Most people in this world work tirelessly to build the place of their dreams, something that they can call their home. A place where they can rest peacefully and comfortably. This makes people spend a big amount of money. Some buy a modest property with a simplistic structure with zero opulence while there are billionaire buyers who go for nothing but sheer luxury. These billionaire homes are architectural expressions born out of extravagance and vanity. Their lavishness and exclusivity not only inspire commoners towards riches but also provide opportunities for experimentation, with some of the most expensive and uncommon technological innovations. From skyscrapers in India to hilltop mansions in California. One may even find inspiration for their own garden or pool from the Beverly Hills manse that appeared in The Bodyguard, "The One," the Bel Air manse that features five swimming pools and is one of the most expensive homes in the United States. Here are the 10 most expensive houses in the world:
1. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom - $2.9 billion With 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, and 92 offices, the Queen of England's London home still holds the top ranking for the most expensive house in the world. Buckingham Palace has been the monarchy's official residence since 1837.
2. Antilia Tower, India - $1 billion Designed in consultation with Chicago-based architecture firm Perkins & Will and Santa Monica–based hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates for Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, this 400,000-square-foot residence in Mumbai's Cumballa Hill neighbourhood is 27 stories high.
3. Villa Leopolda, France – $750 Million The villa is owned by the widow, Lily Safra, of Lebanese Brazillian Banker, Edmund Safra and is located in the Frances Alps-Maritime department of its Cote d’Azur Region and occupies approximately 50 acres. It has 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a commercial greenhouse, helipad, outdoor kitchen and one of the nicest swimming pools you’ll ever see.
4. Villa Les Cèdres, France – $450 Million Estimated at $450 million, this home is getting close to being worth almost half a billion dollars. It was first built in 1830 and purchased by King Leopold II of Belgium in 1904. Set on 35 acres of manicured gardens and named for the cedar trees on the grounds, the 18,000-square-foot, the 14-bedroom estate boasts an Olympic-size swimming pool, a large stable, and decadent interiors fit for the opulence of the home's Belle Epoque heyday.
5. Les Palais Bulles, France – $390 Million Coined the “Bubble Palace”, Le Palais Bulle was designed by Hungarian Architect, Antti Lovag and was built somewhere in the region of 1975-1989. Its nickname comes from a series of round rooms that look out over the Mediterranean sea. The property has three swimming pools, numerous gardens and a 500-seat amphitheatre built into the hillside grounds. It is currently owned by Pierre Cardin, an Italian-born French fashion designer.
6. The One Bel Air, United States of America - $340 million Spanning nearly 100,000 square feet of living space, Bel Air’s The One is reportedly on the market with a price tag of $340 million. It features 26-foot ceilings, 42 bathrooms, 21 bedrooms, 5 swimming pools, and a 30-car garage gallery—along with panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
7. The Odeon Tower Penthouse, Monaco – $330 Million With an estimated value of $330 million, the Odeon Tower Penthouse is right up there with the most expensive houses in the world. The property spans several floors and comes with its own elevator. The private luxury doesn't stop there: A water slide from an upper floor into an infinity pool with 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape makes this penthouse pretty spectacular.
8. Four Fairfield Pond, United States of America – $248 Million Four Fairfield Pond is the home of Ira Renner, owner of the Renno Group, a holding investment company in smelting and manufacturing. The 63-acre home comes equipped with 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, a 91-foot dining room, basketball court, bowling alley, squash courts, tennis courts, and three swimming pools.
9. 220 Central Park South Penthouse, United States of America - $238 million Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin made history when he purchased the 24,000-square-foot penthouse in this Robert A. M. Stern–designed skyscraper overlooking New York's Central Park for $238 million, making it the most expensive home sold in the U.S. It's known for an array of luxurious amenities, which include a spa, an athletic club, private dining and entertaining facilities, and a private motor court.
10. 18-19 Kensington Palace Gardens, United Kingdom - $222 million Owned by Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, the 55,000-square-foot, the 19th-century mansion was originally built as two semi-detached homes. It has 12 bedrooms, an indoor pool, Turkish baths, and enough parking spaces for 20 cars. This behemoth of a house is located on Billionaires Row, which is in one of London’s most prestigious areas, Kensington Gardens.
