Luxury and opulence have long captivated human imagination, with some of the world’s biggest mansions serving as monuments to extravagance. From the lush hills of France to the bustling streets of Mumbai, these architectural marvels stand as testaments to wealth, history, and architectural prowess. In this article, we’ll explore the biggest mansions in the world, highlighting their grandeur, unique features, and historical significance.
10. Villa Leopolda in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
- Size: 80,000 square feet
- Year Built: 1902
- Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
- Key Feature: Expansive gardens designed by renowned American architect Ogden Codman, Jr.
Nestled on the picturesque French Riviera, Villa Leopolda boasts a history as rich as its surroundings. Originally built by King Leopold II of Belgium, the estate was a gift to his mistress, Blanche Zélia Joséphine Delacroix. Following Leopold’s death in 1909, the property saw a series of ownership changes, eventually coming into the possession of American architect Ogden Codman, Jr., who transformed it into the magnificent mansion it is today.
Villa Leopolda features 12 distinct structures, each exuding old-world charm and elegance. Its meticulously manicured gardens, sprawling over 18 acres, offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The villa’s timeless beauty and historical significance make it a true gem on the French Riviera. Additionally, the estate’s rich history and luxurious design have made it a setting for films and the residence of various affluent individuals, further cementing its place among the biggest houses in the world.
9. Fairwater in Double Bay, Australia
- Size: 11,000 square feet
- Year Built: 1882
- Location: Double Bay, Australia
- Key Feature: Federation Arts and Crafts-style architecture
Located in Sydney’s affluent Double Bay, Fairwater stands as an epitome of classic Australian elegance. Designed by architect John Horbury Hunt, this mansion was initially owned by a prominent political family. Its true fame came under the ownership of the Fairfax family, particularly Lady Mary Fairfax, who hosted grand salons that became a staple of Sydney’s high society.
In 2018, software mogul Mike Cannon-Brookes acquired Fairwater, making headlines with a record-breaking $100 million purchase. The mansion’s architectural splendor, combined with its storied past, cements its status as one of Australia’s most iconic homes. The house, with its lush gardens and waterfront location, offers an idyllic blend.
8. Witanhurst in London, England
- Size: 90,000 square feet
- Year Built: 1913-1920
- Location: London, England
- Key Feature: Grand Ballroom and glass rotunda
Though Buckingham Palace is often the most talked-about residence in London, Witanhurst holds its own as a magnificent example of Queen Anne-style architecture. Constructed between 1913 and 1920, Witanhurst boasts an impressive 25 bedrooms, a grand ballroom, and a unique glass rotunda.
Initially a meeting place for the elite, including royalty like Queen Elizabeth, Witanhurst fell into disrepair before being purchased by a Russian businessman in 2008. Undergoing extensive renovations, it has since been restored to its former glory, representing the epitome of luxury living in London. The mansion’s impressive size and rich history make it a significant player among the world’s largest houses.
7. The One in Bel Air, California
- Size: 105,000 square feet
- Year Built: 2021
- Location: Bel Air, California, USA
- Key Feature: Features like a 10,000-bottle wine cellar and a four-lane bowling alley
Overlooking Los Angeles, The One stands as America’s largest modern house, with a staggering 105,000 square feet of living space. This contemporary mansion is a marvel of modern architecture, offering unparalleled luxury and amenities.
Inside, The One features 21 bedrooms, a gym, a hair salon, a movie theater, and even a four-lane bowling alley. The mansion’s outdoor space is equally impressive, with multiple swimming pools and stunning views of the city. Designed for lavish living, The One embodies the height of modern extravagance. Its incredible array of amenities and sheer size make it a top contender among the biggest mansions in the world.
6. Oheka Castle in Long Island, New York
- Size: 109,000 square feet
- Year Built: 1919
- Location: Long Island, New York, USA
- Key Feature: French-style château architecture
Perched atop the highest point of Long Island, Oheka Castle is a French-style château built by financier Otto Hermann Kahn in 1919. This grand estate served as a summer retreat for Kahn, who hosted illustrious guests from Hollywood stars to heads of state.
Over the years, Oheka Castle has been repurposed as a retirement home and a military academy before being restored to its original splendor. Today, it functions as a luxury hotel and event venue, maintaining its status as one of America’s most iconic mansions. The mansion’s rich history, combined with its breathtaking architecture, makes it one of the most notable houses in the world.
5. Safra Mansion in São Paulo, Brazil
- Size: 117,000 square feet
- Year Built: 1980s
- Location: São Paulo, Brazil
- Key Feature: Secluded in a forested area with extensive outdoor living spaces
Shrouded in mystery, the Safra Mansion in São Paulo is the epitome of private luxury. Built in the 1980s, this mansion spans 117,000 square feet and is hidden within a richly forested area. Owned by the late socialite Lily Safra, the mansion’s interior remains largely unknown due to the family’s private nature.
Despite its secrecy, the Safra Mansion is known for its extravagant outdoor living spaces, including lush gardens and pools. The mansion’s reclusive charm and grandeur make it a unique landmark in the world of luxury residences. Its vast size and secluded nature make it one of the largest houses globally, catering to those who value privacy and exclusivity.
4. Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
- Size: 175,000 square feet
- Year Built: 1895
- Location: Asheville, North Carolina, USA
- Key Feature: French Renaissance château architecture with 250 rooms
The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest house, was the vision of George Vanderbilt, who sought to create a self-sustaining home. Completed in 1895, this French Renaissance château features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.
Designed by Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the Biltmore Estate is renowned for its stunning gardens and vast parklands. Today, it operates as a museum and tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into America’s Gilded Age. The estate’s grandeur and historical significance make it a jewel among the biggest mansions in the world.
3. Antilia in Mumbai, India
- Size: 400,000 square feet
- Year Built: 2010
- Location: Mumbai, India
- Key Feature: Earthquake-resistant design with 27 stories
Antilia, towering over Mumbai, is one of the world’s most elaborate and expensive homes. Owned by business magnate Mukesh Ambani, this 27-story mansion is designed to withstand extreme earthquakes, with each floor the height of a two-story building.
Inside, Antilia offers unparalleled luxury with its own ice cream parlor, a mega-temple, and a 50-person movie theater. The mansion’s opulence and cutting-edge design make it a standout in the world of luxury residences. With a living space of 400,000 square feet, Antilia ranks as the third biggest house in the world, showcasing a unique blend of modern architecture and extravagant features.
2. Buckingham Palace in London, England
- Size: 828,000 square feet
- Year Built: 1703 (expanded over the centuries)
- Location: London, England, UK
- Key Feature: Official London residence of the UK’s monarchs with 775 rooms
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the United Kingdom’s monarchs since 1837, is an iconic symbol of royal luxury. Originally built in 1703 and expanded over the centuries, the palace now boasts 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, and 92 offices.
Famous rooms like the gilded white drawing room and the regal throne room showcase the palace’s grandeur. Buckingham Palace serves as the administrative headquarters for the British monarch, playing a vital role in the country’s history and culture. The palace’s massive square footage and historical significance make it the second-largest private residence in the world.
1. Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
- Size: 2,152,782 square feet
- Year Built: 1984
- Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
- Key Feature: 1,788 rooms, including a mosque and air-conditioned stables
The world’s largest residential palace, Istana Nurul Iman, is the official home of the Sultan of Brunei. Designed by Filipino architect Leandro Locsin, this palatial residence blends Malay and Islamic architectural elements to create a stunningly extravagant palace.
Spanning over 2.15 million square feet, the palace includes 1,788 rooms, a mosque that can accommodate up to 5,000 people, and air-conditioned stables for the Sultan’s 200 polo ponies. Istana Nurul Iman’s sheer size and opulence make it the pinnacle of luxury living. The palace’s vast living space and extraordinary features, such as indoor and outdoor pools and a massive dining room, truly set it apart as the largest house in the world.
Conclusion
These magnificent mansions, including those not mentioned, such as La Reverie, Palm Beach, Florida, USA, spread across the globe, showcase the heights of architectural brilliance and opulence. From the historic halls of Buckingham Palace to the modern marvel of Antilia, each of these residences tells a unique story of wealth, power, and artistic vision. As symbols of grandeur, they continue to captivate and inspire, representing the pinnacle of luxury living. These largest houses in the world, each with their unique charm and splendor, offer a glimpse into the lifestyles of the world’s elite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who has the biggest mansion in the world?
The biggest mansion in the world is Istana Nurul Iman, owned by the Sultan of Brunei. Located in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, this palace spans over 2.15 million square feet, featuring 1,788 rooms, a mosque for 5,000 people, and air-conditioned stables for 200 polo ponies. Designed by Leandro Locsin, it is a blend of Malay and Islamic architecture.
What is the biggest privately owned mansion?
The biggest privately owned mansion is Antilia, which is owned by Mukesh Ambani and is located in Mumbai, India. This towering structure spans 400,000 square feet and includes 27 stories, making it one of the most elaborate and expensive homes in the world. It features luxurious amenities such as multiple swimming pools, a 50-person movie theater, and a mega-temple.
Who owns the biggest mansion in the United States?
The biggest mansion in the United States is the Biltmore Estate, owned by the descendants of George Washington Vanderbilt II. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate encompasses 175,000 square feet, including 250 rooms, 35 bedrooms, and 43 bathrooms. It remains a historic landmark and tourist attraction, showcasing Gilded Age opulence.
Who owns the largest abandoned mansion in America?
Lynnewood Hall in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, is often considered the largest abandoned mansion in America. This Gilded Age mansion, spanning 110 rooms and approximately 70,000 square feet, was originally owned by industrialist Peter A.B. Widener. It has remained largely unoccupied and deteriorating, capturing the imagination of many for its grandeur and mystery.
Who has the most expensive mansion in the USA?
The most expensive mansion in the USA is thought to be The One in Bel Air, California. Owned by real estate developer Nile Niami, this 105,000-square-foot mega-mansion boasts 21 bedrooms, 42 bathrooms, multiple swimming pools, a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, a four-lane bowling alley, and a 50-seat movie theater. Its market value has been estimated at around $500 million.