Palaces, with their grandeur and historical significance, have always captured our imagination. But some go beyond mere opulence, reaching into the realm of the astronomically expensive. From royal residences to billionaire mansions, these architectural marvels come with jaw-dropping price tags. Join us as we unveil the top 10 costliest palaces in the world, leaving you in awe of their magnificence and sheer value.
- Buckingham Palace, London - $1.3 Billion:
Topping the list is the iconic Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British Royal Family. With 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, and an indoor pool, it exudes unparalleled luxury. While not officially for sale, its estimated value reaches a staggering $1.3 billion.
- Antilia, Mumbai - $1-$2 Billion:
Owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, Antilia stands 27 stories tall and boasts amenities like a ballroom, multiple swimming pools, a health spa, and even a private movie theatre. Its intricate design and lavish interiors contribute to its estimated value ranging from $1 to $2 billion.
- Villa Leopolda, French Riviera - $750 Million:
This French Riviera gem once belonged to King Leopold II of Belgium and later housed legendary figures like Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Featuring nine floors, 11 bedrooms, and breathtaking views, it sold for a record-breaking $750 million in 2020.
- Witanhurst, London - $450 Million:
Once the largest private residence in London, Witanhurst boasts a history as impressive as its price tag. This Grade II listed building features opulent interiors, a ballroom, and even a squash court. It was recently sold for an estimated $450 million.
- Villa Les Cèdres, French Riviera - $450 Million:
Another French Riviera stunner, Villa Les Cèdres, was built in the late 19th century and boasts sprawling gardens, a swimming pool overlooking the Mediterranean, and opulent interiors reminiscent of the Belle Époque era. Its estimated value sits at $450 million.
- Fair Field Mansion, New York - $248 Million:
This opulent Long Island mansion boasts 63,000 square feet of living space, 12 bedrooms, 23 bathrooms, and a tennis court. Built in 1927, it changed hands for a whopping $248 million in 2020.
- 18-19 Kensington Palace Gardens, London - $254 Million:
This London address holds two of the most expensive homes in the city. Number 18 was once owned by Princess Diana and later sold for $228 million, while number 19, a Grade II listed mansion, fetched $26 million. Together, they form a combined estate valued at $254 million.
- One Hyde Park, London - $209 Million:
Located in one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods, One Hyde Park offers luxury apartments with breathtaking views, private cinemas, and 24-hour concierge service. A penthouse apartment here sold for a record-breaking $209 million in 2011.
- Ellison Estate, California - $200 Million:
Tech billionaire Larry Ellison's sprawling California estate encompasses over 23,000 acres, featuring multiple Japanese-inspired buildings, a golf course, and even a man-made lake. Its estimated value reaches a cool $200 million.
- Palazzo di Amore, California - $195 Million:
Perched on a Beverly Hills hilltop, this Italian-inspired mansion boasts 12,000 square feet of living space, 12 bedrooms, 23 bathrooms, and a two-story wine cellar. It was listed for sale in 2017 for a staggering $195 million.
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FAQs
Topping the list is the iconic Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British Royal Family. With 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, and an indoor pool, it exudes unparalleled luxury. While not officially for sale, its estimated value reaches a staggering $1.3 billion.
How much would Versailles be worth today? ›
If the Palace of Versailles were built today, it would cost roughly two billion US dollars. The sheer scale of the grounds comes with a hefty price tag, with over 700 rooms, 60 staircases, and 1200 fireplaces.
Who is the owner of Buckingham Palace? ›
Occupied Royal Palaces, such as Buckingham Palace, are not the private property of The Queen. They are occupied by the Sovereign and held in trust by Crown Estates for future generations. The Queen privately owns two properties, Balmoral Castle and Sandringham House, which are not publicly funded.
Who owns the most expensive residence in the world? ›
Valued at an astronomical $2 billion, the 27-storey Antilia in Mumbai is considered the world's most expensive private residence. Custom-built by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, the 400,000 square-foot skyscraper stands 570 feet tall with panoramic views over Mumbai.
What is Buckingham Palace worth today? ›
Buckingham Palace, £3.9 billion ($4.8bn)
Unsurprisingly, Buckingham Palace is the jewel in the crown of the royal portfolio, with an estimated worth of £3.9 billion (4.8bn).
How much would Windsor Castle be worth? ›
It was Edward III, in approximately 1350, who transformed it from a fort into a Gothic palace, a transformation that cost around £50,000, the equivalent of £60.7 million in today's money. The current estimated market value of Windsor Castle is £497.5 million, an increase of 719% between 1350 and 2021.
Who owns Windsor Castle? ›
The UK State owns Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Holyrood Palace, St James'Palace and Kensington Palace. The Royal's own a few smaller properties such as Highgrove, and they also own Balmoral in Deneside, and Sandringham in Norfolk.
Can the royal family sell Buckingham Palace? ›
The Crown Estate is not the private property of the King. Our assets are hereditary possessions of the Sovereign held 'in right of the Crown'. This means they belong to the Sovereign for the duration of their reign, but cannot be sold by them, nor do revenues from the assets belong to them.
Who owns Balmoral Castle? ›
Who owns it? Though official royal residences like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace are owned by the Crown Estate, which is funded by British taxpayers, Balmoral is the personal property of King Charles III, as is Sandringham, located in Norfolk, England.
How much bigger is Buckingham Palace than the White House? ›
Buckingham Palace is a massive royal residence with a total of 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. The White House has 132 rooms, including including 16 family and guest rooms, three kitchens, and 35 bathrooms.
The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987. The complex claims to consist of 9,999 rooms in total, although experts have shown in recent years that the number only amounts to 8,886, covering 72 ha (720,000 m2)/178-acre.
What is bigger than Buckingham Palace? ›
Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad during the 1880s, this Indo-Saracenic Revival masterpiece was once the largest private dwelling globally. Adorned with multi-coloured marble, artistic treasures, and fountains, Lakshmi Vilas Palace stands four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
Which is the most expensive king palace in the world? ›
Costliest Palaces of the World 2024
From Buckingham Palace in London, valued at $5 billion, to Istana Nurul Iman in Brunei, estimated at over $1 billion, these architectural wonders symbolize power and wealth. The Royal Palace of Madrid in Spain, with its 3,400 rooms, stands as a testament to grandeur worth billions.
Which is bigger, Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle? ›
Although Windsor Castle is smaller than Buckingham Palace, the castle has more rooms. Windsor Castle has over 1000 rooms whereas Buckingham Palace only has 775 rooms. This includes the state rooms and royal apartments, bathrooms, and offices.
Which is the most expensive castle in the world? ›
Nestled in France, the Chateau d'Armainvilliers reigns as the world's priciest home at €425 million. Beyond opulence, it embodies centuries of history on a sprawling estate near Paris. With 100+ rooms, a private lake, and royal amenities, it merges classic elegance with modern luxury.
