Some of the world’s biggest homes, each making very different use of space.
The tiny home movement has grown exponentially over the last few years. But have you ever wondered what the world’s biggest homes look like and where they are?
Personally, we’re comfortable in more modest dwellings – but for fun (and in no particular order), we take a look at 11 of the biggest homes.
Each one is architecturally unique and makes very different use of space.
Antilia, Mumbai, India
This towering 27-storey skyscraper has become a recognisable part of downtown Mumbai’s skyline. The US$2-billion building is currently the largest and most expensive private residence in the world.
Source: Stars Unfolded
Antilia is home to Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in India in 2018, and his extended family. His net worth in February 2020 was US$57 billion.
As far as homes go, Antilia is mind-bogglingly big, with a floor space of just over 37,000 square metres. The name comes from that of a mythical island in the Atlantic Ocean.
Taohuayuan, Suzhou, China
This stunning, traditional-style mansion covers over 6,700 square metres. It includes 32 bedrooms, a huge wine cellar and a lakeside swimming pool.
It’s the most expensive home ever sold in mainland China, at US$149 million.
Source: Business Insider
The mansion and gardens were styled after the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, a UNESCO heritage site. The name Taohuayuan translates to utopia or peace blossom land. Taohuayuan is located on a private island in China’s largest lake, Dushi.
Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, United States
At 16,622.8 square metres, Biltmore House is the largest privately owned house in the United States.
It was built in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, who drew inspiration from his travels. The building is known for its Châteauesque architectural style.
Source: Wikipedia
The mansion features 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. The house is still owned by Vanderbilt’s descendants, but the public is allowed access for tours and events.
Xanadu 2.0, Washington, United States
Xanadu 2.0 is the home of Microsoft co-founder and the second richest man in the United States, Bill Gates.
The expansive estate has been valued at US$127 million. It has floor space measuring 6,130 square metres.
Source: Business Insider
The mansion has a relatively modest seven bedrooms but 18 bathrooms.
No doubt to be expected, the home has many high-tech features. Examples are automatic personalised heating and lighting preferences for guests. Wall art can be changed at the touch of a button.
Safra Mansion, Sao Paulo, Brazil
The Safra Mansion includes 10,800 square metres of living space. It was built in 1895. The owner is Joseph Safra, Brazil’s second richest person and, according to Forbes, the world’s richest banker.
Source: Luxatic
The Safra family is off limits to the curious, so not much is known about the interior. It’s said to include more than 130 rooms.
The building’s design features an interesting curved shape.
The One, Los Angeles, United States
The One was built in 2013 and has a living area of 9,290 square metres. Its master bedroom alone is more than 460 square metres.
The giga-mansion, as this type of mansion is becoming known, also features a bowling alley, walls made from jellyfish tanks, a 32-car garage and a private casino.
Source: W Magazine
It was designed by architect Paul McClean and has been valued at US$500 million. If it’s sold, it’s likely to rank as the most expensive single family home in the United States.
Villa Leopolda, The French Riviera, France
Villa Leopolda was built by King Leopold II of Belgium more than 100 years ago.
The Villa was bought in 2008 for US$750 million by Lily Safra, of the Brazilian Safra family. This makes it one of the most expensive homes in the world.
Source: Digital Trends
The Villa stands on an 18-acre estate and has 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. It was used as a military hospital during World War I and has featured in many movies, including To Catch a Thief.
Fairfield Pond, The Hamptons, United States
Situated in The Hamptons on Long Island, New York, the Fairfield Pond estate is more than 10,200 square metres with a house that features 29 bedrooms and 39 bathrooms.
The property is valued at US$170 million and is owned by Ira Rennert, an American investor.
Source: Elite Readers
The construction of Fairfield Pond was surrounded by controversy. Neighbours objected to the development and Rennert was accused of taking funds from his mining company to pay for it. Despite the rocky inception, the mansion was completed in the 1990s.
Witanhurst, London, United Kingdom
This classic mansion originally spanned 3,700 square metres. However, a modern renovation added two basements, more than doubling the square meterage.
The extension houses a pool, movie theatre, sauna, gym and additional parking spaces.
Source: Wikipedia
The mansion was designed by architect George Hubbard and was built between 1913 and 1920.
It sold in 2008 to Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev, for US$65 million.
Versailles, Windermere, United States
So-called because it was modelled after the Palace of Versailles, this Florida mansion covers 8,300 square metres.
It includes 32 bathrooms, 11 kitchens and 14 bedrooms, plus an arcade, gym, salon and movie theatre.
Source: Daily Mail
Construction of the mansion has dragged on for well over a decade. When complete, it should have a 30-car garage, a bowling alley and a roller-skating rink.
Chateau Pensmore, Missouri, United States
Chateau Pensmore is a 6,600 square metre mansion that was built in 2016. Thanks to the concrete it uses, the building is supposed to be able to withstand earthquakes, tornados, extreme weather and even bomb blasts.
Source: Tennessean
It was built near the Ozark mountains by astrophysicist and former CIA agent Steven Huff, who used it to test energy-efficient and disaster-resistant building technology.
Our approach at XtraSpace
At XtraSpace, we like clever uses of space. Also see our recent article on some of the world’s smallest homes, from hobbit houses to incredibly tiny but well-designed wooden cabins.
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