Top 10 Most Expensive Residences on Earth

In luxury real estate, we have seen houses that wowed us and even left our jaws hanging, but a few billionaires always push the bar off the limit, upping the stake and separating the wealthy from the super-wealthy.

They often draw the line between the properties we may regard as merely extravagant, acceptably lavish, or perhaps even quaintly eccentric from those that demand an entirely new classification as undeniably, unequivocally insane. Within this latter category, we find ourselves beholding some of the most expensive houses in various corners of the globe, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and India.

With due discretion, we present an exclusive selection of 10 properties that epitomise the utmost extravagance in global real estate as of 2023.

1. Buckingham Palace

Unknown fact: There are secret tunnels running beneath the surface that connect the palace to nearby streets. 

Estimated value: $1.3 billion

Location: Westminster, London

Owner: The reigning monarch in right of the Crown

Located in the esteemed city of Westminster, London, the grandeur of Buckingham Palace is unrivalled, as it reigns as the most opulent residence worldwide. This architectural masterpiece is under the auspices of the esteemed British Royal family, serving as the distinguished official abode of the United Kingdom’s monarchs since the auspicious year 1837. Presently, it serves the dual purpose of being the official headquarters of the Monarch and proudly boasts the status of the wealthiest residence on the planet.

Within the splendid walls of this regal palace, one will find a staggering array of amenities, comprising an astounding 775 bedrooms, an impressive 78 bathrooms, as well as 52 royal and guest rooms. The site further encompasses 92 offices and 19 staterooms, each embodying a testament to grandeur and refinement. Notably, the palatial expanse spans approximately 828,000 square feet, encompassing an awe-inspiring garden that alone sprawls over a remarkable 40 acres.

2. Antilia

Unknown fact: The building has a snow room to beat the heat. 

Estimated value: $1 Billion

Location: Mumbai, India

Owner: Mukesh Ambani

Antilia, situated in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, proudly secures its position as the second most valuable residence in the world, surpassing the bounds of opulence and adorning the summits of prestigious home rankings. This awe-inspiring architectural marvel was meticulously crafted for the esteemed Mukesh Ambani, the wealthiest individual in India and the eminent Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, a distinguished Fortune Global 500 company.

Envisioned and brought to life by the ingenious minds at the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm, ‘Perkins & Will,’ in collaboration with the esteemed hospitality design experts from ‘Hirsch Bender Associates,’ Antilia stands as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and visionary design. Nestled within Mumbai’s illustrious Cumballa Hill neighborhood, this illustrious residence spans a vast expanse of 400,000 square feet and majestically towers to a height of 27 stories, capturing the attention of all who behold its magnificence.

Beyond its sheer grandeur, Antilia was meticulously constructed with the utmost attention to safety and resilience. Equipped with state-of-the-art engineering, this architectural masterpiece boasts earthquake-resistant features, rendering it capable of withstanding seismic activity measuring up to a formidable magnitude 8 on the Richter scale. Reflecting an unwavering commitment to functionality and convenience, six floors of Antilia have been thoughtfully allocated to accommodate the parking needs of the owner and esteemed guests.

It also features an exquisite health spa, offering a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Additionally, an enchanting ice-cream room beckons those with a sweet tooth, while a serene temple stands as a spiritual haven. For moments of cinematic bliss, a lavish 50-seat movie theater entices, while a meticulously appointed salon offers personalised grooming experiences. Further elevating the realm of opulence, Antilia proudly boasts three helipads, providing seamless air connectivity, and a resplendent ballroom sets the stage for extravagant soirées.

To ensure the seamless operation and maintenance of this sprawling mansion, an entourage of over 600 dedicated staff members diligently tend to its every need, meticulously curating an unparalleled level of service and refinement. 

3. Villa Leopolda – $750 Million

Estimated value: $750 Million

Location: Leopold, France

Owner: Edmond & Lily Safra

Villa Leopolda is located in the scenic Cote d’Azur Region of the French Alps-Maritime department. This extraordinary villa belongs to Lily Safra, the widow of Lebanese Brazilian banker Edmund Safra. Its name pays homage to its original owner, King Leopold II of Belgium, and underwent a redesign in the 1920s under the skilled guidance of American architect Ogden Codman Jr.

Spanning an impressive 50 acres, Villa Leopolda boasts a wealth of luxurious features. The lavish estate encompasses 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a helipad, a commercial greenhouse, an outdoor kitchen, and a staggering 12 swimming pools, creating a truly magnificent oasis. Notably, the villa’s allure has been further amplified by its appearance in Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1955 film, ‘To Catch a Thief,’ elevating its status as a renowned and sought-after destination.

4. The One

Estimated value: $500 million

Location: California, United States

Owner: Richard Saghian

The One, a true masterpiece of real estate, is one of the most expensive properties in the world with unparalleled grandeur. Located in the prestigious neighborhood of Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, this edifice spans an awe-inspiring 105,000 square feet, perched majestically upon a hill that offers a commanding view of the sprawling Los Angeles basin below.

The One features an astonishing array of amenities befitting its status. Boasting an astounding 21 bedrooms, 42 bathrooms, and seven half-bathrooms, this sprawling mansion leaves no desire unmet. Notably, the estate includes a separate 3-bedroom guest house, elevating the opulence even further. The presence of six elevators ensures effortless vertical mobility, while a library, cigar room, and confectionery room provide indulgent spaces for refined pleasures.

Encircling the main house are a series of magnificent infinity pools. Beyond its captivating aesthetics, The One offers an abundance of outdoor splendor. The estate’s elevator conveniently ascends to a remarkable 10,000-square-foot rooftop deck, granting sweeping panoramic vistas of the cityscape, giving a truly breathtaking experience.

Catering to automotive enthusiasts, The One features an underground garage that can house up to 30 vehicles, equipped with two turntables to showcase the most esteemed and coveted car collections. For those inclined toward fitness, the third floor reveals a private gym and lap pool, alongside a four-lane bowling alley, a hair salon, and a juice bar, perfect for replenishing with post-workout smoothies and rejuvenating beverages.

Further enhancing the allure of this extraordinary estate, the third floor also unveils a state-of-the-art movie theater, rivaling the finest cinematic venues worldwide. A meticulously curated wine cellar, boasting a collection of 10,000 bottles, stands as a testament to refined taste, while a dedicated cigar lounge invites moments of relaxation and indulgence. The One encapsulates the epitome of opulence, showcasing an unrivaled fusion of architectural brilliance, extravagant amenities, and captivating landscapes, offering a truly unparalleled living experience.

5. Villa Les Cèdres

Estimated value: $450 Million

Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France

Owner: Rinat Akhmetov

Villa Les Cèdres, situated in the picturesque Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in France, stands as a testament to timeless elegance and grandeur. Originally built in 1830 and later acquired by King Leopold II of Belgium in 1904, this extraordinary estate encompasses approximately 35 acres of meticulously manicured gardens.

The 18,000-square-foot luxury villa is a haven of indulgence. Boasting 14 bedrooms, a lavish party hall, a charming conservatory, and a serene chapel, this residence leaves no desire unfulfilled. An Olympic-sized swimming pool invites moments of leisure and relaxation, while a sprawling stable can comfortably accommodate an impressive 30 horses. The interior of the villa exudes opulence, adorned with sparkling crystal chandeliers, stunning 19th-century oil paintings, and a library boasting a collection of around 3,000 books.

Beyond the villa itself, Villa Les Cèdres boasts vast acres of captivating botanic gardens, housing an astounding array of 20,000 plant species. In fact, this remarkable estate holds the distinction of being the largest private botanical garden in the world. A grand main avenue guides visitors through the enchanting landscape, culminating in a floral roundabout at the foot of a symmetrical staircase that leads to the villa’s entrance. The northwest region of the property reveals four terraces adorned with picturesque flowerbeds and graceful statues, while the southeastern portion unveils a rectangular shallow pond enveloped by exquisite flowerbeds, complemented by charming rose and orange gardens. The path to the stables is framed by a sculpted arch, Corinthian columns, and vine-covered trellises, exuding a sense of timeless beauty.

Villa Les Cèdres effortlessly combines architectural splendor, refined interiors, and captivating botanical landscapes, creating an unrivaled retreat that epitomises luxury living at its finest.

6. Witanhurst

Estimated value: $450 Million

Location: London

Owner: Andrey Guryev

Upon completion of its renovation, this extraordinary residence is poised to claim the illustrious title of the second most valuable home in London, rivaling the esteemed Buckingham Palace. Spanning an expansive 90,000 square feet, this magnificent abode is situated within an expansive 11-acre plot in the prestigious Highgate neighborhood, known for its affluent status and commanding hilltop location.

Originally constructed between 1913 and 1920 for the distinguished English soap baron Arthur Crosfield, this architectural gem was meticulously designed in the elegant Queen Anne style. Boasting 25 bedrooms, a majestic 70-foot-long ballroom, and a captivating glass rotunda. This opulent mansion once offered unrivaled panoramic views of the splendid London skyline. Its grandeur also played host to the most extravagant soirées, with even the Queen gracing its halls. However, the passage of time left the mansion in disrepair, prompting its acquisition by an unknown couple rumoured to be wealthy Russian investors.

With the new owners undertaking an extensive renovation project, anticipation mounts to witness the transformation of this remarkable mansion. We eagerly await the unveiling of its renewed splendor.

7. Les Palais Bulles

Estimated value: $390 Million

Location: Théoule-sur-Mer, France

Owner: Pierre Cardin

Le Palais Bulle, also known as the “Bubble Palace” was designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag. Constructed over a span of years between 1975 and 1989, this architectural marvel captivates with its series of circular rooms offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Presently under the ownership of Pierre Cardin, the esteemed Italian-born French fashion designer, Bubble Palace exudes an air of exclusivity. The property boasts three stunning swimming pools, meticulously manicured gardens, and a remarkable 500-seat amphitheater located within the picturesque hillside surroundings. The place serves as a cherished holiday home for Pierre and a captivating venue for unforgettable gatherings and events.

8. The Odeon Tower (French: Tour Odéon) 

Estimated value: $330 Million

Location: Golden Citadel of Monte Carlo

Owner: SCI Odeon, subsidiary of Groupe Marzocco

The magnificent Odeon Tower is located in the Principality of Monaco, standing as an emblem of modernity and architectural brilliance. This double skyscraper marks a significant milestone as the first high-rise to be constructed in the city-state since the 1980s. Soaring to a height of 170 meters, the completion of Tour Odeon solidified its position as the second tallest building on Europe’s Mediterranean coast, surpassed only by Spain’s Gran Hotel Bali (186m) in Benidorm.

Crafted under the visionary design of architect Alexandre Giraldi and developed by the esteemed Groupe Mazococo, the Odeon Tower sprawls across multiple floors, offering an unrivaled living experience. Notably, each residence is equipped with its private lift, ensuring the utmost exclusivity and privacy. The crowning jewel of the tower, the penthouse, presents a rooftop deck adorned with a luxurious pool, complete with a thrilling private water slide that cascades down a story, seamlessly merging into the breathtaking infinity pool.

9. Four Fairfield Pond

Unknown fact: the mansion has its own 164-seat theatre. 

Estimated value: $248 Million

Location: Hamptons, Long Island, USA

Owner: Ira Rennert

The Four Fairfield Pond is the resident of Ira Renner, the owner of the esteemed Renno Group – a prominent investment company specialising in smelting and production. Sprawling across an impressive 63 acres, this remarkable estate unveils a world of opulence, boasting an astounding 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, and a magnificent 91-foot dining room.

The pursuit of leisure and fitness finds its sanctuary within this extraordinary residence, with amenities that include a basketball court, squash courts, tennis courts, and even a private bowling alley. The allure of relaxation beckons with three resplendent swimming pools to indulge in. Such luxury demands substantial resources, and to cater to the mansion’s power requirements, Four Fairfield Pond is equipped with its very own on-site power plant.

For the automobile enthusiasts among us, this prestigious estate offers a haven for cherished vehicles, with a sprawling garage capable of accommodating an impressive collection of approximately 100 cars. 

10. Kensington Palace Gardens

Estimated value: $254 million

Location: London

Owner: Leonard Blavatniks‘

The Kensington Palace Gardens is located on London’s millionaire street. The homeowner, Leonard Blavatniks is the second richest man in Britain and the owner of the Warner Music Group.

This exceptional residence encompasses a grand total of 13 bedrooms, offering unparalleled luxury and comfort. A standout feature is the one-of-a-kind 25-meter swimming pool, a rarity in London, which seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor sections. The basement indulges in opulence, housing a lavish hot tub, a well-equipped gym, a serene massage room, a private cinema, and even a wine cellar to satisfy the most discerning connoisseur.

The underground is an awe-inspiring sight – a multi-storey underground car park. This remarkable facility employs a specially designed lift capable of seamlessly transporting up to five vehicles at a time, ensuring both convenience and security.

Spanning an impressive 50,000 square feet of living space, this remarkable residence ranks among the top 5 largest homes in London. To safeguard such opulence, the former garages of the historic Cope House have been transformed into a fortified security post. Windows are shielded with bulletproof glass, and round-the-clock surveillance ensures uncompromising safety and peace of mind. Leonard Blavatnik’s mansion stands as a testament to extravagant living, where luxury intertwines with state-of-the-art security measures, creating a haven of refinement in the heart of London.