The Ten Most Expensive Homes In The World!
Nov 16th, 2011 James McHeggins
In the doom and gloom of the current property market, where remortgage deals have all but dried up here is a hit parade of the worlds most lavish properties to re instil our faith in the property market, or perhaps just to make us all jealous!
1 Antilla, Southern Mumbai: Antilla is a 27 story mansion owned by the worlds 4th richest man, Mukesh Ambani. The property is worth a huge US 1 billion and most recently captured headlines for its numerous elevated gardens. Ambani is the head of the Indian petro chemical giant Reliance Industries and lives at the property with his wife and children. The mansion towers 570 feet above the ground, has double height ceilings, various ballrooms, 3 helicopter pads on its roof and retractable stages. Is it any wonder Antilla reigns as the most expensive residential property in the world? Interesting Fact: The property is also home to a total of 600 servants who provide a 24 hour service to the family.
2: Villa Leopolda, Cote dAzur, France.
This 80,000 square foot Chateau on the French Rivera was first built in 1902 by King Leopold II of Belgium. Today, the property is worth US 525 million and is home to Lily Safira, wife of the late French banker Edmond Safira. The villa has a total of 19 bedrooms, multiple kitchens and dining rooms and has its very own screening room. Interesting Fact: Villa Leopolda was made famous in popular culture as the set location of Alfred Hitchcocks To Catch a Thief in 1955.
3: One Hyde Park: The Penthouse, London.
One Hyde Park is actually a complex that includes a total of 3 retail units and 86 residential properties with a starting price of around GBP 20 million. However, the Penthouse Suite of the complex comes third on the worlds most expensive properties largely because of its premium location, topping the bill with a worth of around US 200 million. The property has been specifically designed for the comfort and safety of the rich and the famous. It comes complete with iris scanners, panic rooms and SAS guard. There are various secret tunnels and passageways that entwine the complex, including secret access to the 5 star Mandarin Hotel. The property comes complete with communal spas, squash courts and even wine tasting rooms, not to mention a 24 hour room service. It is no surprise that this penthouse is considered favourite by the celebrities. Interesting Fact: Every window in the penthouse suite is fully bullet proof and is therefore one of the safest buildings in the city.
4: Fairfield Pond, The Hamptons.
Fairfield Pond is considered the biggest residential complex in the whole of Northern America. Named after the Pond it overlooks, the 63 acre compound has an estimated worth of US 170 million. The property has a total of 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms and is home to American Investor and business billionaire Ira Rennert. In addition to all the essentials, the property also houses 5 different sports courts and a bowling alley. In terms of its architecture the property is considered unique for its Mediterranean style roof and a total of 12 chimneys. Interesting Fact: Fairfield Pond also houses a huge US 150k hot tub for the residents pleasure.
5: Hearst Mansion, Beverly Hills.
Set in the heart of Beverly Hills, this is perhaps one of the most famous and well known properties and sitting nicely at 5th costs around US 165 million. The mansion has been a location for the 1992 film The Bodyguard and was home briefly to President John F Kennedy during his honeymoon. With a total of 72,000 square feet of living space, Hearst has 29 bedrooms and 3 swimming pools. However, the estate is actually split into 6 separate residences over the 6.5 acres it habits. It is surrounded by famous neighbours such as Tom Cruise and The Beckhams. Interesting Fact: Hearst Mansion was used as location for the famous horses head in the bed scene in Francis Ford Coppolas 1972 hit The Godfather.
6: Franchuk Villa, Kensington.
This 5 story house located in Upper Philimore Gardens actually served as a girls preparatory school until 1997. Following this is was bought and renovated into a huge residential property worth now around US 161 million. It is owned by Elena Franchuk, a Ukrainian AIDs Philanthropist and was renamed The Franchuk Villa after she purchased it. Following a GBP 10 million renovation in 2008, the property now has 10 bedrooms and a secure panic room. Interesting Fact: Following further renovations on the building, Franchuk Villa now also has an underground swimming pool, gym, sauna and cinema.
7: The Pinnacle, Montana.
With just 10 bedrooms, this comparatively small property is still worth an approximate US 155 million. It is owned by Tim and Edra Blixseth, the joint owners of the Yellowstone Club; a golf and ski resort exclusive for billionaires. All floors within the property are heated; no room is left with cold tiles. Not only this but every single bathroom within the property has its very own fireplaces installed. A perfect, warm get away from the cold Montana weather I would say! Interesting Fact: When we say that every inch of the properties flooring is heated, we were not exaggerating even the driveway is heated!
8: The Manor, Los Angeles.
Named The Manor by owner Cindy Spelling following the death of her producer husband Aaron Spelling, the property stands proudly on the market at US 150 million. It has a total of 123 rooms, an indoor skating rink, numerous swimming pools, 3 kitchens, various sports courts and a private orchard. The property was built from scratch in the late 1980s and was specifically designed for the Spelling Family, including a whole floor dedicated to storing Cindys clothing. With 56,500 square feet of living space, The Manor is the largest residential home in the whole of Los Angeles. The property also has parking space for a total of 100 vehicles. Interesting Fact: The Manor has an entire room dedicated to wrapping presents and a room that is humidity controlled as a silver storage room. As if this wasnt enough, the 17,000 square foot attic accommodates its own barber shop and beauty salon. And the property is still on the market so grab it whilst you can!
9: Updown Court Windlesham, Surrey.
The third UK property featured on the list of the top 10 worlds most expensive properties is Updown Court, the largest private residence to be built in the UK since the 19th Century. The estate is worth around US 139 million and has a total of 103 rooms, 24 of which are bedrooms. Other features of the property include a heated marble driveway, a helipad, 58 acres of gardens and woodland and numerous indoor spas and Jacuzzis including 5 swimming pools. As if this was not enough, the property has an underground garage with floors made of granite that can hold up to 8 limos at any one time. Interesting Fact: The occupied land of Updown Court has a larger area than that of Buckingham Palace!
9: Updown Court, Surrey.
The ninth property on the list is also the UKs third entry, worth US 139 million, that means its 103 rooms total over a million dollars each. Breaking down its component parts, it features 24 bedrooms, 5 swimming pools, more spas and Jacuzzis, 58 acres of gardens and woodland, a helipad and heated marble driveway and underground granite made garage that can hold 8 limos, not bad at all! Interesting Fact: Updown Court is record breaking in two respects, it is the largest private built residence since the 19th century in the UK, at the same time, and its total land space is larger than Buckingham Palace!
10: Draculas Castle, Romania.
Now, the controversy surrounding this property is still at the forefront of 21st century culture; was it the true inspiration behind Bram Stokers famous novel, Dracula? Was it home to the iconic literary figure? Whether or not we ever find the true answers to such like questions, the propertys estimated worth of US 135 million still makes it a worthy contender for the top 10 most expensive properties in the world. The property itself is no longer listed as a residential building since its owner Archduke Dominic Habsburg turned it into a museum in 2009; the building now showcases various artefacts in memory of Queen Marie and her family. The Castle has a total of 57 rooms, 17 of which were bedrooms before it was renovated into a museum. Interesting Fact: Standing tall on a total of 200 feet of rock, Draculas castle attracts over 450,000 tourists every year.About the Author:
James writes for Just Remortgages the leading website in the UK dedicated to providing the latest remortgage rates, and best remortgage deals in the market.
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