Ever dreamt of a house so big you could get lost in it? Well, for some, that dream is a reality. This list explores ten of the world’s biggest houses, measured by square footage, that redefine the concept of spacious living.
From opulent palaces to sprawling mansions, prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale and grandeur of these architectural giants.
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Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina, USA (Floor Area: 178,926 sq ft)
Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is a testament to grandeur. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 19th century, this colossal chateau-inspired mansion boasts 255 rooms, including 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and a bowling alley. The estate also encompasses over 8,000 acres of landscaped gardens, forests, and a working farm, making it a true self-contained world.
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Istana Nurul Iman Palace – Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (Floor Area: 2,158,000 sq ft)
The official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Istana Nurul Iman Palace, is the world’s largest residential palace by floor area. This extravagant complex features 1,788 rooms, a banquet hall that can seat over 5,000 guests, a mosque, and a private zoo. The palace’s gold-domed roof and lavish interiors showcase the opulence associated with the Bruneian royal family.
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Witanhurst House – London, United Kingdom (Floor Area: 80,000 sq ft)
Located in London’s prestigious Regent’s Park, Witanhurst House is a behemoth of a residence. This Grade II listed mansion was originally built in the 18th century and has since undergone numerous renovations and expansions. With its vast reception rooms, grand staircase, and sprawling gardens, Witanhurst House exudes an air of grandeur and historical significance.
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Fairwood – Double Bay, New South Wales, Australia (Floor Area: 30,000 sq ft)
Fairwood, situated in Sydney’s affluent suburb of Double Bay, boasts a unique combination of size and waterfront location. This sprawling mansion features a tennis court, an indoor pool, a cinema room, and a private jetty offering direct access to the harbor. Fairwood’s modern architectural style and prime location make it a coveted piece of Australian real estate.
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The Manor – Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA (Floor Area: 90,000 sq ft)
Nicknamed the “Spelling Manor” after its former owner, Aaron Spelling, The Manor in Holmby Hills is a true monument to luxury living. This massive mansion features 123 rooms, including a bowling alley, a tennis court, a dollhouse modeled after the mansion itself, and a screening room that can seat 100 guests. The expansive grounds boast manicured gardens, a swimming pool, and a pool house.
5. Versailles – Florida, USA (Floor Area: Over 90,000 sq ft)
Inspired by the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles in France, this aptly named Florida mansion is a monument to excess. Developed by businessman David Siegel, the estate boasts an estimated 35 bedrooms, 23 bathrooms, a bowling alley, two movie theaters, a 10,000-square-foot indoor ice rink, and a massive outdoor pool complex. While construction remains unfinished, the sheer scale of Versailles is enough to leave you speechless.
4. One Hyde Park Penthouse – London, United Kingdom (Floor Area: 35,000 sq ft)
Soaring high above London’s exclusive Knightsbridge district, the One Hyde Park Penthouse offers unparalleled luxury living in a vertical setting. This opulent apartment boasts bulletproof windows, a private swimming pool with breathtaking city views, a panic room, and a wine cellar. Residents of One Hyde Park enjoy a plethora of amenities, including a concierge service, a spa, and a screening room.
3. The House of Fortune – Mumbai, India (Floor Area: 1 Million sq ft)
Standing tall in the heart of Mumbai, The House of Fortune is a residential skyscraper unlike any other. Developed by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, this 42-story tower features a whopping six floors dedicated solely to parking – enough space for 168 cars! Residents enjoy amenities like a spa, a temple, a ballroom, and multiple swimming pools. The House of Fortune is a prime example of luxury living taken to new heights (literally).
2. Antilia – Mumbai, India (Floor Area: 400,000 sq ft)
Appearing again on our list, but for a different reason, Antilia in Mumbai makes a bold statement with its sheer size and architectural marvel. Owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, this 27-story skyscraper is not just a home; it’s a self-contained vertical city.
Antilia boasts three helipads, a private movie theater with seating for 50, a sprawling health spa, and a ballroom that can accommodate hundreds of guests. Every floor offers breathtaking views of Mumbai, and the intricate design elements throughout the residence showcase unparalleled luxury.
1. Istana Mangkubumi – Bogor, Indonesia (Floor Area: Over 1 Million sq ft)
Taking the crown for the biggest house in the world is the Istana Mangkubumi Palace Complex in Bogor, Indonesia. This sprawling complex, originally built in the 18th century by the Dutch colonial government, serves as the official Bogor Palace for the President of Indonesia.
The complex encompasses numerous buildings, including the main palace, a museum, a botanical garden, and a deer park. While not a single-family residence, the Istana Mangkubumi’s sheer scale and historical significance solidify its position as the world’s biggest house.
A World of Grandeur: Exploring the Biggest Homes on Earth
This journey through the world’s biggest houses has hopefully offered a glimpse into a world of unparalleled scale and grandeur. From opulent palaces to sprawling mansions, these architectural giants redefine the concept of spacious living.
Whether they serve as private residences, government buildings, or historical landmarks, these behemoths showcase the ingenuity of architects and the vast resources at the disposal of some.
