Simon Berlyn
Continuing with last year’s themes of topsy-turviness and trending slowdowns, real estate markets around the globe remain in flux. And, while hardly dormant, the multibillion-dollar ultraluxury market has not been immune to the pressures of inflation and high interest rates, not to mention political tension and financial unrest in many parts of the world. As Bloomberg recently put it, “It’s not a great time to sell a mega-mansion.”
Still, while fewer in number than in recent years, eye-popping sales of extraordinary trophy residences were not unheard of, at least not in the U.S., where Jay-Z and Beyoncé splashed out $190 million (in cash!) for a Tadao Ando-designed compound in Malibu, nor in London, where Aberconway House in Mayfair was recently sold for a reported £138 million (about $177 million) to Indian billionaire Adar Poonawalla by Dominika Kulczyk, the daughter of late businessman Jan Kulczyk, who was Poland’s richest man.
And even though several of the properties on this year’s list remain unsold and/or have undergone significant downward adjustments in price this year, there seems to be some optimism that the ultrawealthy will continue to shop for extraordinary homes to add to their portfolios. All but three homes on this year’s list are priced in excess of $100 million; the average asking price weighs in at roughly $160 million; and the sky-high price of the top property clocks in at $314 million, almost 25% more than last year’s $250 million.
So, whether you’re looking for a trophy estate in Los Angeles, a penthouse in Dubai, or a 45-bedroom mansion in London (or maybe just dreaming of one), here you’ll find Robb Report’s annual round-up of the 25 most expensive homes currently on the market around the world.
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25. 355 Ocean Boulevard, Golden Beach, Florida — $95 Million
Image Credit: Richard J. Novak – 1 OAK Studios Miami has no shortage of jaw-dropping homes, but this epic $95 million property in Golden Beach is the largest single-family oceanfront residence. Sitting on a 1.5-acre parcel of land, the home spans 25,867 square feet and has nine bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and five half-baths. It comes with pre-approved plans for a 10-bedroom, 30,000-square-foot, new-build home (designed by the seller before her husband passed) should you seek to design your dream oceanfront home from scratch. Whatever you decide, Golden Beach is one of South Florida’s most exclusive areas and has attracted the likes of billionaires and A-list celebrities for its privacy (the community has its own police force and marine patrol), fine dining and shopping, and private clubhouse.
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24. Butterfly House, Case Court, California — $95 Million
Image Credit: Scott Gillen/Scott Gillen Design Making its debut on the most expensive list is the “Butterfly House,” an epic coastal Malibu estate nestled within an intimate guard-gated enclave known as The Case. Found beyond a lengthy gated driveway on over three bluff-top acres of land offering up sweeping ocean vistas, the architectural-style residence was designed and built new this year by developer Scott Gillen and comes complete with a full roster of amenities highlighted by a 133-foot infinity pool and spa, an eye-catching fire feature, and a gym, plus a subterranean three-car garage and an accompanying motor court that can accommodate up to 12 vehicles. But that’s not all! Two separate structures include the main house and a guesthouse, which provide a total of seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms in almost 10,300 square feet of living space outfitted with a media/game room, a custom Bulthaup kitchen, and a fireside primary suite boasting an oversized walk-in closet, a luxe marble-clad bathroom, and access to a secluded outdoor spa.
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23. Rancho Santa Fe, California — $98.5 Million
Image Credit: Tyler Hogan Built in 2008, this $98.5 million estate was designed for equestrians and nature lovers alike. Sprawling over 77 acres, the property comprises seven parcels. Spread among the acreage are two equestrian barns, pastures, winding tree-lined trails, a 15-acre lake, tennis court, and multiple homes. There’s a 15,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, and seven bathroom main house and a two-bedroom guest house with a game room, bowling alley, gym, and bar. The homes are designed in a classic Santa Barbara style with wood-beamed ceilings, grand fireplaces, and living areas that seamlessly connect to covered patios. Other amenities include a pool, wine cellar, and ample lawn space. This is truly a trophy estate designed as the ultimate multi-generational family compound. (The listing was removed just as we went to publish.)
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22. Popcorn Lane & Difficult Lane, Aspen, Colorado — $105 Million
Image Credit: Mountain Home Photo This roughly eight-and-a-half-acre Colorado compound, on the market for $105 million, is the epitome of Rocky Mountain living. Completed in 2014, the extravagant property is close to downtown Aspen and comprises two parcels that are separated by the 70-mile-long Roaring Fork River. A scenic footbridge connects the two-story guest house and caretaker’s cottage to the stately main residence, which sports a walk-in wine room, a movie theater, and a gym. Altogether, the compound has eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms in a whopping 18,400 square feet of living space. If sold, it would be the priciest transaction in The Centennial State.
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21. Padaro Lane, Santa Barbara, California — $109 Million
Image Credit: Gavin Cater Known as “Rancho Cariñoso”—and currently owned by a descendant of Texas oil mogul Arthur Cameron and his model/actress wife Kay Aldridge—this sprawling oceanfront equestrian retreat is hidden away on over four acres of land boasting mature avocado and citrus trees, a network of hiking and horse-riding trails that lead to a private beach sporting a cabana and an area to store your personal water toys, plus picturesque views of the Channel Islands in the distance. Situated within the charming seaside enclave of Carpinteria, near the famed Loon Point surf break, the legacy property’s main residence itself has a modest three bedrooms and four bathrooms in a little more than 2,500 square feet of single-level living space, along with a detached 1,000-square-foot garage. But there’s plenty of room to expand your recreational horizons, according to the listing, with zoning having already been approved for a nine-horse stable and lots of spots to add a swimming pool and additional buildings.
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20. Chateau in Mies, Switzerland — Price Upon Request
Image Credit: @Didier Marti Geneva is one of the world’s most expensive cities. It makes sense, then, that an epic estate fronting Lake Geneva would rank as one of the priciest properties on the market. (The exact price is available only upon request.) Located in the charming village of Mies, the storied chateau was built in the 19th century but renovated between 2016 and 2017. Set on just shy of seven acres, the main home offers more than 10,000 square feet of living space and a total of five bedrooms. The owner’s suit takes up an entire floor, with two large dressing rooms, a giant ensuite, and a room for sports equipment. Other highlights of the interior include a home cinema and a luxe bar. The exterior is home to several outbuildings, a large forest, an illuminated park, and a private mooring. How else are you going to explore the lake?
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19. Cannes Californie, France — $115 Million
Image Credit: Michaël Zingraf Real Estate/Christie’s Cannes is home to some of the most beautiful properties in the French Riviera, but one hillside mansion in Californie Pézou literally towers above the rest. Priced at $115 million, the palatial abode was built in 1928 but was recently treated to a thoughtful makeover. Spanning just shy of 27,000 square feet, the sprawling interior includes several lounges and bars, a professional kitchen, a wellness area with an indoor pool, 12 guest suites, and 10 rooms for the staff. The living quarters offer breathtaking panoramas of the ocean and surrounding mountains, too. Elsewhere, the one landscaped hectare is equipped with a 10-car garage, an outdoor pool, and an auditorium. You are in Cannes, after all.
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18. 9505 Gloaming Drive, Los Angeles — $126 Million
Image Credit: Anthony Barcelo There are two ways to acquire this property in Beverly Hills. For $40 million, you can purchase the land and approved plans to build, or you can shell out $126 million to get the home built and delivered by developer Bo Zarnegin within a two- to four-year period. This soon-to-be trophy compound on Gloaming Drive will sit on a 10-acre promontory overlooking the city, canyons, and mountains. Plans include a 21,661-square-foot main residence, a 5,000-square-foot guest house, a wine and scotch cellar, a beauty salon, a cantilevered spa, a yoga studio, lap pools, and an outdoor theater. There are also plans for a standalone 3,166-square-foot car museum with a car turntable and a sliding glass garage door. When built, this home is sure to be one of the most noteworthy properties in the city.
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17. The Penthouse at Le 45G, Monaco — Price Upon Request
Image Credit: SEN LI La Condamine in Monaco gained a luxurious new tower in 2022. Located a few steps from Port Hercule and the charming Rue Caroline, Le 45G houses a total of 72 lavish apartments. Perched at the very top are three penthouses, one of which has been listed for sale. (Price is available upon request.) Located on the 14th floor, the duplex offers a large double living room, a dining room, a kitchen, an office, four bedrooms, and five bedrooms. Owners will also have access to a rooftop with a private pool that affords sweeping, panoramic views of all below. The penthouse also comes with no less than five parking spaces and two cellars because, well, who doesn’t like to entertain?
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16. Le Palais Venitien, Cannes, France — $132 Million
Image Credit: COGEMAD; Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty Le Palais may be located in Cannes, France, but it will transport you to Venice, Italy. Located on nearly six acres, the palatial abode was inspired by the famous floating city and showcases extravagant architecture that would make any Italian proud. Think monumental columns, stately arches, and fountains aplenty. Spanning 32,000 square feet, the interior offers nine suites, 12 bathrooms, numerous reception rooms, and an impressive wine cellar. You can also expect lavish furnishings that are characteristic of Venetian design. The grounds are nothing to sneeze at, either, with a pool, tennis court, and a secluded woodland with its own lake. Think of it as your very own Grand Canal.
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15. Penthouse 96 at 432 Park Avenue, New York — $130 Million
Image Credit: DDReps Occupying pride of place on Billionaires’ Row, the top-floor penthouse at 432 Park Avenue is currently on the market for $130 million. Located on the 96th floor of the 1,400-foot Rafael Viñoly-designed tower, the sky-high pad is outfitted with 24 windows that provide a bird’s-eye view of Central Park and the rest of the Big Apple. Spanning 8,225 square feet, the interior includes six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a separate library, and a private elevator landing. The best part is all the designer furniture and a custom piano emblazoned with “Penthouse 96” is included in the sale.
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14. La Fin, Los Angeles, California — $139 million
Image Credit: Nils Timm If you thought Bel-Air couldn’t get any flashier, step inside the $139 million mansion called La Fin. The 40,000-square-foot home feels more like a resort compound than a private residence, chock full of more amenities anyone could ever need or imagine. There are 12 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms, ideal for hosting large groups of family and friends. While there are several impressive rooms for entertaining, the heart of the home is the oversized living room with a fireplace—constructed with custom marble tiles—that opens directly onto the terrace and pool. No expense was spared when designing the home, which has over $5 million of custom furniture and a 44-foot chandelier made of 50,000 crystals that pools up on the floor at the foot of the spiral staircase. There’s also a sub-zero vodka tasting room, a ventilated cigar room, a 6,000-square-foot nightclub, several wet bars, a wine room, a spa, a home theater, and a car gallery.
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13. Central Park Tower, Unit 107, New York — $149.5 Million
Image Credit: Evan Joseph Once listed for $175 million, Central Park Tower’s Unit 107 is now listed at a reduced price of $149.5 million. The duplex penthouse in the world’s highest residential tower impresses with seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms, double-height living spaces, and two terraces totaling 240 square feet. It’s split between floors 107 and 108 and offers unobstructed views in four directions over Manhattan and beyond. The 12,557-square-foot home has a conservatory, a library/office, a guest suite, and an exceptional spiral staircase that connects both levels. Jaw-dropping views directly over Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers, and downtown Manhattan are icing on the cake.
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12. 10721 Stradella Ct, Los Angeles — $150 Million
Image Credit: Brandon Rosenblum There is no shortage of extravagant mansions in Bel Air, but this property occupies one of the best positions in the affluent neighborhood. Perched on a promontory, the private estate covers just shy of an acre and affords stunning, 360-degree views of Los Angeles. The open-plan interior is an entertainer’s dream, as one room flows seamlessly onto the next. The layout includes nine bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen with Miele and Gaggenau appliances, and multiple spots for lounging and dining. The abode showcases an array of high-end materials and furnishings throughout, as well as pretty much every luxury amenity. Highlights include an infinity pool, a guest house with a separate pool, a gym and spa, and no less than three separate staff quarters. Did we mention the epic owner’s suite reportedly offers one of the best panoramas in L.A.?
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11. La Dune, Southampton, New York — $150 million
Image Credit: Hamptons Production House Located on one of Southampton’s most prestigious streets—Gin Lane—the compound called La Dune still hasn’t found a buyer after seven years on and off the market. Once listed for $150 million, the property is back up for sale. Despite its eye-watering price tag, the property offers buyers two incredible shingle-style estates (with a combined 23 bedrooms), two swimming pools, a tennis court, and direct beach access to the one of the Hamptons’ finest white, sandy beaches. The main home was constructed in the late 19th century, and the guest house was torn down and rebuilt in the early 2000s. The entire property is surrounded by immaculate landscaping and is a quintessential home in one of the country’s most desirable zip codes.
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10. The Manor, Mapleton Drive, California — $155 Million
Image Credit: Jim Bartsch Making a return visit to the most expensive list is this impressive Mapleton Drive showplace nestled within the affluent Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. First listed for $165 million and since reduced, the residence known simply as “The Manor” still packs a pricey punch at a whopping $155 million. But you’re sure to get your money’s worth with this opulent limestone structure that was custom-built over several years by the late TV showrunner Aaron Spelling and his socialite wife Candy Spelling. Completed in 1990—and having undergone a reported $20 million renovation and upgrade by former owner and English heiress Petra Ecclestone—the palatial palace rests on almost five acres, boasting manicured grounds laced with a swimming pool and spa, fountains, a tennis court, citrus trees, and rose gardens. The mansion itself features 14 bedrooms and a whopping 27 bathrooms sprawled across 56,000 square feet, accessorized throughout with a bowling alley, a movie theater, a beauty salon, and a library. Other amenities include a nightclub and an aquarium, plus two separate motor courts and covered parking for dozens of vehicles. Not bad for a property that’s touted in marketing materials as “undoubtedly one of the finest estates in the world.”
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9. Tarpon Isle, Palm Beach, Florida — $187.5 Million
Image Credit: Daniel Petroni Last year, Palm Beach’s only private island made headlines when it was listed at a record-setting $218 million. Despite getting a hefty $30.5 million price chop and falling two positions on this list, Tarpon Isle remains one of the most expensive homes in the United States and the world. The now-completed spread is situated in the Billionaires’ Row sector of Palm Beach, a stretch of oceanfront land that’s a veritable who’s who of real-estate moguls: Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, who set the record for most expensive home sold in the US when he dropped $240 million on a New York City penthouse nearly four years back, owns property here. The roughly two-acre man-made island includes a lavishly renovated, circa-1930s main residence, a five-car garage, a wellness complex, multiple pools, two boat docks, and a lighted tennis court. Even though it’s not exactly the most private of islands, it’s only accessible via a small bridge or a boat, so you’ll still feel away from it all.
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8. The Penthouse at Central Park Tower, New York — $195 Million
Image Credit: Evan Joseph What’s it like to live atop the highest residential building in the world? It’ll cost you $195 million to figure that out. Central Park Tower, which rises a dizzying 1,550 feet above Manhattan, lays claim to the highest residential unit in the world: the triplex penthouse, formerly listed for $250 million. There’s a whopping 17,545 square feet of living space and 1,433 square feet of outdoor terrace space, and each floor has unobstructed views in all four directions. Located on floors 129 to 131, the home has seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, two kitchens, and a sculptural spiral staircase that connects the three floors. The entire home is wrapped in windows and has 30-foot-tall ceilings in the living areas.
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7. Casa Encantada, California — $195 Million
Image Credit: Simon Berlyn Though it recently received a dramatic $55 million price cut, this lavish Bel Air estate widely known as “Casa Encantada”(loosely translated to “Enchanted House”) will still cost you a pretty penny—$195 million worth of them. Long owned by the late billionaire telecom pioneer Gary Winnick and also occupied through the years by hotel magnate Conrad Hilton and retired Dole Food Products chairman David Murdock, the 8.4-acre estate has since undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation spearheaded by noted architect Peter Marino and features a primary residence boasting seven bedrooms and 20 baths spread across 40,000 square feet. But lest you think this 1930s-era dwelling might not be deserving of such a huge outlay of cash, consider the property’s lengthy list of amenities: a pool pavilion with a bar and a movie theater, plus a subterranean tunnel that connects two holes of the adjacent Bel Air Country Club golf course, just for starters. Get out your checkbook!
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6. Marble Palace, Dubai — $204 Million
Image Credit: Luxhabitat Sotheby’s International Realty The name Marble Palace says it all really. The $204 million mega-mansion, which is located in the impossibly ritzy city of Dubai, features about $27 million worth of Italian marble and about 700,000 sheets of gold leaf. On top of that, the living quarters are decorated with about 400 artworks from the owner’s personal collection that can be incorporated into the deal. (You can choose to add the opulent furniture, too!) The generous interior offers ample space for dining and entertaining, along with five large bedrooms and 19 bathrooms. The grandiose 4,000-square-foot owner’s suite alone is nearly double the size of the average U.S. home. The estate is located in the exclusive Emirates Hills and spans a total of 70,000 square feet. Palace, indeed.
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5. Billionaire Sky Penthouse, Dubai — $205 Million
Image Credit: Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences Set to become one of the tallest residential buildings in the world, the uber-pricey $205 million Billionaire Sky Penthouse will crown the forthcoming Jacob & Co. hypertower in Dubai. Inspired by the watch and jewelry brand’s blingiest and most celebrated timepieces, the not-yet-built duplex apartment will soar roughly 1,600 feet above the city-state with an indoor infinity pool that faces the famous Burj Khalifa. On the first floor of the home will be a 950-square-foot gymnasium, a sauna and steam room, a study, an office, three living rooms, two kitchens, and two dining rooms. To top things off (literally), a movie theater, a family lounge, a billiards area, a massage room, and a massive 1,550-square-foot primary suite will be located upstairs.
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4. Sky Mansion Penthouse, Dubai — $205 Million
Image Credit: Bugatti Once complete, this $205 million penthouse will sit atop Bugatti’s first-ever residential tower in Dubai. The French marque’s hotly anticipated skyscraper will be located in Business Bay and will include 171 Riviera Mansions, plus 11 Sky Mansion Penthouses. The condo’s pinnacle unit is currently listed for an eye-watering $205 million and features two swimming pools, one of which is on the roof. Comprising four bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the extravagant spread also sports an office, a gym, a game room, a study, and a movie theater. The most notable perk, though, is one petrolheads will appreciate; the glassy aerie is equipped with a garage-to-penthouse car elevator that will allow owners to drive directly into their suite.
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3. Rutland Gate, London, England — $251 Million
Image Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Making another appearance on our most expensive homes list, 2-8 Rutland Gate slipped from second to third place this year—but at $251 million, it’s still one of the priciest properties in the UK. The seven-story mega-mansion is located in Knightsbridge, an affluent neighborhood in London that overlooks Hyde Park. It features a whopping 45 bedrooms, a massive indoor pool, and an underground garage. Dating back to the 1830s, the historic estate was converted into a single-family home in the 1980s by the Prime Minister of Lebanon. In 2020, the 62,000-square-foot building set a new record when it was scooped up for an eye-watering $232 million. While the palatial pad has since fallen into disrepair, it’s being sold with planning permission to rebuild something bigger and, of course, better.
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2. Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong, China — $280 Million
Image Credit: @Didier Marti The only home on this year’s list that’s in China is a nearly 18,300-square-foot townhouse in Repulse Bay, in the southern part of Hong Kong Island. Asking a reported $280 million, the trophy property was scooped up in 2014 by local property firm First Group Holdings who turned the five-story building into an 11-bedroom, eight-bath single-family residence. Completed in 2019, the positively palatial pad is decked out with an elevator, a private garden, and a sprawling rooftop terrace with picturesque views of the city and sea. The over-the-top residence also sports tons of glossy marble, a swanky double staircase, and a garage with an EV charger.
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1. The Holme, London, England — $314 Million
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Justinc The Holme, a super-sized mansion in London’s Regent’s Park, has set the record for the world’s most expensive home in 2023. The Georgian-style estate, which is being quietly shopped around for $314 million, sits on four acres and is over 200 years old. With a history that dates back to the 19th century and illustrious owners who include members of the Saudi royal family, the two-story spread was built in 1818 by developer James Burton and comprises 40 bedrooms within an epic 29,000 square feet of living space. Other notable features include a tennis court, a sauna, a library, a grand dining room, and garaging for eight cars.
Authors
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Abby Montanez
