For the world’s richest, properties are but a mere drop in the ocean for their vast sea of wealth. Whilst many of us are paddling along with mortgage repayments and the like, these guys can purchase some of the most extravagant, lavish homes outright, without a second thought on the matter. Here are the most expensive abodes of the world’s billionaires…
ANTILIA, MUMBAI
Owner: Mukesh Ambani
Cost: Est. $1billion +
India’s richest man for the past 8 years, with ventures in various sectors of industry, the business magnate also holds the accolade for the world’s most expensive home. His skyscraper Antilia, named after the mythical island, measures 27 storeys high, has 6 underground parking levels, 4 helipads and requires a reported 600 staff, naturally.
VILLA LEOPOLDA, VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
Owner: Lily Safra
Cost: $750million
Purportedly one of King Leopold II’s many estates to house his mistresses, the waterside property, located in southern France, is now owned by Brazilian philanthropist and socialist, Lily Safra. With 20 acres on one of the most stunning sites on the continental; in 2008 Russian billionaire attempted to purchase the property but backed out and lost a €50million deposit.
FAIR FIELD, SAGAPONACK
Owner: Ira Rennert
Cost: Est. $248million
Industrial billionaire Ira Rennert’s New York state mansion was purpose built and been valued at close to a staggering quarter of a billion. Featuring 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, 3 swimming pools and its own power plant, this hulking Hamptons estate is the most expensive home in the United States.
KENSINGTON PALACE GARDENS, LONDON
Owner: Lakshmi Mittal
Cost: $222million
Situated on what is known as ‘Billionaire’s Row’, steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal reportedly owns three homes on the exclusive street, the priciest coming in at a $222million. The area is subject to the highest security and details around the homes are kept under lock and key, his neighbours however include the Israeli embassy and Roman Abramovich.
ELLISON ESTATE, CALIFORNIA
Owner: Larry Ellison
Cost: Est. $200million
Billionaire founder of Oracle and avid property collector, Larry Ellison’s 23-acre Japanese style Californian compound is the jewel in his real-estate crown. With 10 buildings, a teahouse, man-made lake, bath-house and a koi pond, the property is estimated to have cost a cool $200million to build.
