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The Biggest Houses In The World: Going Big And Going Home

Dream big, build bigger.

by Michael Bradley Updated on November 7, 2023

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Some people want their home to serve as a place for collecting treasured items. Others desire the ultimate space to host parties and enjoy life to the fullest. But for the biggest houses in the world, limits do not exist. They can easily do both, along with so much more.

Whether it’s a 27-story skyscraper with 600 people on staff or a centuries-old palace ready to host the most prestigious dignitaries, the largest houses in the world have everything it takes to impress.

Master bedrooms stretch to nearly 10,000 sq ft, while bowling alleys, 100-car garages, and multiple pools are just the tip of the iceberg. And really, what is a big home if you can’t invite over 5,000 people to enjoy your banquet hall?

Covering nearly every corner of the globe, the world’s biggest houses are ready for anything you can throw at them. With plenty of room left over.

The 14 biggest houses in the world

14. pensmore, united states — 72,000 sq ft.

Dreamed by multi-millionaire astrophysicist and ex-CIA agent Steve T. Huff, Pensmore is one of the biggest houses in the world—and perhaps one of the sturdiest.

The reinforced-concrete, chateau-style home is located in the Ozark Mountains and is meant to be resistant to everything from bomb blasts to natural disasters. 

There are 14 bathrooms, 13 bedrooms, a music room and a 1,600 square-foot library, and space for a history museum. Pensmore has been under construction on and off for over a decade… and counting. There’s no telling when or if it will ever be completed .

13. Taohuayuan, China — 72,400 sq ft

Some of the world’s biggest houses are perfectly situated for large parties and energetic fun. This one, on the other hand, is built on a lake island with stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

This huge mansion rivals some of the biggest houses in America, but features distinctly Chinese architecture, even going as far as using the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, a UNESCO heritage site, as inspiration . It’s no wonder they chose a name that translates to utopia.

Taohuayuan features 32 bedrooms and bathrooms, an enormous wine cellar, and a lakeside pool.

12. Villa Leopolda, France — 80,000 sq ft

The French Riviera is known as a stunningly beautiful location with jaw-dropping views and gorgeous water. It’s also known as a playground for the wealthy, and Villa Leopolda might be the perfect manifestation of that thought.

With 19 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms spread across the main building and two guest houses, there is more than enough space for all of the fun you can imagine.

If the interior doesn’t do it for you, step outside the most expensive house on the French Riviera, and dip in one of its 12 pools, walk through the extensive gardens, or check out the commercial greenhouse.

If the luxury mansion looks familiar, that’s because it appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie To Catch a Thief .

11. La Reverie, United States — 84,600 sq ft

What happens when you start one of the most popular hair product companies? You build huge mansions with everything you want.

Sydell Miller hired architect Jeffery Smith to design one of the biggest houses in the US in an ideal Palm Beach location, with almost 350 feet of oceanfront coastline . It exchanged hands in 2019, purchased by hedge-fund manager Steven Schonfeld.

As one of the biggest houses in America, it has ten rooms, an opulent library, and a basement with a bowling alley and game room. The exterior is covered in stone and features large Roman arches over the window and loggia openings.

10. Modern Versailles, United States — 85,000 sq ft

As you can imagine, constructing America’s largest family home is a monumental task. Situated in Florida’s exclusive Orange County, this mega mansion is inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France. It began construction in 2004 and is expected to complete in 2023.

What is the payoff for such a long wait? How about an 8,000 sq ft master bedroom, 11 kitchens, outdoor and indoor pools, a wine cellar, two tennis courts, and a 35-car garage? Two elevators are on the luxury property, one of which is reported to feature extensive use of gold.

In the documentary Queen of Versailles , the Siegels famously said, “We’re sorry we ever started. But we’re $50 million into it, so it really needs to get done.”

9. Witanhurst, United Kingdom — 90,000 sq ft

The second-largest home in the United Kingdom, Witanhurst, was designed by architect George Hubbard and built over a century ago. (The original estate was named Parkfield in 1774).

Before the 2008 sale to Russian businessman Andrey Guryev, it was reported to be in a state of disrepair, showing how the world’s biggest houses are subject to the same laws of time as other homes.

Now, it is ready again to host guests in its 25 bedrooms on three floors, gym, sauna, movie theater, and billiards room. Hopefully, its relatively new owner will keep up with the maintenance better than the previous ones.

8. The One, United States — 105,000 sq ft

When Nile Niami set out to create one of the biggest mansions in the world, his goal was to create something that only a select few people can afford. The type of people who want something no one else has.

And after many legal challenges, the feat has been accomplished. But due to Bel Air’s latest zoning regulations, it’s unlikely to be repeated in the area ever again.

Featuring a four-lane bowling alley, a 45-seat movie theater, and a full indoor/outdoor nightclub with a VIP section, The One is ready to host extravagant parties, all without leaving the comfort of your home.

This luxury mansion also has a 5,000 sq ft master bedroom to stretch out in, and a garage with enough space to hold a museum’s worth of expensive cars .

7. Fair Field, United States — 110,000 sq ft

Owned by businessman Ira Rennert, Fair Field is a marvelous Italian Renaissance-style mega mansion located in the Hamptons. The main residence is 62,000 square feet, but the entire complex has several buildings that amount to 110,000 square feet. To put that into perspective, it is twice the size of the White House.

As one of the biggest private homes in America, it comprises 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, three pools, a bowling alley, a 164-seat theater, and a garage for 100 luxury cars. The luxury estate even has its own power plant.

It’s also a mega-mansion mired in controversy that inspired a novel—James Brady’s The House That Ate the Hamptons .

6. Safra Mansion, Brazil — 117,000 sq ft

Located in the prestigious Morumbi suburb of Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Safra Mansion is tucked behind a large set of security gates. Unfortunately, for those curious about the details of this huge mansion, not much is publicly available.

We do know it boasts a massive 117,000 sq ft of space with at least 130 rooms and multiple pools.

Perhaps one day, the reclusive Safra family, who also owns one of the world’s most expensive houses , will open the doors to unveil what’s hidden inside one of the largest houses in the world. But until then, you’ll have to let your imagination run wild.

5. Biltmore Estate, United States — 175,000 sq ft

Built by the well-known Vanderbilt family, the Biltmore Estate has it all. There are an incredible 250 rooms and 43 bathrooms. And if you’re a big reader, then the library with 23,000 books might make you drool even more than the three kitchens.

The design of the biggest home in America takes inspiration from French châteaux (castles), complete with a sprawling lawn and multiple gardens. With that much greenery, the two dedicated water sources are a vital piece of the puzzle.

Want to see what the inside of this luxury house looks like? Good news. Public tours of the massive estate are available, along with lodging for guests on the same property.

4. Antilia, India — 400,000 sq ft

Some people with deep pockets choose to go far away from crowds and hit the open countryside with sprawling estates. But Indian Billionaire Mukesh Ambani is not one of those people.

His 27-story skyscraper towers over the neighboring buildings and is filled with the epitome of luxurious touches. The luxury home includes a rooftop helipad with space for three helicopters, enough parking for 168 of his favorite rides (including some of the world’s most expensive cars ), and several guest apartments.

But what billionaire’s luxury home would be complete without an indoor swimming pool, a theater, and multiple spas and gyms? Not this one. Oh yeah, it also has a staff of 600 people to handle operations.

3. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom — 828,800 sq ft

As home to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace is certainly one of the most recognizable royal residences in the world. It has been a staple of global culture and politics for over three centuries. It also has a literal connection to the Houses of Parliament through an underground tunnel.

The most expensive house in the world , Buckingham Palace has 19 staterooms available to host any dignitary, while the 775 rooms and 78 bathrooms ensure that no one feels cramped.

Unlike most on this list of the biggest houses in the world, public tours of the 48-acre Buckingham Palace Gardens and parts of the interior are available. Just make sure to book your tickets well in advance.

2. Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei — 2.15 million sq ft

When you’re expecting thousands of your closest friends to come over for a party, finding the space might be challenging. Unless you’re the Sultan of Brunei .

His extravagant palace—Istana Nurul Iman (“ Light of Faith Palace “)—houses 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a mosque with a 1,500-person capacity, and of course, a banquet hall equipped for 5,000 people. The royal garage is downright massive with spaces for all the world’s most expensive cars , while the air-conditioned stable can hold over 200 horses.

Sitting at over 2 million square feet, Istana Nurul Iman is the world’s second largest private residence —and a jaw-dropping feat of architecture designed by Leandro V. Locsin.

1. Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara — 30.45 sq ft

Located in Vadodara, India, The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is a historic mansion and the world’s largest private residence. Sprawling over 30,454,600 sq ft, the behemoth estate is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. It was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Gaekwad dynasty, one of the prominent princely states of India, during the late 19th century. 

Lakshmi Vilas Palace is known for its opulent architecture, expansive grounds, and overall grandeur. Showcasing a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Victorian, and other structural styles, the main palace building reflects the lavish lifestyle and artistic indulgence of the Gaekwad royal family. 

The palace complex also includes two huge courtyards dotted with trees and fountains. The meticulously manicured gardens are surrounded by golf courses, cricket grounds, and indoor tennis courts. The palace zoo and railway tracks are designed to transport young royals and keep them entertained. 

Today, parts of the palace are open to the public, allowing visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of Vadodara.

14 biggest houses in the world: conclusion

The 14 biggest houses in the world are:

• Lakshmi Vilas Palace: 30.45 million sq ft
• Istana Nurul Iman: 2.15 million sq ft
• Buckingham Palace: 828,800 sq ft
• Antilia: 400,000 sq ft
• Biltmore Estate: 175,000 sq ft
• Safra Mansion: 117,000 sq ft
• Fair Field: 110,000 sq ft
• The One: 105,000 sq ft
• Witanhurst: 90,000 sq ft
• Modern Versailles: 85,000 sq ft
• La Reverie: 84,600 sq ft
• Villa Leopolda: 80,000 sq ft
• Taohuayuan: 72,400 sq ft
• Pensmore: 72,000 sq ft

Totaling more than 4 million square feet, the 11 largest houses in the world can make your wildest dreams come true. Whether it’s the biggest houses in America or the luxury mansions where prominent political figures reside, there’s certainly no shortage of space.

The only thing in short supply is the ability to get from one side of the house to the other without getting lost or breaking a sweat. But thankfully, a member of the staff is likely nearby to help out.

Frequently asked questions about the biggest houses in the world

The biggest house in the world is the Istana Nurul Iman , with a massive 2.15 million sq ft (200,000 m2). It is located in Brunei and serves as the residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. This huge mansion has a 5,000-person banquet hall.

The top 10 biggest houses in the world are Lakshmi Vilas Palace , Istana Nurul Iman , Buckingham Palace , Antilia , Biltmore Estate , Safra Mansion , Fair Field , The One Witanhurst , and Modern Versailles . They are situated all over the world, and you can read the full details in our list of the biggest houses in the world .

If you exclude Lakshmi Vilas Palace , Istana Nurul Iman , and Buckingham Palace because they are homes to government officials, the largest private home in the world is Antilia , a 400,000 sq ft (37,000 m2) skyscraper in Mumbai, India, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani.

The biggest houses in the world are owned by many influential and famous people. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, resides in the world’s second largest house, the Istana Nurul Iman with 2.15 million sq ft. Buckingham Palace , a residence for the reigning Monarch of the UK, is the second-largest house with 828,800 sq ft. The famous Jacqueline and David Siegel own one of the biggest houses in the world (When and if completed, that is), the 85,000 sq ft Modern Versailles , as featured in the documentary Queen of Versailles.

About the author

Michael Bradley

Motoring editor.

You could say that Michael lives two lives. On one hand, you’ll find him dressed to the nines and taking the city by storm, showing his love for men’s fashion . On the other hand, he lives an adventurous outdoor lifestyle and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Somewhere in the middle is his undying love for all things automotive . Whether it’s checking out the latest and greatest models or turning a wrench on his classic cars, there’s always a bit of oil flowing through his brain.

Learn more about Michael Bradley

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The 13 Biggest Houses in the World—and Their Lavish Design History

Millions of square feet of design decadence.

These types of houses—if you can even call them that—put your run-of-the-mill McMansions to shame. Do they all seem a bit like overkill for a single family? Sure. Are a lot of them owned by royalty? Obviously. Are they the perfect backdrops for your fantasy of running down a lavish hall in slow motion like in every period piece you've ever seen? Oh, yes. Or if you've recently watched Saltburn , maybe you have a different idea of what to do in a gigantic estate. To each their own, we say.

Whatever reason you're wanting to learn more about the world's biggest homes—to make yourself jealous or to daydream—we've got you covered. We found palaces and castles all over the globe in a range of design styles . Read on to learn about the design history of the biggest houses in the world (in ascending order, naturally), and find out just how grand they really are.

Location: London, England

Built: 1913 to 1920

Architect: George Hubbard

Square footage: 90,000 square feet

The Georgian Revival –style Witanhurst mansion in Highgate is London's largest residential home, with 25 bedrooms, a 70-foot-long swimming pool, two basements, a sauna, a gym, and many more amenities. It sold for 50 million pounds in late 2008, a transaction that inspired much speculation about its new owners. The late Queen Elizabeth is said to have attended parties here in the 1950s.

Location: Los Angeles

Built: 2014 to 2021

Architect: Paul McClean

Square footage: 105,000 square feet

Floating above the city, this Bel-Air mansion—which took its original owner, movie producer slash real-estate developer Nile Niami, 10 years to build—gives panoramic views of the skyline and glistening Pacific Ocean. It's reminiscent of the kind of home Tony Stark from The Avengers would live in, equipped with every amenity imaginable: its own nightclub, a full-service salon and spa, a sky deck, an outdoor running track, and a 40-seat theater, to name a few. It sold for $126 million in 2022 to the founder and CEO of the fast-fashion company Fashion Nova, Richard Saghian.

Oheka Castle

Location: Huntington, New York

Built: 1914 to 1919

Architect: William Adams Delano

Square footage: 109,000 square feet

The second-largest private residence in the United States, this French-style chateau in upstate New York is now a hotel and event space decorated with beautiful plaster moldings, ornate chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings. It was constructed more than a century ago for the financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn. After he died in 1934, it served as a military school for 50 years before being restored to its former glory. Many notable TV and movie productions have filmed here, including Succession .

Safra Mansion

Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Built: 1990s

Architect: Unknown

Square footage: 117,000 square feet

The South American private residence of the Safra family, a fairly private bunch who made their billions in the banking industry, has 130 rooms , indoor and outdoor pools, a tennis court, and a helipad. Little is publicly known about the interiors, but we can assume they're ultra luxurious.

Biltmore Estate

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Built: 1888 to 1895

Architect: Richard Morris Hunt

Square footage: 175,000 square feet

Built by railroad baron George Vanderbilt , Biltmore House is the biggest home in the United States, with 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and a two-story library. In 1930, George Vanderbilt's daughter Cornelia opened the home to the public for tours, and in 2001, The Inn on Biltmore Estate debuted, allowing design buffs to stay on the grounds.

Want to learn more? Check out our virtual tour of this American architectural landmark.

Location: Mumbai, India

Built: 2006 to 2011

Architect: Perkins & Will (Chicago) and Hirsch Bedner Associates (Los Angeles)

Square footage: 400,000 square feet

Only six people live in this 27-story skyscraper: Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani and his family. It cost $2 billion to construct, has nine high-speed elevators, and can hold 168 cars. There's a helipad, a ballroom, multiple swimming pools, and even an "ice room" filled with man-made snow. It may be one of the world's biggest private homes, but it's despised by many in the Indian capital, particularly because it looms over an overcrowded slum.

Buckingham Palace

Built: Begun in 1705, with significant modifications and additions in the mid-1800s and late 1800s to early 1900s

Architects: William Winde, John Nash, Edward Blore, Aston Webb

Square footage: 828,820 square feet

Since 1837, when George III bought it for his wife, Queen Charlotte (yes, just like in Bridgerton !), this enormous estate has been one of the British royal family's official residences , the King's official London residence, and the headquarters for many official events and administrative offices. There are 775 rooms in total in the palace, and more than 50,000 people visit the property every year. The palace's interiors are filled with ornate decorations, priceless works of art (including Vermeers, Rembrandts, and more), and so much history. The state rooms are open to visitors each summer.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Location: Jodhpur, India

Built: 1928 to 1943

Architect: Henry Lanchester

Square footage: 1 million square feet

This residential palace slash luxury hotel in Rajasthan is built entirely of golden-hued sandstone. The bills on the estate simply became too much for the original owner, Maharaja Umaid Singh, who built it in part to provide much-needed jobs in the region. Luckily, his grandson struck a deal with the Taj Palace hotel group to allow the Jodhpur royal family to continue living in part of the palace and turn another part into a hotel. The luxury lodgings are outfitted with original Art Deco furniture, murals, intricate wall and ceiling carvings, and gorgeously decorated rooms. There's also a museum on site that you can visit.

Quirinal Palace

Location: Rome, Italy

Built: Mid-to-late 1500s to mid-1700s

Architect: Many, including Ottaviano Mascarino, Flaminio Ponzio, Carlo Maderno, Alessandro Specchi, Ferdinando Fuga, Raffaele Stern

Square footage: 1.2 million square feet

Home to the President of the Republic of Italy and built over several centuries, this Renaissance and Baroque palace is full of history, art, and culture that you can take in when you visit Rome and the surrounding area. Although it has evolved through many additions and changes to become what we see today, the interior and exterior have essentially remained untouched since 1946 .

Apostolic Palace

Location: Vatican City

Built: Began in the late 1400s

Architect: Many

Square footage: 1,743,753 square feet

Also known as the Papal Palace or Vatican Palace, this official residence of the reigning pope is also home to the famous Sistene Chapel with its frescoes by Michelangelo. Similar to Buckingham Palace or the White House, it also houses several administrative offices as well as the Vatican Library, other papal apartments, and public and private chapels. You can visit the palace , chapel, and several museums and gardens.

Istana Nurul Iman

Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Built: Early 1980s

Architect: Leandro Locsin

Square footage: 2,152,782 square feet

The tiny island nation of Brunei, set between Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, is where you'll find the third biggest house in the world. The home belongs to the Sultan of Brunei, and its name translates as "Palace of the Light of Faith." It apparently has 1,788 bedrooms, five swimming pools, and an air-conditioned stable that can hold as many as 200 horses.

Location: Ankara, Turkey

Built: 2011 to 2014

Square footage: 3.1 million square feet

Nicknamed the White Palace, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's home is four times the size of Versailles. The residence is said to be a mishmash of architectural styles, borrowing some elements from other Ottoman palaces. It has more than 1,000 rooms decorated in marble, green granite, and silk wallpapers and is said to have cost at least $615 million to build.

Lakshmi Vilas Palace

Location: Vadodara, India

Built: 1890

Architect: Major Charles Mant

Square footage: Roughly 30,492,000 square feet

This residential palace is a gorgeous example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which incorporates Mughal and Hindu motifs. Still home to the Vadodara’s royal family , it's lavishly decorated with beautiful mosaics and art pieces. The estate is four times larger than that of Buckingham Palace and sits on park-like grounds with a golf course, museum, cricket stadium, and indoor tennis and badminton courts.

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