Who Owns the Most Luxurious House in the World? Epic Mansions, Surprising Owners, and Jaw-Dropping Features
Jul, 20 2025
Some houses make the word 'home' seem like an understatement. Imagine a place where the walls drip with art you only see in museums, where elevators whisk you from crystal spas to helipads, and where a private snow room is just the beginning. The nicest house in the world is not just brick, glass, or marble—it's a pure fantasy pushed to reality, built by those with pockets deep enough to buy entire islands. So who owns the most jaw-dropping house? And what’s inside it that makes billionaires everywhere green with envy?
The Crown Jewel: Antilia in Mumbai
No need to spin a globe or debate—if you ask most real estate experts, Antilia in Mumbai, India, tops the charts for luxury, price, and sheer mind-bending extravagance. This vertical palace is owned by Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries and one of the richest people on the planet as of 2025. Forget Beverly Hills, Monaco, or Lake Geneva. Antilia doesn’t just outshine them—it’s on another level.
Picture a towering 27-story private skyscraper with a skyline view over one of the busiest cities on earth. The estimated price tag? US$2 billion—yes, with a 'B.' Each floor of Antilia is different: some have a gym, others boast a ballroom with chandeliers made of pure crystal, several are guest suites, and there’s even an actual snow room that lets you chill out (literally) in the Mumbai heat. The garage houses over 160 cars, with a staff of 600 to keep every inch spotless and running like clockwork. There are swimming pools, yoga studios, a theater bigger than most cinemas, several helipads, and lush gardens perched in the sky. Even after years of news coverage, there are details about this place Ambani keeps secret.
Why build up instead of out? Mumbai’s space crunch means vertical luxury is the only way to pack this much glamour in the heart of the city. Plus, the top floors supposedly have the best views in the city. Maintenance for Antilia alone runs into millions each year. It’s a flex, but also a testament to what you can do with limitless resources.
The real kicker? Ambani reportedly gifted the design to Vaastu traditions, a kind of Indian Feng Shui. Every detail—from the shape of the towers to the flow of energy in the rooms—was tweaked for maximum harmony. Think of that next time you stress about moving your couch for better 'energy.'
Other Ultra-Luxury Contenders
Antilia might take the title, but the world is filled with jaw-dropping mansions competing for the spotlight. Take Buckingham Palace in London. Yes, the Queen technically “owns” it, but it’s more a symbol of the monarchy than a private home. Still, with 775 rooms, 78 bathrooms, and 19 staterooms, it’s worth a cool US$4.9 billion on the open market, according to British real estate experts. It’s got its own ATM, secret tunnel entrances, and a massive staff—just don’t expect to book a stay.
Travel to France, and there’s Villa Leopolda on the French Riviera, built for King Leopold II of Belgium and passed through the hands of billionaires ever since. It’s surrounded by 20 acres of gardens and olive groves, and it once required a full-time crew just to keep the hedges trimmed. It’s been snapped up for over US$750 million in recent years. The place has 50 rooms, a private movie theater, a commercial-sized kitchen, and a pool that feels more like a lagoon.
Back in the US, there’s The One—a notorious Bel-Air mansion once marketed for half a billion dollars. With 21 bedrooms, 42 bathrooms, a nightclub, and a four-lane bowling alley, this home tried to redefine L.A. luxury. After years of drama, lawsuits, and price slashing, it eventually sold at auction for around US$141 million in 2022.
Here’s a quick look at how these powerhouses stack up:
| Property | Location | Estimated Value (USD) | Owner | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antilia | Mumbai, India | $2 billion | Mukesh Ambani | 27 stories, 600 staff, snow room, 3 helipads |
| Buckingham Palace | London, UK | $4.9 billion | The Crown | 775 rooms, secret tunnels, royal gardens |
| Villa Leopolda | French Riviera, France | $750 million | Private Owner | 20 acres, 50 rooms, historic estate |
| The One | Los Angeles, USA | $141 million (sold price) | Private Owner | 105,000 sq ft, nightclub, bowling alley |
How Do People Even Use These Homes?
What do you do with 27 floors, dozens of bedrooms, more bathrooms than you’ll ever need, and enough parking space to fit the Wellington CBD? Surprisingly, most of these epic homes are used for much more than just living. They’re often entertainment venues, business headquarters, and stage sets for diplomatic affairs or media interviews.
Mukesh Ambani’s family uses Antilia for everything from private parties to high-stakes business meetings. Imagine sealing a multi-billion-dollar deal while surrounded by designer murals and gold-plated elevators. At Villa Leopolda, previous owners hosted everything from government negotiations to chill afternoons in the sun. Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace, hosting state banquets and welcoming diplomats, while also being a symbol of British history. Some billionaires spend only a few weeks a year at their 'main' home, jetting off to other mansions around the globe.
The scale of service behind these places is wild. Antilia employs a staff greater than most boutique hotels. At Buckingham Palace, hundreds of people keep the gears turning, from chefs and sommeliers to security and gardeners. If you think your bills are scary, consider that annual maintenance on places like Antilia can easily hit tens of millions. Heating a chandelier-filled ballroom? It’s like keeping a small town cozy for winter.
There’s also the privacy aspect. These huge estates use the best tech available—bulletproof windows, biometric locks, and ultra-secure underground bunkers. When you own the world’s most expensive house, you need to keep out way more than just nosy neighbors.
Could Your Home Rival the Nicest House in the World?
If reading about these places leaves you wishing for a taste of luxury, there’s no need to buy a skyscraper. Take inspiration from what makes these mansions unbeatable and bring a splash of drama into your own space—even if it’s just a cozy apartment in Wellington. Here are some fun tips inspired by the world’s most expensive homes:
- nicest house in the world: Notice how these homes blend privacy and personality? You can do this with small upgrades, like blackout curtains, soundproofing, or even big leafy plants.
- Multi-use spaces: In Antilia, each floor serves a new purpose. Try designating corners of your living space for different moods—think reading nook, tiny work cafe, or a zen area.
- Statement lighting: Those iconic ballrooms start with jaw-dropping fixtures. You don’t need crystal chandeliers, but a bold lamp or colorful LEDs can totally change your vibe.
- Smart tech for everyday luxury: While you might not need a biometric scanner, a smart speaker or automated lighting can make your place feel like the future.
- Art and plants: Even the biggest mansions use art and green spaces to create a welcoming atmosphere. Try adding a piece you really love, or a plant that makes you stop and smile.
And if you want a look at more amazing homes, plenty of real estate websites offer virtual tours—even for places you'll never set foot in. Who knows, maybe you’ll dream up some killer ideas for your next renovation.
The 'nicest' house will always depend on taste, culture, and what you find special, but looking at what the world’s wealthiest build for themselves, the sky really is the limit. If Antilia wasn’t already a legend, it certainly is now. And hey, if you ever win the lottery… now you know where to start.