10 Most Expensive Houses In The World

Most of us will never get to live in an expensive, multi-million dollar house. Still, there’s a certain degree of delight and excitement that we feel in ogling the mansions, palaces, and penthouses owned by the fabulously rich.
Many of the world’s priciest private real estate properties feature gorgeous (and sometimes tacky) architecture, state-of-the-art amenities, and a name – you know a house is badass when it has its own name. To further whet your imagination, here’s a list of ten of the world’s most expensive houses.
1. Antilia

Antilia (Photo: flickr | Jay Hariani)

The most expensive house in the world as of 2013 is the Antilia, a ‘odern home located in the urban neighborhood of Mumbai, India. It is the residence of Mukesh Ambani, the fifth richest man in the entire planet.
This 27-story palace is said to cost a jaw-dropping $1 billion! Its architecture follows the philosophy of “Vastu Shastra,” making the mansion a gateway of positive energy. The Antilia features everything any person could want in a home: a ballroom, a four-story garden, health floor with Jacuzzi, and a six-story parking space.
2. Villa Leopolda

Villa Leopolda (Photo: flickr | pmo)

Valued at a whopping $506 million, Villa Leopolda is the second most expensive house in the world and considered the priciest mansion in all of Europe. Located in the French Riviera, it was built in 1902 by King Leopold II of Belgium, and is currently the property of Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
Towering at 27 stories, it houses 19 bedrooms and requires 50 full-time gardeners to keep the spacious “backyard” well-maintained.  This property currently belongs to the Safra family, originally bought by banker Edmond Safra.
3. The Penthouse

The Penthouse (Photo Courtesy: thebiggestnews.com)

With picturesque views of Central London, the Penthouse of Hyde Park in England is considered the priciest flat in the world. Costing an estimated $200 million, it is equipped with a wine-tasting room and a squash playground. Home to the rich and famous, the Penthouse is equipped with state-of-the-art security features, such as an eye scanner, panic room, and bulletproof windows.

4. Fairfield Pond

Fairfield Pond (Photo: Wikipedia)

Fairfield Pond, named after its adjacent body of water, is considered one of the top ten most expensive houses in the United States. Owned by businessman Ira Leon Rennert, this 66,000 square-foot property in the Hamptons of New York is valued at $198 million. Apart from having a bowling alley and basketball court, Fairfield Pond also plays home to a hot tub that comes with a price tag of $150,000.
5. Hearst Mansion

Hearst Mansion (Photo: flickr | allistair)

The Hearst Mansion, the fifth most expensive house in the world, is a luxurious castle brimming with history. This grandiose San Simeon, California estate served as the backdrop of the world-famous movie, “The Godfather.” It was also here that the late president John F. Kennedy spent his honeymoon.
One thing that makes this $165 million estate really stand out is that it has its own disco. Apart from that, it has 29 bedrooms, 3 swimming pools, and a movie theater.
6. Franchuk Villa

Franchuk Villa (Photo Courtesy: metro.se)

Situated in London, United Kingdom, the Franchuk Villa is a 10-bedroom Victorian estate that costs $161 million. Named after owner Elena Franchuk, a Ukrainian businesswoman and philanthropist, the mansion recently went through a $16-million worth of renovation works. Before it was transformed into a home of massive proportions, it once served as an exclusive prep school for girls.
At five stories high, the villa features a panic room, private movie theater, sauna, gym and indoor swimming pool. Apart from its modern facilities, it is said that the antique artworks and expensive wood furnishings inside the house account for half the overall cost of the villa.
7. The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle (Photo Courtesy: justin.my)

Located in Montana, the Pinnacle is one of the top ten most expensive houses in the United States. Although it only occupies a relatively small area, its features give other larger estates a run for their money. Worth $155 million, this estate is the grandest home in the posh, exclusive neighborhood– the Yellowstone Club.
As the pride and joy of owners Tim and Edna Blixseth (who are also the owners of Yellowstone Club), the Pinnacle is made with a massive heated flooring installation to provide them and their guests sheer comfort and warmth in the midst of the freezing Montana weather. There is also a fireplace in every bathroom so guests will not have to worry about getting nippy in the john.
8. The Manor

The Manor (Photo: Wikipedia)

Living up to its stately name, the Manor of Los Angeles, California has 123 bedrooms, swimming pools, tennis courts, cinema room, spa, and beauty salon. Built in the late 1980s for the late (and legendary) TV producer Aaron Spelling, it is touted as the biggest home in the Los Angeles Area.
Now owned by Petra Ecclestone, daughter of the famous Bernie Ecclestone (of Formula 1), the Manor comes at a hefty price of $150 million (when it was listed for sale in 2008). It has a total land area of about 2.5 acres. This chateau-style home also features a spacious parking area that can accommodate hundreds of cars.
9. Updown Court

Updown Court (Photo: Wikipedia)

This fancy home, which costs $139 million, is located in the district of Windlesham in Surrey, England. The Updown Court features the finest amenities that life has to offer: private cinema rooms, tennis courts, and numerous bedrooms. Built in 1924, the Updown Court underwent a major renovation in 1987.
Apart from giving its human residents the finest things in life, Updown Court also has amenities for purebred animals and expensive cars. This expensive home plays host to a huge horse barn and marble garage that can accommodate eight stretch limousines.
10. Bran Castle

Bran Castle (Photo: Wikipedia)

Famously known as the Castle of Dracula, this $135 million fortress is located at the border of Wallachia and Transylvania in Romania. It once played home to Vlad III, the “Impaler” of Wallachia. Because his malevolent ways is often associated with Count Dracula, the Bran Castle is considered by many readers as the home of the bloodthirsty immortal creature from the acclaimed “Dracula” novel by Bram Stoke.
Before it became a museum of antique artifacts, the 17-bedroom Bran Castle once served as the abode of the Romanian royals