People are often fascinated by homes that push the boundaries of size and luxury. These architectural marvels showcase unparalleled grandeur. Exploring the biggest houses in the world reveals unique designs and opulent features. These residences are truly worth seeing in 2025. This article presents a curated list of 20 of the most immense and opulent expansive abodes on the planet.
Key Takeaways
The world’s biggest houses are very large and fancy. They show off amazing designs and expensive features.
These homes are found all over the world. They include palaces, private mansions, and even official government buildings.
Many of these houses have special things inside. These include many swimming pools, movie theaters, and big garages for cars.
Some of these huge houses are private homes. Others are open for people to visit, like museums or hotels.
1. Istana Nurul Iman
Location and Size
Istana Nurul Iman stands as the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei. This immense palace is located on a lush, sprawling riverside estate in Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. It holds the title of the world’s largest residential home. The palace boasts an astonishing floor area of 2,152,782 square feet. This makes it a truly monumental structure.
Key Features
The palace showcases a magnificent blend of architectural styles. Filipino architect Leandro Locsin designed the exterior. He aimed to unify Brunei’s Islamic and Malay architectural traditions. The result is a massive white construction featuring striking golden domes and minarets.
Curved roofs and a huge golden dome on the palace mosque further enhance its grandeur. The interior designer, Khuan Chew, also known for her work on the Burj Al Arab, created ultra-modern luxurious decor. The palace uses opulent materials extensively. These include 38 different kinds of marble and 44 marble staircases. Materials like Italian marble, granite from Shanghai, English glass, and Chinese silk contribute to its luxurious appeal. This design reflects Brunei’s rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Ownership and History
Istana Nurul Iman serves as the official residence of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. The palace also functions as the seat of the Brunei government. Its construction finished in 1984. The palace was built at an estimated cost of $1.4 billion USD. It remains a symbol of Brunei’s wealth and the Sultan’s power. The Sultan uses the palace for state functions and royal ceremonies. It opens to the public only during the annual Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, allowing visitors a rare glimpse inside.
2. Antilia
Location and Size
Antilia stands as a prominent private residence in South Mumbai, India. This unique structure rises 27 stories high. It features a distinctive vertical architecture. The building spans over 37,000 square meters (400,000 sq ft).
This makes it one of the largest and most expensive private homes globally. Its design allows for varied floor plans and functions on each level.
Key Features
Antilia is a marvel of modern engineering and luxury. It includes a wide array of amenities. Residents enjoy a private movie theater with 50 seats. A dedicated health and wellness zone offers a gym, yoga studio, dance room, and spa therapy center. The building also has multiple swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor. A grand ballroom hosts large events. For vehicle enthusiasts, a six-floor garage facility accommodates over 168 luxury cars.
The top of the building features three helipads, approved for use. A unique snow room creates artificial snow and sub-zero temperatures. The home also includes a private temple and meditation zone. Four-story hanging gardens add natural beauty to the structure. This mega mansion truly redefines urban luxury living.
Ownership and History
Mukesh Ambani owns Antilia. He is a prominent Indian billionaire and chairman of Reliance Industries. The Ambani family uses Antilia as their primary residence. Construction of the building finished in 2010. It quickly became a global symbol of extreme wealth and architectural ambition. The family occupies the top floors, enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Sea.
3. Biltmore Estate
Location and Size
The Biltmore Estate is a magnificent property in Asheville, North Carolina. It covers approximately 8,000 acres. This vast area is equivalent to 13 square miles or 32 square kilometers. The French Broad River bisects the estate. Only 1.36 acres of this property are within Asheville’s city limits.
The Biltmore House itself does not belong to any municipality. During George Vanderbilt’s lifetime, the estate was much larger. It encompassed about 125,000 acres. This included land later designated as Pisgah National Forest. Today, it remains the largest home in the united states by floor area.
Key Features
Biltmore House is a 250-room French Renaissance château. It stands as a testament to Gilded Age extravagance. The house features intricate carvings, grand staircases, and opulent furnishings. Its design includes four acres of floor space. The estate also boasts meticulously designed gardens by Frederick Law Olmsted.
These include an Italian Garden, a Rose Garden, and a Conservatory. The property also has a working farm, a winery, and various recreational activities. These features make it a comprehensive destination.
Ownership and History
George Washington Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, built the Biltmore Estate. He first visited Asheville in 1888. He then began purchasing land for his grand vision. Richard Morris Hunt designed the house. Frederick Law Olmsted designed the landscapes. Construction of the 250-room château began in 1889. George Vanderbilt officially opened Biltmore to family and friends on Christmas Eve in 1895.
He married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in 1898. Their only child, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt, was born at Biltmore in 1900. George Vanderbilt passed away in 1914 at 51. Edith then sold about 87,000 acres of the estate to the U.S. Forest Service. This land became part of Pisgah National Forest. In 1930, Cornelia and her husband, John Cecil, opened Biltmore House to the public.
They aimed to boost tourism during the Depression and generate income for preservation. During World War II in 1942, Biltmore House stored priceless artworks from the National Gallery of Art. Biltmore received nomination as a National Historic Landmark in 1963. William Cecil, George Vanderbilt’s grandson, planted the first grapevines in 1971. This led to the establishment of Biltmore’s Winery, which opened to the public in 1985. The Inn on Biltmore Estate opened in 2001.
Antler Hill Village further expanded hospitality options in 2010. William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil passed away in 2017. He is remembered for his vision in making the estate self-supporting through tourism.
4. Safra Mansion
Location and Size
The Safra Mansion stands in São Paulo, Brazil. This massive private residence is one of the largest in the city. It covers an impressive 117,000 square feet. The property sits within a large, walled compound. Its sheer scale makes it a notable landmark in the upscale Morumbi neighborhood.
Key Features
This giga-mansion boasts over 130 rooms. It features multiple swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor. The estate includes vast gardens and extensive private grounds. High walls surround the property, ensuring maximum privacy for its residents. The architectural style is grand and traditional, reflecting classic European influences. The mansion’s design emphasizes luxury and seclusion. It provides ample space for living, entertaining, and recreation.
Ownership and History
The Safra family owns the Safra Mansion. The late Joseph Safra, a prominent Brazilian billionaire and banker, was its patriarch. The family is known for its immense wealth and its private lifestyle. They rarely share details about their personal residence. The mansion serves as a private family home. It represents the family’s significant influence and affluence in Brazil and globally.
5. The One
Location and Size
“The One” sits high on a hilltop in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California. This mega-mansion offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Mountains. It spans an immense 100,000 square feet. This makes it one of the largest private residences in the United States. Its elevated position provides both stunning vistas and ultimate privacy.
Key Features
This modern architectural masterpiece boasts an impressive array of amenities. It features 20 luxurious bedrooms, including a massive master suite. The property also contains 30 bathrooms. For car enthusiasts, a 30-car auto gallery provides ample space for a grand collection. The house includes five swimming pools, a private movie theater, and a bowling alley. A full-service spa and a juice bar offer relaxation and wellness. Developers also built a nightclub and a hair salon inside. The exterior features a 400-foot jogging track. “The One” was once the most expensive home listed for sale in the United States. Its design and features set new standards for luxury living.
Ownership and History
Nile Niami, a film producer and real estate developer, conceived “The One.” He spent nearly a decade building this ambitious project. Construction began in 2013. The property faced financial challenges during its development. It eventually entered receivership. The house went up for auction in 2022. Richard Saghian, the CEO of Fashion Nova, purchased it for $126 million. This price was significantly lower than its initial $500 million asking price. Despite the reduced sale price, it remains one of the world’s most expensive homes ever sold at auction.
6. Witanhurst
Location and Size
Witanhurst stands majestically in Highgate, North London, England. This grand estate is a significant private residence in the city. It boasts an impressive 90,000 square feet (8,361 square meters) of luxurious space. This makes it the second-largest private home in London, surpassed only by Buckingham Palace. Its expansive grounds and prominent location contribute to its status as a landmark property.
Key Features
The mansion features a classical Queen Anne Revival architectural style. It includes numerous bedrooms, reception rooms, and extensive staff quarters. The property underwent significant renovations and expansions in recent years. These additions included a large underground complex. This new area houses a swimming pool, a cinema, a massage parlor, and a gym. The estate also contains beautifully landscaped gardens. These gardens offer privacy and scenic views. Witanhurst combines historical elegance with modern amenities, creating a truly opulent living environment.
Ownership and History
Sir Arthur Crosfield, a prominent soap magnate and politician, commissioned Witanhurst. Construction took place between 1913 and 1920. After his death in 1938, the property changed hands several times through private sales. In 2008, Safran Holdings Limited, an offshore company registered in the British Virgin Islands, acquired the estate.
Investigative journalism later revealed links between this company and the family of Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev. This ownership history highlights how luxury properties can involve complex financial structures. The property’s journey from a British industrialist’s home to a modern-day billionaire’s estate reflects changing global wealth patterns.
7. Palace of Versailles
Location and Size
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château in Versailles, France. It sits about 12 miles (19 kilometers) southwest of Paris. The entire estate spans an impressive 2,014 acres. This vast area includes the palace, gardens, and surrounding grounds. The Palace of Versailles occupies nearly 2,000 acres of land. Its immense size makes it one of the largest royal residences ever built.
Key Features
The Palace of Versailles is famous for its stunning architecture and opulent interiors. It features many iconic rooms. The Gallery of Mirrors, also known as the Hall of Mirrors, is a true masterpiece. It reflects the power and grandeur of Louis XIV’s reign. The Royal Chapel, completed in 1710, showcases extraordinary architectural beauty.
The King’s Apartments symbolize Louis XIV’s power, with each hall dedicated to a specific deity. Other notable areas include the Cabinet of the Council, where kings discussed state affairs, and the Versailles Opera House. The Gallery of Battles celebrates France’s military victories. The Hall of War and the Hall of Peace emphasize the benefits of peace. The Salon of Hercules was Louis XIV’s last grand project. The Palace also includes the Apartments of the Dauphin and Dauphine, showing the daily life of the royal family.
Ownership and History
King Louis XIV transformed a royal hunting lodge into the magnificent palace we see today. Construction and expansion took place over many decades, primarily in the 17th century. Versailles became the principal royal residence of France in 1682.
It remained the center of French political power until the French Revolution in 1789. After the revolution, it lost its status as a royal residence. Today, the French state owns and manages the Palace of Versailles. It operates as a national museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Millions of visitors come each year to explore its history and beauty.
8. Fair Field
Location and Size
Fair Field is a sprawling estate located in Sagaponack, New York. This Hamptons property is one of the largest residential compounds in the United States. The main house spans approximately 64,000 square feet. The total floor area of the property is considerably larger, encompassing 110,000 square feet. This immense size makes it a truly monumental private residence. The estate sits on 63 acres of prime beachfront land.
Key Features
Fair Field boasts an extraordinary array of amenities. The main house features 29 bedrooms and 39 bathrooms. It includes a massive dining room measuring 91 feet long.
The estate has three swimming pools, a private bowling alley, and a 164-seat home theater. For recreation, residents enjoy a basketball court, a squash court, and two tennis courts. The property also contains its own power plant. This ensures a reliable and independent energy supply. Multiple guest houses and extensive staff quarters are also part of the compound.
Ownership and History
Ira Rennert owns Fair Field. He is an American billionaire investor and businessman. Rennert began constructing the estate in the late 1990s. The project faced some local opposition due to its massive scale. However, construction proceeded, and the estate became a symbol of extreme wealth in the Hamptons.
The property serves as Rennert’s primary residence. It remains one of the most valuable private homes in the world.
9. Pensmore
Location and Size
Pensmore is a massive residence located near Highlandville, Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains. This colossal home spans an impressive 72,000 square feet. It sits on a vast 500-acre estate. The sheer scale of Pensmore makes it one of the largest private homes in the United States. Its remote location emphasizes privacy and self-sufficiency.
Key Features
Pensmore is not just large; it is also incredibly resilient and technologically advanced. The house is built to withstand significant natural disasters, including earthquakes, tornadoes, and even bomb blasts. Its construction uses insulated concrete forms (ICF) and reinforced concrete. This makes it virtually indestructible. Pensmore integrates unique energy systems to achieve near energy neutrality.
It utilizes solar heat collectors to store liquid radiant heat in tubes embedded throughout its concrete walls. These insulated concrete walls function as ‘thermal batteries,’ storing British thermal units (BTUs) to help regulate the home’s temperature. They keep the walls slightly warmer than the interior and offset heat loss through windows. This stored energy is intended for both heating and cooling, aiming for utility bills to be almost nonexistent. The home also features advanced security systems and smart home technology.
Ownership and History
Steven Huff, a wealthy astrophysicist and former CIA officer, owns Pensmore. He founded the company TF Forming Systems, which specializes in insulated concrete forms. Huff designed Pensmore as a prototype for sustainable and resilient construction.
He wanted to demonstrate the capabilities of his building technology. Construction began in 2008 and continued for many years. Huff envisioned Pensmore as a family home and a research facility. It showcases how future homes can be both luxurious and environmentally conscious.
10. Xanadu 2.0
Location and Size
Xanadu 2.0 is the private residence of Bill Gates. It sits on the shore of Lake Washington in Medina, Washington. This massive home spans approximately 66,000 square feet. Its design blends into the natural landscape. The property offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area. It stands as one of the most technologically advanced private residences in the world.
Key Features
This high-tech mansion boasts many innovative features. Guests receive a pin that stores their preferences for temperature, lighting, and music. Sensors throughout the house adjust these settings automatically as guests move from room to room.
The house features numerous computer screens and storage devices. These allow occupants to change the displayed artwork or pictures with a simple touch. The 60-foot swimming pool includes a system that plays music underwater.
A 40-year-old maple tree on the property is continuously monitored by technology. Water is automatically supplied if it becomes too dry. The house uses an earth-sheltered design. This means earth is against the walls. This design reduces its carbon footprint and regulates temperature more efficiently. The 1,900-square-foot guest house served as a testing ground for most of the advanced technology before its implementation in the main residence.
Ownership and History
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, owns Xanadu 2.0. He spent seven years building this custom home. Construction finished in 1995. The project cost an estimated $63 million. Gates designed the house to be a showcase for technology and environmental consciousness. The name “Xanadu” comes from the fictional palace in Orson Welles’ film Citizen Kane. The “2.0” signifies its advanced technological nature. The property reflects Gates’ vision for a smart home. It combines luxury with cutting-edge innovation.
11. The Manor
Location and Size
The Manor is a grand estate located in Holmby Hills, a prestigious neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. This French chateau-style mansion spans an impressive 56,500 square feet. It sits on 4.68 acres of meticulously landscaped land. This makes it one of the largest private residences in Los Angeles County. The sheer scale of the property commands attention.
Key Features
This luxurious mega mansion contains 123 rooms. These include 14 bedrooms and 27 bathrooms. The exterior is clad in elegant limestone. Inside, the home boasts numerous amenities. It features a bowling alley, a beauty salon, and a screening room. A dedicated gift-wrapping room adds a unique touch. The property also includes a tennis court and a swimming pool. Extensive gardens provide privacy and beauty. The design emphasizes opulence and comfort throughout its vast spaces.
Ownership and History
Television producer Aaron Spelling originally built The Manor. He completed its construction in 1991. Spelling and his wife, Candy, resided there for many years. After Aaron Spelling’s death, Candy Spelling sold the estate in 2011. Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, purchased the property. She undertook extensive renovations. In 2019, Ecclestone sold The Manor to an anonymous buyer for $119.75 million. This sale set a new record for the most expensive home ever sold in California at the time.
12. Updown Court
Location and Size
Updown Court is a grand private residence in Windlesham, Surrey, England. This estate sits within a vast 58-acre property. It is one of the most expensive private homes in the United Kingdom. Updown Court is a mega estate with over 50,000 square feet of living space. This makes it larger than many royal palaces. Its extensive grounds provide significant privacy and space.
Key Features
The mansion boasts 103 rooms. These include 24 bedrooms, each with its own marble en-suite bathroom. The property features five swimming pools, including an indoor pool with a mosaic floor.
A private cinema seats 50 people. The estate also has a bowling alley, a squash court, and a tennis court. For car enthusiasts, an underground garage can hold up to eight limousines. A helipad provides convenient access. The property also includes a panic room and a heated marble driveway. This driveway cost millions of pounds to install.
Ownership and History
Leslie Allen-Vercoe, a property developer, built Updown Court. Construction finished in 2006. The house was initially listed for sale at a record-breaking price of £70 million. This made it one of the most expensive homes in the world at the time. It remained on the market for several years. In 2011, an anonymous Indian billionaire purchased the estate.
The sale price was reportedly around £35 million. This transaction highlighted the fluctuating nature of the ultra-luxury real estate market. The estate continues to serve as a private residence. It remains a symbol of extreme wealth and luxury in the English countryside.
13. Hala Ranch
Location and Size
Hala Ranch is a sprawling estate in Aspen, Colorado. This luxurious property sits within the exclusive Starwood community. The main house spans an impressive 56,000 square feet. This makes it one of the largest single-family homes in the United States. The entire estate covers approximately 95 acres. It offers vast open spaces and stunning mountain views.
A separate guesthouse, measuring 14,395 square feet, was part of the original property.
Key Features
The main residence at Hala Ranch features 15 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms. It includes an indoor swimming pool, a beauty salon, and a commercial-grade kitchen. The property also boasts a private ski lift. This lift provides direct access to the slopes.
Other amenities include a reflection pond, a tennis court, and a stable for horses. The estate has its own wastewater treatment plant and gas pumps. These features ensure self-sufficiency. The design incorporates natural materials like stone and timber. This blends the home with its mountainous surroundings.
Ownership and History
Prince Bandar bin Sultan, a former Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, originally owned Hala Ranch. He commissioned the construction of the estate in the early 1990s. The property became known for its immense size and lavish features.
In December 2007, the 14,395-square-foot guesthouse sold for a reported $36.5 million. John Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, purchased the main Hala Ranch estate in 2012. He paid $49 million for the property. This sale marked one of the most expensive residential transactions in Aspen’s history. The ranch remains a private residence. It continues to exemplify luxury living in the Rocky Mountains.
14. Oheka Castle
Location and Size
Oheka Castle stands majestically in Huntington, New York, on Long Island. This historic estate is a prominent landmark. It was originally configured to comprise over 109,000 square feet (10,100 square meters). Upon its completion, Oheka Castle measured an impressive 112,895 square feet. This vast size makes it the second-largest private residence ever built in the United States. The castle sits on a sprawling 23-acre property.
Key Features
This French château-style mansion boasts 127 rooms. It features formal gardens designed by the Olmsted Brothers, who also designed Central Park.
The estate includes a grand ballroom, a library, and numerous opulent reception rooms. Intricate architectural details, such as carved ceilings and marble fireplaces, adorn the interiors. The castle also has a reflecting pool and a golf course. Its design evokes the grandeur of European aristocracy.
Ownership and History
Otto Hermann Kahn, a wealthy financier and philanthropist, built Oheka Castle. Construction began in 1914 and finished in 1919.
Kahn used the estate as his summer home. He hosted lavish parties and entertained royalty and heads of state there. After Kahn’s death in 1934, the property changed hands several times. It served as a military academy and then a retreat for sanitation workers. The castle fell into disrepair during these years. Gary Melius purchased the dilapidated estate in 1984. He undertook a massive, multi-million dollar restoration project.
This effort brought the castle back to its original splendor. Today, Oheka Castle operates as a luxury hotel, wedding venue, and event space. It also serves as a popular filming location.
15. Villa Leopolda
Location and Size
Villa Leopolda sits on the French Riviera. It is in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. This grand estate overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The property covers about 18 acres (7.3 hectares). The main villa itself is a large structure. It offers extensive living space. Its prime location and vast grounds make it one of the most prestigious properties in the world.
Key Features
The villa features 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. It includes a large greenhouse. This greenhouse is bigger than many homes. The estate also has a helipad. A private beach club and a swimming pool are part of the property. The gardens are famous. They require 50 full-time gardeners to maintain them.
These gardens contain over 1,200 olive trees, orange trees, and lemon trees. The villa’s architecture reflects a classic Belle Époque style. It offers stunning views from almost every room. The property provides ultimate luxury and privacy.
Ownership and History
King Leopold II of Belgium originally owned the land. He gave it to his mistress, Caroline Lacroix. The villa was built between 1929 and 1931. Ogden Codman Jr., an American architect, designed it. Many wealthy individuals have owned Villa Leopolda over the years.
These owners include Gianni Agnelli, the former head of Fiat. Lily Safra, the widow of Lebanese-Brazilian banker Edmond Safra, was a more recent owner. In 2008, a Russian billionaire reportedly tried to buy the villa for €500 million. However, the deal fell through. The villa remains a symbol of immense wealth and historical significance on the French Riviera.
16. Hearst Castle
Location and Size
Hearst Castle stands majestically on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is located in San Simeon, California. This grand estate covers 127 acres. The main house, known as Casa Grande, spans 68,500 square feet. It sits within a vast property that once encompassed 250,000 acres. The castle offers breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding mountains.
Key Features
The castle features 165 rooms. These include 38 bedrooms, 14 sitting rooms, and a massive dining hall. It boasts two spectacular swimming pools: the Roman Pool and the Neptune Pool.
The Neptune Pool holds 345,000 gallons of water. The estate also has three guesthouses. These guesthouses are also large and luxurious. Beautiful gardens, terraces, and walkways connect the various structures. The castle houses an impressive art collection. It includes ancient tapestries, sculptures, and paintings.
Ownership and History
William Randolph Hearst built Hearst Castle. He was a wealthy newspaper magnate. Construction began in 1919 and continued for 28 years. Architect Julia Morgan designed the castle. Hearst envisioned it as a private retreat and a place to display his vast art collection.
He hosted many famous guests there. These guests included politicians and Hollywood stars. After Hearst’s death, his family donated the property to the State of California in 1957. Today, Hearst Castle operates as a California State Park. Millions of visitors explore its grandeur each year.
17. Four Fairfield Pond
Location and Size
Four Fairfield Pond is a massive estate in Sagaponack, New York. This property sits in the Hamptons, a well-known affluent area. The main house is one of the largest residential compounds in the United States. Four Fairfield Pond boasts a vast 110,000 square feet of total space. This immense size makes it a truly monumental private residence. The estate covers 63 acres of prime beachfront land.
Key Features
This luxurious home offers an extraordinary array of amenities. The main house has 29 bedrooms and 39 bathrooms. It includes a massive dining room, 91 feet long. The estate features three swimming pools.
It also has a private bowling alley and a 164-seat home theater. For recreation, residents enjoy a basketball court, a squash court, and two tennis courts. The property even contains its own power plant. This ensures a reliable and independent energy supply. Multiple guest houses and extensive staff quarters are also part of the compound.
Ownership and History
Ira Rennert owns Four Fairfield Pond. He is an American billionaire investor and businessman. Rennert began constructing the estate in the late 1990s. The project faced some local opposition due to its massive scale. However, construction proceeded. The estate became a symbol of extreme wealth in the Hamptons. The property serves as Rennert’s primary residence. It remains one of the most valuable private homes in the world.
18. Buckingham Palace
Location and Size
Buckingham Palace stands in London, United Kingdom. It serves as the official residence and principal workplace of the British monarch. This grand palace encompasses over 830,000 square feet of floorspace. This makes it one of the largest royal residences globally. Its central location in Westminster makes it a prominent landmark.
Key Features
The palace boasts 775 rooms. These include 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. Its famous balcony is a site for royal appearances. The palace also features a large garden, the biggest private garden in London. This garden hosts annual garden parties. The State Rooms are used for official entertaining and ceremonies. They display treasures from the Royal Collection.
Ownership and History
Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to reside there. It functions as the administrative headquarters of the monarch.
The palace is a working royal palace. It hosts many state events and ceremonies throughout the year. It remains a powerful symbol of the British monarchy. The Crown Estate owns the palace. It is held in trust for the nation.
19. Mar-a-Lago
Location and Size
Mar-a-Lago sits in Palm Beach, Florida. This historic estate occupies a prime oceanfront location. The mansion measures 37,414 square feet. This makes it a substantial private residence. The property spans 17 acres. It offers expansive views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway.
Key Features
Mar-a-Lago showcases a Spanish-Moorish architectural style. It features 128 rooms. The estate includes a grand ballroom, a spa, and multiple swimming pools. It also has a private beach club. The property boasts meticulously maintained gardens and various recreational facilities. These facilities include tennis courts and a golf course. Mar-a-Lago holds designation as a National Historic Landmark. Its design reflects the opulence of the 1920s.
Ownership and History
Marjorie Merriweather Post, a prominent businesswoman and socialite, built Mar-a-Lago. Construction finished in 1927. Post envisioned the estate as a future winter White House.
She bequeathed it to the U.S. government upon her death in 1973. However, the government found the property too expensive to maintain. It returned the estate to the Post Foundation in 1981. Donald Trump purchased Mar-a-Lago in 1985. He later converted part of the estate into a private club in 1995. The Trump family maintains private quarters within the mansion. The club operates as a members-only resort. It hosts various events and functions.
20. The White House
Location and Size
The White House stands in Washington, D.C. It is a globally recognized landmark. This iconic building serves as the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States.
The White House complex includes the Executive Residence, the West Wing, the East Wing, and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The total floor area of the White House, across its six floors, is approximately 55,000 square feet. This measurement specifically includes the Ground Floor, State Floor, and residence floors. It does not account for the West or East Wings.
Key Features
The White House features 132 rooms. It has 35 bathrooms and 6 levels. Notable rooms include the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room, and the Situation Room. The East Room is the largest room in the Executive Residence.
It hosts receptions, ceremonies, and press conferences. The State Dining Room can seat 140 guests. The White House also has a tennis court, a bowling alley, a movie theater, and a jogging track. The Rose Garden and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden are famous outdoor spaces. These features support both the President’s official duties and private life.
Ownership and History
The United States government owns the White House. President George Washington selected the site in 1791. James Hoban designed the building. Construction began in 1792. President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, were the first residents in 1800. British troops burned the White House during the War of 1812. It was rebuilt and reoccupied in 1817. The White House has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries. It remains a powerful symbol of American democracy and leadership.
These 20 residences showcase unparalleled scale and luxury. They stand as some of the biggest houses in the world. They represent diverse architectural styles, rich histories, and cutting-edge amenities. Such grand homes influence culture and redefine luxury living.
Our fascination with the biggest houses in the world endures. We appreciate these architectural marvels. They hold a unique place in the world’s landscape. These properties truly are the biggest houses in the world.
