Small homes may continue to rise in popularity, but bigger will always be better for the most luxurious end of the real estate market.
When your budget has no bounds, you can afford endless space for you, your family and your helicopter.
Whether you’ve been dreaming of your own villa near Hollywood or a remote castle in upstate New York, these truly grand estates have earned their spot on the list of the ten biggest houses currently for sale in the United States.
1. Deluxe lakeside compound
Courtesy of Kristin Hayes Claire, LandVest, Inc.,
$19,800,000
63,000 sq ft
It’s two magnificent estates for the price of one in this jaw-dropping compound on the shores of scenic Lake Winnipesaukee in the quaint town of Alton, New Hampshire. Between these two properties, you’ll enjoy 12 bedrooms and a combined total of 63,000-square-feet. Your commute to either home can be whatever you choose, thanks to the on-site helicopter pad and multiple docks. (Those traveling by luxury car will simply enjoy the drive in from the gated entrance and through six acres of manicured lawns.)
Though built for year-round enjoyment, certain features stand out for milder months of the year, like the stone amphitheater, an infinity pool with grotto and the tennis court. For those who plan on hosting many get-togethers, you have a 7,655-square-foot reproduction post-and-beam barn specifically built for entertaining. There’s also one of the most charming features we’ve ever come across: A private lakeside tea house.
2. High drama in the desert
Courtesy of Cheryl Solano, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
$8,599,000
52,000 sq ft
Set against panoramic views of Camelback Mountain and metro Phoenix, this 14-bedroom, 23-bathroom estate gives you 52,000-square-feet to customize to your own taste. That’s because this luxury property is being sold as-is — which means you can consider this a massive blank slate for limitless creativity.
Though some features would be in need of updating (for instance, the great room appears to have popcorn ceiling tiles), some are worth keeping, like the amethyst stone fireplace in the guest house, the imported marble throughout the home and the herringbone floors. Sporty types will also appreciate the racquetball court and his-and-hers locker rooms. Overall, it’s an intriguing project for the right owners.
3. Secluded Spanish villa in Los Angeles
Courtesy of Ty Cueva, Westside Property Group, via theMLS.com
$75,000,000
40,000 sq ft
A cool $75 million doesn’t just get you a 40,000-square-foot mansion with 8 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms, a recording studio, outdoor movie screen, a wine cellar and tasting room. It gets you an unthinkable amount of privacy thanks to some very specific features: An underground auto gallery, an indoor saltwater lap pool, an indoor basketball court that doubles as a grand ballroom, your own full service salon complete with a wellness center and a movie theater complete with a candy wall. Though you could very well never leave the house thanks to these features, you’re not far from civilization. The Los Angeles estate is close to the Hotel Bel-Air, and is in close proximity to Brentwood, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.
4. Extravagant extras in California
Courtesy of Josh & Matt Altman, Douglas Elliman
$29,995,000
38,7 00 sq ft
Rustic landscapes and guarded estate communities don’t often go hand-in-hand, especially those located high enough to boast city, canyon and ocean views. Yet, when you have enough of a budget to allow for a 7-bedroom, 7-bathroom, 38,700-square-foot estate in one of America’s most expensive ZIP codes, you can simply create your own slice of lakeside paradise wherever you please. This elegant property in Bradbury, California includes a 1,000,000-million-gallon pond stocked with rainbow trout and mallard ducks, and features a two-story waterfall. The pond — the only one like this in the entire state — is kept fresh and clean thanks to a very well-thought-out system.
The water is heated thanks to a custom gravity separator with UV filters and chilled for the comfort of the trout by a 300-ton central cooling plant. As usual for luxury properties, there’s so, so much more in terms of recreational opportunities. In addition to the pond, there’s an infinity-edge pool and a 15-person Jacuzzi. Rainy day? You have more than enough to occupy your time indoors. You can practice your aim in the subterranean 25-foot gun range, catch up on your reading in the 2-story library, invite friends over for a game in the leather-paneled poker room, sample vintages from the 2,000-bottle wine cellar or take in a movie in the 3D theater.
5. Stone mansion in the Midwest
Courtesy of James Davila, First Realty Group
$30,000,000
38,000 square feet
Tucked in a woodsy area in the small city of Fort Wayne is a 38,000-square-foot custom mansion that only looks as if it has been there for at least a century. Originally designed in 1997, the 16-bedroom, 26-bathroom home was constructed after the incredible estates belonging to the Astor and Vanderbilt families. The picturesque stone exterior is set off by the equally-well-designed grounds, which include a private lake and stables. (We think the grounds are best viewed, particularly during the winter, surrounded by the tropical palms in the solarium.)
The interior includes expected but no less impressive carved wood panels, along with detailed moldings and mantels that help further the illusion of history. If you happen to love horses, this land includes a possible bonus for you: There’s a world-class equestrian property available for an extra $2,500,000
6. Manicured manor in New Jersey
Courtesy of Dennis and Denise McCormack, Sotheby’s International Realty
$29,995,000
35,384 sq ft
Located just off the dramatic Palisades Cliffs, Alpine is one of the most expensive ZIP codes in the country (it frequently tops that list depending on the year). Celebrities from Chris Rock to Britney Spears have lived in this exclusive community, perhaps because of the privacy the location affords and its proximity to Manhattan — it’s just across the Hudson River from the city.
This 11-bedroom, 15-and-a-half-bath, 35,384-square-foot Georgian Colonial mansion sits at the end of a majestic tree-lined driveway and at the top of an 8-acre knoll. Like other impressive estates on this list, this one was built with privacy in mind. The banquet-sized dining room, 3,425-square-foot basketball court, theater and 8-car garage keeps you even further away from prying eyes. If you enjoy a great game of tennis, there’s a bonus just for you: A lighted U.S. Open deco turf-cushioned court.
7. French facade in Los Angeles
Courtesy of Joyce Rey, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, via theMLS.com
$85,000,000
35,000 sq ft
Los Angeles is home to an unusual amount of super-sized estates. However, while you might frequently see similar features (after all, a private screening room is a necessity in the movie capital of the world) no two mansions are exactly alike. This 10-bedroom, 14-bathroom, 35,000-square-foot estate takes its architectural cues from a variety of places to unique effect.
The exterior is tres French with many of the interior spaces riffing on the extravagant Chateau theme. Yet, you’ll also find a Turkish hammam and a Moroccan-inspired room on-site. Though the interior piles on the details, the grounds were designed with a little more restraint. Fountains, a sleek pool and a swan pond make for a lovely walk around the grounds as you soak in the city views.
8. Scottish-Inspired estate in New York State
Courtesy of Brian McGrath, McGrath Realty Inc
$25,000,000
34,000 sq ft
For the millionaire or billionaire that longs to add a castle to their real estate portfolio comes a vintage estate with regal roots that’s just over the eastern border of Connecticut in the beautiful town of Millbrook, New York. Originally built in 1924 for Andrew Carnegie’s daughter and impeccably renovated from 2000-2004, the stone structure took its cues from Skibo Castle in Scotland (which was fittingly owned by the industrialist).
The 10-bedroom, 14-bathroom estate has elegant appeal both indoors and out. There’s 34,000-square-feet spread across four floors that were also designed to fit in to the castle theme. Huge windows look out onto exquisite outdoor spaces that range from a tennis court and cabana to 338 acres of orchards, ponds and an organic garden with a greenhouse. Of course, the greatest sight isn’t even part of the property, but off in the distance: The Catskill mountains.
9. Super-Modern mansion in Los Angeles
Courtesy of Arline Bolin, Hootan Troy Farahmand
$100,000,000
31,000 sq ft
Giant estates often seem to take their inspiration from decades past, but this spectacular Los Angeles property looks to more modern influences. The vast 12-bedroom, 23-bathroom estate has a sleek design that’s particularly used to an elegant effect in the interiors, where polished stone add a subtle touch of nature through the open floorplan. Well over 1/6th of the 31,000-square-foot estate is devoted to a massive master suite, while 40,000-square-feet of covered patios extend the property’s footprint.
Though the sheer amount of space could give an isolating effect, the home was designed with sociability in mind. There are multiple entertaining spaces that range from dining areas to bars, along with notable features like a two-lane bowling alley, a putting green with 50-foot fire feature, a sports court, game room and motor court with parking for 70. Plus, of course, the requisite movie theater and wine cellar that is always a must with rarified mansions. It’s honestly less of a private home and more like owning your own resort.
10. 1930s landmark on Sunset Boulevard
Courtesy of Williams & Williams Estates, Hilton & Hyland
$88,000,000
30,000 sq ft
No matter the decade, this estate in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles has always stood for elegance. Designed by Paul Williams in the 1930s, every space inside the 17-bedroom, 22-bathroom, 30,000-square-foot home is luxurious enough for moguls, stars and starlets. As soon as you walk through the crimson double doors, you’re greeted with a grand foyer defined by a tumbling chandelier that only hints at the luxury found throughout the 60-room home.
There’s a 6,000-square-foot movie theater and closets that feel as if they’re that big. Though undoubtedly large, the home doesn’t feel imposing — perhaps due to the vintage approach to architecture that favored rooms of more intimate dimensions. The home also seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, mainly through many seating areas that look upon the five enchanting gardens found on-site, a huge pool and bath house, along with the Los Angeles skyline.