal palaces to modern architectural wonders, these homes show how the world's wealthiest people live.
Let’s take a look at the list of the 10
Most expensive houses in the world
.
1 Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham Palace is the world's most expensive house and the official residence of the British monarch. It has been a symbol of the British monarchy and prestige for centuries. Built in 1705, the palace has been renovated and expanded over the years, resulting in its current neoclassical design. The palace is known for its beautiful gardens and the famous balcony where the royal family appears on special occasions. Inside, it features luxurious staterooms, an impressive art collection, and grand ceremonial spaces. Buckingham Palace is also a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard and learn about the history of the British monarchy.2. Antilia, Mumbai
Antilia is a 27-story skyscraper in Mumbai and one of the most expensive homes in the world. Owned by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, one of India's richest people, this modern marvel has luxury features like three helipads, a 168-car garage, multiple swimming pools, a theatre, and even a snow room. The top four floors are covered with energy-saving hanging gardens.The skyscraper covers over 400,000 square feet and is 568 feet tall. Its unique design includes lotus and sun motifs made with high-end materials like crystals, marble, and mother-of-pearl. However, Antilia has sparked public debate because of the sharp contrast between its luxury and the poverty in the surrounding area.
3. Villa Leopolda , French Riviera
Villa Leopolda is located in Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera and is a historic and luxurious house with a rich history. It was originally built by King Leopold II of Belgium for his mistress, Caroline Lacroix, and later served as a military hospital during World War I. In the 1920s, American architect Ogden Codman Jr. transformed it into a beautiful Neo-Palladian home.Today, Villa Leopolda is famous for its museum-like art collection, lavish interiors designed by Renzo Mongiardino and Mica Ertegün, and its 50-acre grounds with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
4. Villa Les Cedres, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Villa Les Cèdres, located on the French Riviera, is a historic and luxurious estate. Built in 1830, King Leopold II of Belgium, known for his wealth from the Congo, bought and renovated it in 1904, naming it "Les Cèdres."The villa spans 18,000 square feet and includes 14 bedrooms, a grand library with rare books, and a ballroom. Over the years, it has been owned by several notable families, including the Marnier-Lapostolle family, creators of Grand Marnier liqueur, and later by Italian distiller Davide Campari-Milano.
5. Les Palais Bulles, Cannes
Also known as the "Bubble Palace," Les Palais Bulles is one of the world's most expensive houses. Located in Théoule-sur-Mer, near Cannes, France, it was designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag and finished in 1989. Originally built for French industrialist Pierre Bernard, it was later purchased by famous fashion designer Pierre Cardin as a holiday home.The house features a unique, bubble-like design with interconnected rooms, terraces, and stunning sea views. Spanning 1,200 square meters, it includes a reception hall, a panoramic lounge, an open-air amphitheatre with 500 seats, 10 bedrooms, and several swimming pools and waterfalls. Each room, including the 11 bathrooms, has been decorated by different artists, making the palace both unique and artistic. The Palais Bulles reflect Lovag's idea of blending living spaces with nature.
6. The Odeon Tower Penthouse, Monaco
Located in Monaco, the Odeon Tower Penthouse offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city. Also known as Tour Odéon, this skyscraper was built between 2009 and 2015.Covering 3,500 square meters across five floors and standing 170 meters tall, it includes a private elevator, a 500-seat open-air amphitheatre, a rooftop pool, and a private cinema. However, the tower has faced criticism for its impact on the city’s appearance, including issues with shadows and effects on property values in the nearby French city of Beausoleil.
7. Four Fairfield Pond, New York
Four Fairfield Pond is a huge estate in the Hamptons on Long Island, New York. Built in 2003, it covers about 110,000 square feet, with the main house alone being around 64,000 square feet. It has 29 bedrooms and 39 bathrooms.Owned by financier Ira Rennert, known for his work with junk bonds, the property features luxurious amenities like a bowling alley, tennis court, and several swimming pools.
8. 18-19 Kensington Gardens, London
18-19 Kensington Gardens is a prestigious address in Kensington, London, often called "Billionaires Row" because it has some of the world's most expensive properties. This street has hosted many diplomatic missions and wealthy private residents.The buildings here feature a mix of Italianate and Queen Anne styles. The street was first built in the 1840s on land that was once part of Kensington Palace.
9. Beyonce & Jay-Z Malibu Mansion , Malibu
Beyoncé and Jay-Z, two top names in music, live in a luxurious mansion in Malibu, one of the most expensive houses in the world. The home combines modern design with natural elements. It has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and open spaces that let in lots of natural light and offer views of the Pacific Ocean.The mansion is designed with a focus on the environment, using sustainable materials and energy-efficient technology. It features neutral colours and clean lines. The state-of-the-art kitchen includes the latest cooking gadgets.
10. Ellison Estate, California
Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation, owns this large estate in Woodside, California. The estate is famous for its Japanese-themed design. It includes several buildings, gardens, and other luxurious features. The Japanese-inspired design creates a peaceful and beautiful environment. The property has multiple homes, a man-made lake, and extensive Japanese-style gardens.SEE ALSO:
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