What Is the Biggest Mansion in the World?
The biggest mansion in the world is Istana Nurul Iman Palace in Brunei, at 2.15 million square feet. Built in 1984 at a cost of approximately $1.4 billion according to Wikipedia. Designed by architect Leonardo Locsin, it has 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and a mosque. Buckingham Palace in London, at 828,821 square feet, is the second largest, and Antilia in Mumbai, at 400,000 square feet, is third.
What Are The Biggest Houses in the World?
They say a man’s home is his castle, and in the case of these expensive houses that is certainly true! Discover the biggest mansion in the world and other spectacular private homes around the world in this article.
If money is no object, these gigantic homes might well appeal. Having said that, some of these huge houses are not all that attractive, considering the amount of money that has gone into their construction.
What these luxurious homes have in common are their high-end amenities and features like infinity pools and golf courses. Read on to discover the largest and most expensive mansions in the world.
We haven’t included large former mansions such as Oheka Castle, Monticello and Hearst Castle which are now hotels and museums. Most of the big mansions here are still used as homes, apart from one which is currently abandoned. So let’s find out what is the biggest house in the world.
17. Villa Firenze, Beverly Hills, USA – 28,660 square feet
Nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, Villa Firenze reigns as a luxurious haven of indulgence. This impeccable property exudes sophistication and elegance with its exquisite architectural design, sprawling acres of grounds, and its opulent amenities.
The palatial villa boasts eight plush bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, all designed for maximum comfort and privacy. From its indoor movie theater to its lavish pool and two-story library with secret passageway, the Villa Firenze is an ideal sanctuary for those seeking the ultimate level of luxury and indulgence.
Villa Firenze is situated inside the 250 acre Beverly Park gated community, which requires all homes there to be a minimum 5,000 square feet.
Location: Beverly Hills, USA
Value: $52 million
Built: 1998
Architect:
Owner: Unknown
Property Features: party patios, 30-car courtyard, an orchard, basketball court, 40 foot tall palm trees.
16. Villa Leopolda, French Riviera – 29,000 square feet
One of the most expensive houses on the French Riviera, Villa Leopolda was originally commissioned by King Leopold II of Belgium for his mistress Caroline Lacroix. The lavish property was then owned by Gianni and Marella Agnelli before being sold to the late Edmond Safra and his wife Lily.
Also known as La Leopolda, this luxury house is set in 18 acres of land. The property has panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. For those who enjoy exploring the most expensive neighborhoods in the world, the French Riviera should be firmly on that list.
If the elegant villa looks familiar, that’s because it featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie To Catch a Thief. There are 14 bathrooms and 11 bedrooms.
Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Value: around $750 million
Built: 1902
Architect: Ogden Codman Jr.
Owner: Lily Safra
Property Features: helipad, outdoor kitchen, commercial sized greenhouse, ornate botanical gardens
15. Palazzo di Amore, Beverly Hills, USA – 53,000 square feet
Beverly Hills is home to some of the most luxurious homes in the world, and one of the most magnificent is Palazzo di Amore. Built in 2005, this 25,000 square foot estate sits on a sprawling estate of twenty five acres.
The palatial mansion features 12 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a ballroom with DJ booth, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Outside, guests can enjoy the lush lawns, beautiful gardens, and infinity pool with room for 150 people. But the real showstopper is the view: overlooking Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles skyline.
Location: Lania Lane, Beverly Hills, United States
Value: $195 million
Built: 2002
Architect: Bob Ray Offenhauser
Owner: Jeff Greene
Property features: two-lane bowling alley, 24-car garage, vineyard and wine cellar, spa and 50-seat movie theater.
14. The Manor, Los Angeles, USA – 56,500 square feet
Also known as Spelling Manor, as it was previously owned by TV producer Aaron Spelling, this huge mansion was then bought by Petra Ecclestone. The current owner is unknown.
Larger than the White House and 21 times the size of an average American home, The Manor is next door to the Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills.
The property stands on the former site of Bing Crosby’s home, which was torn down to build it. The neighbors weren’t pleased about the scale of the house or the disruption caused by people trying to catch a glimpse of it.
Location: Mapleton Drive, Los Angeles, United States
Value: $119.5 million
Built: 1988
Architect: James Langenheim & Associates
Owner: Unknown
Property Features: Beauty salon, barber shop, 7,500 square feet master suite, two-lane bowling alley, twin butterfly staircase.
13. The Gemini Mansion, Palm Beach, USA – 62,000 square feet
With grounds covering a total area of around 696,000 square feet, Gemini is an incredible beachfront home. Purchased by tech billionaire Larry Ellison in 2022, it boasts around 2,500 feet of beachfront – 1,300 feet on Lake Worth and 1,200 feet on the Atlantic.
In fact, Gemini takes its name from its two different coastlines. Designed in the 1940s by the architect Marion Sims Wyeth, it was originally the home of the Lambert pharmaceutical family. In recent years, this stunning residence was owned by the Ziff family.
The main house has 12 bedrooms and there are 33 bedrooms in all on the Ellison estate. There’s a sports complex with a tennis court, a PGA-standard practice golf facility and a children’s treehouse.
Location: Manalapan, Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Value: $173 million
Built: 1940s
Architect: Marion Sims Wyeth
Owner: Larry Ellison
Property Features: secluded sandy beach, butterfly garden, cell phone signal booster.
12. Fair Field, The Hamptons, USA – 64,000 square feet
Mired in controversy, Fair Field is owned by junk bond billionaire Ira Rennert. He was forced to pay $213 million in damages to MagCorp, after being accused of using company funds to pay for this Hamptons mansion.
There are 39 bathrooms, 29 bedrooms, a 91 feet dining room and three swimming pools. As well as the main house, there’s a playhouse and two pool houses on the property.
Apparently, the hot tub had a cool $150,000 price tag. The estate even has its own power plant.
Location: Sagaponack, NY, USA
Value: $248 million
Built: 2003
Architect: Perkins and Will
Owners: Ira and Ingeborg Rennert
Property Features: basketball court, 100 car garage, two-lane bowling alley, two squash courts, two tennis courts, 164-seat movie theater.
11. Xanadu 2.0, Medina, USA – 66,000 square feet
Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington, Bill Gates has a huge home with a relatively simple design. This was previously his and Melinda Gates’s house until they divorced.
There are seven bedrooms and 24 bathrooms, as well as a sensor system to regulate lighting and heat. The Seattle suburb of Medina is also home to Jeff Bezos and other wealthy residents.
The property is named after the fictional home of Charles Foster Kane, the main character in Citizen Kane. In the library there is the Codex Leicester, a manuscript by famous artist Leonardo da Vinci, and two secret bookcases. One of these leads to a hidden bar.
Location: Medina, Washington, USA
Value: $147 million
Built: 1988
Architects: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Cutler Anderson Architects
Owner: Bill Gates
Property Features: swimming pool with underwater music system, trampoline room, reception room with space for 150 seated guests, artificial stream.
10. Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, USA – 70,000 square feet
Sadly, this spectacular mansion in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania is derelict and boarded up. Designed in the Neo-Classical Revival style, the 110 room property was originally built for the industrial tycoon Peter A.B. Widener.
A keen art collector, he commissioned Lynnewood as the result of a tragic event. Widener’s wife Hannah died after a yacht trip.
Stricken with grief, he left their townhouse in Philadelphia and had this huge mansion built for his remaining family. Unfortunately, more bad fortune was to come when Peter Widener’s son George perished on board The Titanic.
The house fell into ruin and some consider it to be the largest haunted house in the world. The current owner is the First Korean Church of New York, founded by Richard Yoon.
Location: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Value: $16.5 million
Built: 1897
Architect: Horace Trumbauer
Owner: Richard S. Yoon
Property Features: ballroom, art gallery, rose garden.
9. Château Pensmore, Ozark Mountains, USA – 72,000 square feet
Designed by multi-millionaire astrophysicist and businessman Steve Huff, Chateau Pensmore is is one of the largest mansions in the world. It is located in the Ozark Mountains and the area is not subject to government building regulations.
The mansion was an opportunity to experiment with the latest materials. Built entirely from energy-saving concrete, the house is reinforced with Helix steel fibers which resist explosions and natural disasters.
There are 14 bathrooms, 13 bedrooms, a testing centre for students, a history museum space and a Liberty Tree Trail within the grounds.
Location: Highlandville, Missouri
Value: $10 million
Built: 2008
Architect:
Owner: Steven T. Huff
Property Features: bullet proof, earthquake resistant, blast proof, fire resistant, F5 tornado resistant and bug resistant!
8. Versailles Mansion, Windermere, USA – 85,000 square feet
This expensive home in Florida is not to be confused with the original Palace of Versailles near Paris, France. Still under construction, the property is the brainchild of David and Jackie Siegel.
Having made their fortune in timeshares, the Siegels decided to build this enormous mansion, which features in the documentary Queen of Versailles. They’ve since famously said, “We’re sorry we ever started. But we’re $50 million into it, so it really needs to get done.”
When this private residence is finished, there will be 32 bathrooms, 11 kitchens and a 30-car garage. There will also be two elevators, one of which is gold.
Location: Lake Butler Sound, Windermere, Florida, USA
Value: $100 million
Built: still not completed in 2026!
Owners: Jacqueline and David Siegel
Property Features: bowling alley, spa, wine cellar, secret speakeasy, movie theater, 6 pools including an infinity pool, night club.
7. Witanhurst, Highgate, UK – 90,000 square feet
This Grade II listed property is the second largest house in the UK, after Buckingham Palace. The Georgian Revival mansion in North London has been extensively refurbished.
An orangery has been added, together with a 40,000 square feet basement. Witanhurst previously featured on BBC talent show Fame Academy.
There are 65 rooms, with 25 bedrooms and a 70 foot ballroom. This has ornate timber wall panels and an oak floor.
Location: Highgate, London
Value: $450 million
Built: 1913
Architect George Hubbard
Owner: Safran Holdings
Property Features: movie theatre, sauna, massage parlor, 25-car garage
6. The One, Bel Air, United States – 105,000 square feet
The One is a lavish property developed by Nile Niami, situated in the upscale neighborhood of Bel Air. This opulent mega mansion is renowned for its luxurious amenities and extravagant design.
Thought to be the largest modern house in America, it features as a filming location in the Apple+ TV series Loot. There are five swimming pools in total, with a large indoor pool.
In March 2021, Niami lost control of the property due to foreclosure. This Bel Air mega mansion was then sold at a bankruptcy auction in March 2022 for a winning bid of $126 million, which rose to a total of $141 million after including a 12% auction commission and fees.
The highest bidder was Richard Saghian. He is the owner of Fashion Nova, a fast fashion e-commerce company.
Location: Bel Air, USA
Value: $141 million
Built: 2021
Architect: Paul McClean, Real Estate Developer: Nile Niami
Owner: Richard Saghian, the owner of Fashion Nova
Property Features: 42 bathrooms, 21 bedrooms, 50 seat movie theater, running track, moat, nightclub, 50 car garage, 4 lane bowling alley, pool complex.
5. Safra Mansion, Sao Paulo, Brazil – 117,000 square feet
The late Joseph Safra and his wife Vicky had the Safra Mansion built for them, although Joseph regretted having such a huge property. He once said, “if I could go back in time I wouldn’t have built such a big house”.
There are very few photos available of Mansao Safra, the privately owned house which has a prime location in the upmarket Morumbi suburb of Sao Paulo.
The biggest house in Sao Paulo, it stands behind high security gates.
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Value: unknown
Owner: Vicky Safra
Property Features: Swimming pool, 130 rooms
4. Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, USA – 175,000 square feet
One of the most impressive historic homes in America, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville is the largest private home in the U.S, boasting 178,926 square feet of total floor space. Set in 8,000 acres, the estate has 250 rooms. It was originally built for George Washington Vanderbilt II, an American art collector and advocate of self-sustaining agriculture.
There are 43 bathrooms, 34 bedrooms, three kitchens, 65 fireplaces and 175,000 square feet of living space. Designed in the French Renaissance style, the largest house in America boasts several secret rooms.
A hidden door in the Breakfast Room leads to the butler’s pantry. The library has a secret space called The Den and there’s an underground tunnel beneath the property.
For those who love grand architecture on a monumental scale, it ranks alongside the most expensive buildings in the world and a true feat of construction.
Location: Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Value: $157 million
Built: 1889
Architect: Richard Morris Hunt
Owner: The Biltmore Company
Property Features: winery, banquet hall, bowling alley, indoor swimming pool.
3. Antilia, Mumbai India – 400,000 square feet
Standing 500 feet high, this 27 storey property is the home of Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, and his family. One of the largest homes in the world, it looks like a skyscraper.
There’s a helipad on the roof and nine high speed elevators. 600 staff work at this gigantic house! Financial reports such as 99acres referencing Forbes data peg the baseline value around $2 billion (approx. ₹16,640 crore).
Antilia is located in the most prestigious area of Mumbai, Altamount Road. The third-biggest house on our list of the biggest houses is designed to withstand an earthquake of 8 on the Richter scale.
Location: Mumbai, India
Value: roughly $2 billion
Built: 2010
Architect: Perkins and Will
Owner: Mukesh Ambani
Property Features: snow room, temple, rooftop helipad, an ice cream parlor, 50 seat movie theater, ballroom, 168 car garage and health spa.
2. Buckingham Palace, London, UK – 828,82 square feet
Although Buckingham Palace is not privately owned, being the property of The Crown Estate, it is one of the homes of King Charles III. With 775 rooms, there’s plenty of space for guests too! This is the biggest mansion in the world that is owned by an independent commercial business.
You can visit the 19 State Rooms during the Summer months, if you book well in advance. Tours also take in Buckingham Palace Garden, which is spread over 42 acres.
There are 78 bathrooms in the palace, and an underground tunnel system connecting it with Clarence House and the Houses of Parliament. The extensive, 10-year reservicing and infrastructure overhaul of the palace totals an estimated £369 million.
Location: London, UK
Value: estimated at $3.2 billion
Built: 1703
Architect: William Winde, remodelling by John Nash
Owner: Crown Estates
Property Features: Doctor’s surgery, post office, police station, ATM machine, movie theater, tennis court.
1. Istana Nurul Iman Palace, Brunei – 2.15 million square feet
With 1,788 rooms, a mosque and 257 bathrooms, Istana Nurul Iman Palace is the biggest mansion in the world. Also known as The Light of Faith Palace, it was designed by Leonardo Locsin and cost a colossal $1.4 billion to build in 1984.
The palace’s gold domes and vaulted roofs are a combination of Malay and Islamic architecture. As well as being a private home, this is a place where foreign dignitaries are entertained.
You can visit the world’s biggest house during the three days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Guests are served food and can queue to meet the Sultan or his wife.
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Value: estimated at $3.9 billion
Built: 1984
Architect: Leonardo V. Locsin.
Owner: The Sultan of Brunei
Property Features: air-conditioned stables with space for 200 polo ponies, 5 swimming pools, 110-car garage, mosque.
How Do the Biggest Mansions in the World Compare?
Here is a quick-reference table showing the top mansions and palaces on this list, ranked by size. Square footage figures reflect the most widely cited published measurements for each property.
| Mansion | Location | Size (sq ft) | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istana Nurul Iman Palace | Brunei | 2,150,000 | $3.9 billion |
| Buckingham Palace | London, UK | 828,821 | $3.2 billion |
| Antilia | Mumbai, India | 400,000 | $2 billion |
| Biltmore Estate | Asheville, NC, USA | 175,000 | $157 million |
| Safra Mansion | Sao Paulo, Brazil | 117,000 | unknown |
| The One | Bel Air, USA | 105,000 | $141 million |
| Witanhurst | Highgate, London, UK | 90,000 | $450 million |
| Versailles Mansion | Windermere, FL, USA | 85,000 | $100 million |
| Chateau Pensmore | Ozark Mountains, USA | 72,000 | $10 million |
| Lynnewood Hall | Elkins Park, PA, USA | 70,000 | $16.5 million |
Key Takeaways
●The biggest mansion in the world is Istana Nurul Iman Palace in Brunei, at an extraordinary 2.15 million square feet.
●Built in 1984 for $1.4 billion and designed by Leonardo Locsin, it has 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and its own mosque.
●Buckingham Palace in London is the second largest at 828,821 square feet, valued at an estimated $3.2 billion.
●The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest private home in the USA at 175,000 square feet, with 250 rooms set across 8,000 acres.
●Antilia in Mumbai stands 500 feet tall at 400,000 square feet and is worth roughly $2 billion, with 600 staff required to run it.
●Bill Gates’ Xanadu 2.0 in Medina, Washington, covers 66,000 square feet and is valued at $147 million.
●Istana Nurul Iman Palace opens to the public for just three days per year during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, making it one of the rarest visits on earth.
●Several properties on this list, including Versailles Mansion in Florida, remain unfinished or in flux as of 2026.
●Properties worth over $1 billion include Istana Nurul Iman ($3.9B), Buckingham Palace ($3.2B), and Antilia ($2B).
In Conclusion: The Biggest Mansion in the World
While there are many big houses in the world, these mega mansions take things to a whole new level! These estates may be out of reach for most people, but they provide us with a glimpse into the lifestyles of the ultra-rich.
Be sure to check out our other architectural articles here on LuxuryColumnist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 biggest mansions in the world?
The 10 biggest mansions and palaces in the world by square footage are: 1. Istana Nurul Iman Palace, Brunei (2.15 million sq ft); 2. Buckingham Palace, UK (828,821 sq ft); 3. Antilia, India (400,000 sq ft); 4. Biltmore Estate, USA (175,000 sq ft); 5. Safra Mansion, Brazil (117,000 sq ft); 6. The One, USA (105,000 sq ft); 7. Witanhurst, UK (90,000 sq ft); 8. Versailles Mansion, USA (85,000 sq ft); 9. Chateau Pensmore, USA (72,000 sq ft); 10. Lynnewood Hall, USA (70,000 sq ft).
Where is the biggest house in the world located?
The biggest house in the world, Istana Nurul Iman Palace, is located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It serves as both the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and the seat of the Brunei government.
How many rooms are in the biggest house in the world?
Istana Nurul Iman Palace has 1,788 rooms in total, including 257 bathrooms and a mosque. By comparison, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, and the Biltmore Estate has 250 rooms.
Can you visit the biggest mansion in the world?
Istana Nurul Iman Palace opens to the public for three days each year during Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr). Visitors can receive food and queue to meet the Sultan or his wife. The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina is the most accessible property on this list and is open year-round as a ticketed attraction.
Is there a $1 billion house in the world?
Yes, there are several properties worth over $1 billion. Istana Nurul Iman Palace in Brunei is estimated at $3.9 billion, Buckingham Palace at $3.2 billion, and Antilia in Mumbai at roughly $2 billion. Villa Leopolda on the French Riviera is also valued at around $750 million, making it one of the most expensive private houses in Europe.
What is America’s largest mansion?
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is widely regarded as the largest private home in the United States, at 175,000 square feet. It has 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and sits on 8,000 acres. It was originally built for George Washington Vanderbilt II and was completed in 1889. For those interested in exploring it, the estate is open year-round as a ticketed attraction and also operates its own winery.
How big is Bill Gates’ mansion?
Bill Gates’ mansion, Xanadu 2.0 in Medina, Washington, is 66,000 square feet. It has 7 bedrooms and 24 bathrooms, and is valued at $147 million. The property sits on the shores of Lake Washington and is named after the fictional estate in the film Citizen Kane. The library houses the Codex Leicester, a rare Leonardo da Vinci manuscript, along with two secret bookcases, one of which leads to a hidden bar.
What is the most luxurious house in the world?
That depends on how you define luxury! In terms of sheer scale and opulence, Istana Nurul Iman Palace in Brunei takes the crown, with its gold domes, 200-pony stables, and five swimming pools. Antilia in Mumbai is another contender, rivalling some of the most luxurious hotels in the world with its snow room, ice cream parlor, and team of 600 staff. For architectural prestige, Villa Leopolda on the French Riviera, valued at around $750 million, is hard to beat.
What is the strongest house in the world?
Chateau Pensmore in the Ozark Mountains, Missouri, makes a strong claim to being the most structurally resilient house in the world. Built entirely from energy-saving concrete reinforced with Helix steel fibers, it is designed to be bulletproof, blast proof, earthquake resistant, fire resistant, F5 tornado resistant, and even bug resistant. It was purposely built in an area with no government building regulations, giving its designer, astrophysicist and businessman Steve Huff, freedom to push the boundaries of construction materials.
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