Some people want their home to serve as a place to keep their cherished possessions. Others desire the ultimate space to host parties and enjoy life to the fullest. But for the biggest houses (if we can still call them that) in the world, limits do not exist.
Whether it’s a 27-story skyscraper with 600 people on staff or a centuries-old palace ready to host the most prestigious dignitaries, the largest houses in the world have everything it takes to impress.
The bigger, the better—Master bedrooms stretch to nearly 10,000 sq ft, while bowling alleys, 100-car garages, and multiple pools are just the tip of the iceberg. And really, what is a big home if you can’t invite over 5,000 people to enjoy your banquet hall?
Covering nearly every corner of the globe, the world’s biggest houses are ready for anything. With plenty of room left over.
The biggest houses in the world
How do the world’s biggest houses compare with our homes? The simple answer: they don’t.
Still, here at Luxe Digital, we are the curious types, so we did a little investigating.
Read on to find out just how grand the biggest houses in the world are—in ascending order.
20. Pensmore, United States — 72,000 sq ft
Dreamed by multi-millionaire astrophysicist and ex-CIA agent Steve T. Huff, Pensmore is one of the biggest houses in the world—and perhaps one of the sturdiest.
The reinforced concrete, chateau-style home is located in the Ozark Mountains and is meant to withstand everything from bomb blasts to natural disasters.
There are 14 bathrooms, 13 bedrooms, a music room, a 1,600-square-foot library, and space for a history museum. Pensmore has been under construction on and off for over a decade… and counting. There’s no telling when or if it will ever be completed.
| Size: | 72,000 sq ft / 6,689 m² |
| Location: | Highlandville, Missouri |
| Estimated value: | $10 million |
| Owner: | Steven T. Huff |
| Built in: | Under construction since 2018 |
19. Taohuayuan, China — 72,400 sq ft
Some of the world’s biggest houses are perfectly situated for large parties and energetic fun. This one, on the other hand, is built on a lake island with stunning views and peaceful surroundings.
This huge mansion rivals some of the biggest houses in America but features distinctly Chinese architecture, even going as far as using the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, a UNESCO heritage site, as inspiration. It’s no wonder they chose a name that translates to utopia.
Taohuayuan features 32 bedrooms and bathrooms, an enormous wine cellar, and a lakeside pool.
| Size: | 72,400 sq ft / 6,700 m² |
| Location: | Suzhou, China |
| Estimated value: | $154 million |
| Owner: | Hongtian Chen |
| Built in: | 2016 |
18. Villa Leopolda, France — 80,000 sq ft
The French Riviera is known as a stunningly beautiful location with jaw-dropping views and gorgeous water. It’s also known as a playground for the wealthy, and Villa Leopolda might be the perfect manifestation of that thought.
With 19 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms spread across the main building and two guest houses, there is more than enough space for all of the fun you can imagine.
If the interior doesn’t do it for you, step outside the most expensive house on the French Riviera, and dip in one of its 12 pools, walk through the extensive gardens, or check out the commercial greenhouse.
If the luxury mansion looks familiar, that’s because it appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie To Catch a Thief.
| Size: | 80,000 sq ft / 7,400 m² |
| Location: | Villefranche-sur-Mer, France |
| Estimated value: | $750 million |
| Owner: | The Safra family |
| Built in: | 1931 |
17. La Reverie, United States — 84,600 sq ft
What happens when you start one of the most popular hair product companies? You build huge mansions with everything you want.
Sydell Miller hired architect Jeffery Smith to design one of the biggest houses in the US in an ideal Palm Beach location, with almost 350 feet of oceanfront coastline. It exchanged hands in 2019, purchased by hedge-fund manager Steven Schonfeld.
As one of the biggest houses in America, it has ten rooms, an opulent library, and a basement with a bowling alley and game room. The exterior is covered in stone and features large Roman arches over the window and loggia openings.
| Size: | 84,600 sq ft / 7,900 m² |
| Location: | Palm Beach, Florida, USA |
| Estimated value: | $111 million |
| Owner: | Steven Schonfeld |
| Built in: | 2001 |
16. Modern Versailles, United States — 85,000 sq ft
As you can imagine, constructing America’s largest family home is a monumental task. Situated in Florida’s exclusive Orange County, this mega mansion is inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France. It began construction in 2004 and is expected to complete in 2023.
What is the payoff for such a long wait? How about an 8,000 sq ft master bedroom, 11 kitchens, outdoor and indoor pools, a wine cellar, two tennis courts, and a 35-car garage? Two elevators are on the luxury property, one of which is reported to feature extensive use of gold.
In the documentary Queen of Versailles, the Siegels famously said, “We’re sorry we ever started. But we’re $50 million into it, so it really needs to get done.”
| Size: | 85,000 sq ft / 7,900 m² |
| Location: | Windermere, Florida, USA |
| Estimated value: | $100 million |
| Owner: | Jacqueline and David Siegel |
| Built in: | 2004-2023 |
15. Witanhurst, United Kingdom — 90,000 sq ft
The second-largest home in the United Kingdom, Witanhurst, was designed by architect George Hubbard and built over a century ago. (The original estate was named Parkfield in 1774).
Before the 2008 sale to Russian businessman Andrey Guryev, it was reported to be in a state of disrepair, showing how the world’s biggest houses are subject to the same laws of time as other homes.
Now, it is ready again to host guests in its 25 bedrooms on three floors, gym, sauna, movie theater, and billiards room. Hopefully, its relatively new owner will keep up with the maintenance better than the previous ones.
| Size: | 90,000 sq ft / 8,400 m2 |
| Location: | London, UK |
| Estimated value: | $450 million |
| Owner: | Safran Holdings, Andrey Guryev |
| Built in: | 1913 |
14. The One, United States — 105,000 sq ft
When Nile Niami set out to create one of the biggest mansions in the world, his goal was to create something that only a select few people could afford. The type of people who want something no one else has.
And after many legal challenges, the feat has been accomplished. But due to Bel Air’s latest zoning regulations, it’s unlikely to be repeated in the area ever again.
Featuring a four-lane bowling alley, a 45-seat movie theater, and a full indoor/outdoor nightclub with a VIP section, The One is ready to host extravagant parties, all without leaving the comfort of your home.
This luxury mansion also has a 5,000-square-foot master bedroom and a garage with enough space to hold a museum’s worth of expensive cars.
| Size: | 105,000 sq ft / 9,755 m² |
| Location: | Bel Air, California, USA |
| Estimated value: | $141 million |
| Owner: | Richard Saghian |
| Built in: | 2013 |
13. Oheka Castle, United States — 109,000 sq ft
You’re probably familiar with Oheka Castle, even if you didn’t know it. Fans of Citizen Kane will recognize this brooding property as Kane’s home, Xanadu—while Succession fans will spot it as the Hungarian hunting retreat from season two. Evidently, Oheka Castle is a favorite of location scouts, and it’s easy to see why.
With a European aesthetic easily at home in Eastern Europe or Bavaria, Oheka Castle certainly stands out among traditional American architecture. Built in the midst of WWI, the castle served as a summer home for its creator, American investment banker and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn.
Over a century old, this French-style chateau enjoyed a $40 million dollar restoration—the largest in American history. Complete with a grand staircase, monumental library, and gardens boasting eight reflective pools and three fountains, it’s no wonder this is a favored wedding venue of the rich and famous, too.
| Size: | 109,000 sq ft / 10,100 m² |
| Location: | Long Island, USA |
| Estimated value: | $158 million |
| Owner: | Gary Melius |
| Built in: | 1919 |
12. Fair Field, United States — 110,000 sq ft
Owned by businessman Ira Rennert, Fair Field is a marvelous Italian Renaissance-style mega mansion in the Hamptons. The main residence is 62,000 square feet, but the entire complex has several buildings totaling 110,000 square feet. To put that into perspective, it is twice the size of the White House.
As one of the biggest private homes in America, it comprises 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, three pools, a bowling alley, a 164-seat theater, and a garage for 100 luxury cars. The luxury estate even has its own power plant.
It’s also a mega-mansion mired in controversy that inspired a novel—James Brady’s The House That Ate the Hamptons.
| Size: | 110,000 sq ft / 10,219 m² |
| Location: | Sagaponack, NY, USA |
| Estimated value: | $250 million |
| Owner: | Ira Rennert |
| Built in: | 2003 |
11. Safra Mansion, Brazil — 117,000 sq ft
Located in the prestigious Morumbi suburb of Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Safra Mansion is tucked behind a large set of security gates. Unfortunately, for those curious about the details of this huge mansion, not much is publicly available.
We do know it boasts a massive 117,000 sq ft of space with at least 130 rooms and multiple pools.
Perhaps one day, the reclusive Safra family, who also owns one of the world’s most expensive houses, will open the doors to unveil what’s hidden inside one of the largest houses in the world. But until then, you’ll have to let your imagination run wild.
| Size: | 117,000 sq ft / 10,900 m² |
| Location: | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Estimated value: | Unknown |
| Owner: | Vicky Safra |
| Built in: | 1895 |
10. Biltmore Estate, United States — 175,000 sq ft
Built by the well-known Vanderbilt family, the Biltmore Estate has it all. There are an incredible 250 rooms and 43 bathrooms. And if you’re a big reader, then the library with 23,000 books might make you drool even more than the three kitchens.
The design of the biggest home in America takes inspiration from French châteaux (castles), complete with a sprawling lawn and multiple gardens. With that much greenery, the two dedicated water sources are a vital piece of the puzzle.
Want to see what the inside of this luxury house looks like? Good news. Public tours of the massive estate are available, along with lodging for guests on the same property.
| Size: | 175,000 sq ft / 16,300 m² |
| Location: | Asheville, North Carolina, USA |
| Estimated value: | $157 million |
| Owner: | The Biltmore Company |
| Built in: | 1889-1895 |
9. Antilia, India — 400,000 sq ft
Some people with deep pockets choose to go far away from crowds and hit the open countryside with sprawling estates. But Indian Billionaire Mukesh Ambani is not one of those people.
His 27-story skyscraper towers over the neighboring buildings and is filled with the epitome of luxurious touches. The luxury home includes a rooftop helipad with space for three helicopters, enough parking for 168 of his favorite rides (including some of the world’s most expensive cars), and several guest apartments.
But what billionaire’s luxury home would be complete without an indoor swimming pool, a theater, and multiple spas and gyms? Not this one. Oh yeah, it also has a staff of 600 people to handle operations.
| Size: | 400,000 sq ft / 37,000 m² |
| Location: | Mumbai, India |
| Estimated value: | $2 billion |
| Owner: | Mukesh Ambani |
| Built in: | 2006-2012 |
8. The Gemini Mansion, United States — 85,000 sq ft
Owned by tech-billionaire Larry Ellison, the Gemini Mansion is just one facet of the Oracle founder’s expansive property portfolio. We wonder how he picks his favorite spot, given that he also owns a Hawaiian island, a Kyoto villa, and a casino formerly owned by Frank Sinatra.
Perched on a Floridian clifftop, the Gemini Mansion spans 16 acres—including 1200 feet of pure, untouched Atlantic coastline. And, with 30 bedrooms and (reportedly) 47 bathrooms within the property lines, there’s plenty of room for guests.
Besides the main house and guest accommodation, there’s a botanical garden, bird sanctuary, and even a butterfly garden. This is a property for the (UHNW) nature lovers, that’s for sure.
| Size: | 85,000 sq ft / 57,800m² |
| Location: | Florida, USA |
| Estimated value: | $173 billion |
| Owner: | Larry Ellison |
| Built in: | 2009 |
7. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom — 828,800 sq ft
As home to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace is certainly one of the most recognizable royal residences in the world. It has been a staple of global culture and politics for over three centuries. It also has a literal connection to the Houses of Parliament through an underground tunnel.
The most expensive house in the world, Buckingham Palace has 19 staterooms available to host any dignitary, while the 775 rooms and 78 bathrooms ensure that no one feels cramped.
Unlike most of the biggest houses on this list, public tours of the 48-acre Buckingham Palace Gardens and parts of the interior are available. Just make sure to book your tickets well in advance.
| Size: | 828,800 sq ft / 77,000 m² |
| Location: | London, UK |
| Estimated value: | $4.9 billion |
| Owner: | King Charles III, in right of the British Crown |
| Built in: | 1703 |
6. Umaid Bhawan Palace, India — 1 million sq ft
A perfect illustration of Rajasthan’s colorful legacy, Umaid Bhawan would have a fair shot as India’s crown jewel—if not for the Taj Mahal, of course. Situated in the Blue City, Jodhpur, this residential palace sits atop a hill, gazing down at the bustling city below.
The Jodhpur royal family still lives in a walled-off quarter of the palace. However, the rest was turned into luxury lodgings managed by Taj Hotels.
As pleasingly symmetrical as a Wes Anderson movie, Umaid Bhawan is a treat for the eyes—to say the least. Constructed from golden sandstone, the palace includes both Rajput and Mughal styles, from the pretty minarets to gorgeously intricate arches. And when the mercury is on the higher side (which is, like, always), the palatial gardens serve as a civilized spot to sit under shady trees and marvel at the spectacular surroundings.
| Size: | 1 million sq ft / 105,218 m² |
| Location: | Jodhpur, India |
| Estimated value: | $94 million |
| Owner: | Maharaja of Jodhpur |
| Built in: | 1943 |
5. Quirinal Palace, Italy — 1.2 million sq ft
Standing tall on the highest of Rome’s seven hills, the 16th-Century Quirinal Palace overlooks the Eternal City in all its glory. For Romanophiles, it’s the equivalent of Disneyland.
Laying claim to the last-ever-built Roman baths, precious mosaics, and the celebrated Blessing Christ fresco, the Quirinal Palace presents awe-inspiring history at every turn and is home to the President of the Republic of Italy.
You’d struggle to get bored—though you may get lost—exploring the 1200 rooms, including the First State Room, the Great Hall of the Cuirassiers, and countless private papal apartments. In fact, the Quirinal Palace is so dazzling, Napoleon himself planned to set up shop there.
| Size: | 1.2 million sq ft / 110,500 m² |
| Location: | Rome, Italy |
| Estimated value: | $1.2 billion |
| Owner: | President of Italy |
| Built in: | 1583-1585 |
4. Apostolic Palace, Vatican City — 1.7 million sq ft
The Apostolic Palace in Vatican City delivers everything one might expect from a papal residence—after all, who else but the Pope could enlist Raphael and Michelangelo as their interior design team?
Home to the iconic Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Palace is draped in history, legend—and unmatchable grandeur. The epicenter of Catholicism, the palace is abuzz with comings and goings of religious officials, monks, and crowds of tourists raring to feast their eyes on those OG Renaissance artworks.
Bedecked with frescoes, artifacts, and sculpture, the Apostolic Palace is a bucket-list must for everyone.
| Size: | 1.7 million sq ft / 162,000 m² |
| Location: | Vatican City |
| Estimated value: | Priceless |
| Owner: | The reigning Pope |
| Built in: | 1471-1605 |
3. Ak Saray Presidential Palace, Turkey — 2.1 million sq ft
Ak Saray (meaning ‘White Palace’) in Turkey has made its mark—in a big way. Indeed, what the Versailles-dwarfing Turkish Presidential Palace lacks in maturity, it makes up for in sheer size.
Comprised of a triple compound with 1,150 rooms, this White Palace makes the USA’s White House look like a humble cottage. The design is an inspired potpourri of Turkey’s more established architectural wonders, with elements from age-old Ottoman palaces infused into its structure.
Within the walls, you’ll find the Presidential Library wall-to-wall with upwards of 4 million books, the Presidential residence, and—rather curiously—a full-scale laboratory. Intrigued? Join the club.
| Size: | 2.1 million sq ft / 200,000 m² |
| Location: | Ankara, Turkey |
| Estimated value: | $615 million |
| Owner: | President of Turkey |
| Built in: | 2014 |
2. Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei — 2.15 million sq ft
When you’re expecting thousands of your closest friends to come over for a party, finding the space might be challenging. Unless you’re the Sultan of Brunei.
His extravagant palace—Istana Nurul Iman (“Light of Faith Palace“)—houses 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a mosque with a 1,500-person capacity, and of course, a banquet hall equipped for 5,000 people. The royal garage is downright massive, with spaces for all the world’s most expensive cars, while the air-conditioned stable can hold over 200 horses.
Sitting at over 2 million square feet, Istana Nurul Iman is the world’s second largest private residence—and a jaw-dropping feat of architecture designed by Leandro V. Locsin.
| Size: | 2.15 million sq ft / 200,000 m² |
| Location: | Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei |
| Estimated value: | $1.4 billion |
| Owner: | Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah |
| Built in: | 1984 |
1. Lakshmi Vilas Palace, India — 30.5 million sq ft
Located in Vadodara, India, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace is a historic monarchic mansion and the world’s largest private residence. Sprawling over 30,454,600 square feet, the behemoth estate is reminiscent of a European country house, albeit much bigger—it’s four times the size of Buckingham Palace. It was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Gaekwad dynasty, one of the prominent princely states of India, during the late 19th century.
Lakshmi Vilas Palace is known for its opulent architecture, expansive grounds, and overall grandeur. The main palace building, which showcases a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Victorian, and other structural styles, reflects the lavish lifestyle and artistic indulgence of the Gaekwad royal family.
The palace complex also includes an indoor tennis court and two huge courtyards dotted with trees and fountains. Golf courses and cricket grounds surround the meticulously manicured gardens. The palace zoo and railway tracks are designed to transport young royals and keep them entertained.
Today, parts of the palace are open to the public, allowing visitors to glimpse Vadodara’s rich cultural heritage and history.
| Size: | 30.5 million sq ft / 2,829,000 m² |
| Location: | Vadodara, India |
| Estimated value: | $2.95 billion |
| Owner: | HRH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad |
| Built in: | 1890 |
The biggest houses in the world: ranking
Totaling millions of square feet of design decadence, the largest houses in the world can make your wildest dreams come true. Whether it’s the biggest houses in America or the luxury mansions where prominent political figures reside, there’s certainly no shortage of space.
The only thing in short supply is the ability to get from one side of the house to the other without getting lost or breaking a sweat. But thankfully, a member of the staff is likely nearby to help out.
To summarize, the biggest houses in the world are:
- Lakshmi Vilas Palace, India: 30.5 million sq ft
- Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei: 2.1 million sq ft
- Ak Saray Presidential Palace, Turkey: 2.1 million sq ft
- Apostolic Palace, Vatican: 1.7 million sq ft
- Quirinal Palace, Italy: 1.2 million sq ft
- Umaid Bhawan Palace, India: 1 million sq ft
- Buckingham Palace, UK: 828,800 sq ft
- The Gemini Mansion, USA: 85,000 sq ft
- Antilia, India: 400,000 sq ft
- Biltmore Estate USA: 175,000 sq ft
- Safra Mansion, USA: 117,000 sq ft
- Fair Field, USA: 110,000 sq ft
- Oheka Castle, USA: 109,000 sq ft
- The One, USA: 105,000 sq ft
- Witanhurst, UK: 90,000 sq ft
- Modern Versailles, USA: 85,000 sq ft
- La Reverie, USA: 84,600 sq ft
- Villa Leopolda, France: 80,000 sq ft
- Taohuayuan, China: 72,400 sq ft
- Pensmore, USA: 72,000 sq ft
