In the summer of 2019, Alex and his wife, Chloe, stood in front of a house that looked more like a small city than a home. It wasn’t a visit to any mansion; they had booked a private tour of Antilia, the world’s largest private residence in Mumbai, India. As they approached the towering structure that soared over the city skyline, the couple couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. Spanning 27 floors, with a footprint of 400,000 square feet, Antilia is an architectural marvel that rivals some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and commercial buildings. Alex and Chloe had seen opulent homes before, but this—this was on a completely different scale. As they toured the marble-lined rooms, multiple swimming pools, private theater, and even a helipad, Alex couldn’t help but wonder: What does it take to build—and maintain—the most prominent house in the world?
This article will explore the world’s largest private residences and what makes these homes unique. We will also examine the architectural designs, amenities, and astronomical costs of creating these massive structures. We’ll also include some fascinating stats on the most significant homes in history and provide a glimpse into the world of extreme luxury living.
Antilia: The Largest Private Residence in the World
Regarding the biggest house in the world, one name stands out: Antilia, the personal home of Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest conglomerates. Located on Altamount Road, one of Mumbai’s most expensive residential areas, Antilia is nothing short of staggering in size and luxury.
A Glimpse Into Antilia
- Size: The house spans 400,000 square feet, making it the largest residence in the world and more significant than many commercial buildings.
- Floors: Antilia has 27 stories, although some ceilings are double or triple in height, equivalent to about 60 stories.
- Cost: According to Forbes, the total cost to build Antilia is estimated at $2 billion, making it one of the most expensive homes in the world. To put this in perspective, that’s more than the GDP of some small nations.
Inside Antilia: Luxuries Beyond Imagination
Unlike traditional mansions, which may feature grand ballrooms and multiple bedrooms, Antilia boasts amenities that belong more in a luxury resort than a private home.
- Helipads: Antilia’s rooftop has three helipads, which allow Mukesh Ambani and his family to avoid Mumbai’s notorious traffic.
- Health and Wellness Floors: The residence has several dedicated health and wellness floors, including an indoor pool, a yoga studio, and a full spa.
- Ice Room: Yes, you read that correctly—Antilia has a snow room where artificial snow is pumped to create a relaxed environment, allowing the family to escape Mumbai’s heat.
- Private Theater: The house includes a 50-seat movie theater where the family can enjoy private screenings.
- Multiple Floors for Staff: The residence houses 600 full-time staff members who manage daily operations, from housekeeping to security.
- Parking for 168 Cars: The building features six underground parking levels capable of holding up to 168 cars, a necessity for the Ambani family’s extensive car collection.
Antilia was designed by the architectural firm Perkins & Will, and its interior design was by Hirsch Bedner Associates, the same firm behind some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.
The Biltmore Estate: America’s Largest Private Home
While Antilia may hold the title for the most prominent house in the world, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, still holds the record as the largest private residence in the United States. Completed in 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II, Biltmore is a testament to the Gilded Age’s extravagance and luxury.
Critical Stats on the Biltmore Estate
- Size: Biltmore spans 175,000 square feet and sits on a massive 8,000-acre estate.
- Rooms: The home features 250 rooms, 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.
- Construction: Biltmore took six years to build, and over 1,000 workers were involved. It was designed by the famous architect Richard Morris Hunt in the style of a French Renaissance château.
- Cost: Adjusted for inflation, building Biltmore was around $150 million in today’s dollars. However, its historical significance and sheer size make real estate value priceless.
Versailles House: A Modern-Day Mega Mansion
While Antilia and the Biltmore Estate are the largest homes in their respective regions, the Versailles House in Windermere, Florida, is considered one of the largest private homes under construction in the U.S. Named after the iconic Palace of Versailles in France, this mansion is the personal project of David and Jackie Siegel, founders of Westgate Resorts.
Critical Stats on Versailles House
- Size: Once completed, Versailles will span 85,000 square feet.
- Rooms: It will feature 11 kitchens, 14 bedrooms, 32 bathrooms, and a 30-car garage.
- Amenities: Planned amenities include an indoor roller skating rink, two movie theaters, a bowling alley, and an underground aquarium.
Originally started in 2004, construction on Versailles stalled during the 2008 financial crisis. It resumed in 2013 and is expected to be completed in the coming years, with estimates of the home’s final value reaching $100 million.
The Rise of Mega Mansions: A Global Phenomenon
The world’s most significant homes aren’t restricted to India, the United States, or the U.K. In fact, the concept of mega-mansions—homes spanning 20,000 square feet or more—has become a global trend, particularly in countries with growing economies and concentrations of wealth.
Mega Mansions by the Numbers
- In the U.S., the number of homes over 20,000 square feet increased by 8% between 2010 and 2020, according to a report from Zillow. These homes typically feature multiple entertainment spaces, such as home theaters, spas, and gyms.
- There has been a growing demand for custom-built mega mansions as a status symbol in countries like China and Saudi Arabia. In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, homes over 30,000 square feet are being developed in gated communities for the ultra-wealthy.
- According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report, 14% of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) with assets of $30 million or more own three or more homes, often including properties classified as mega-mansions.
What It Takes to Maintain the World’s Largest Homes
Owning a home the size of Antilia or the Biltmore Estate comes with significant upkeep. Not only do these homes require a large staff to manage day-to-day operations, but the cost of maintenance alone can be astronomical.
- Maintenance Costs: According to Architectural Digest, homes over 20,000 square feet can cost anywhere from $300,000 to $1 million per year in maintenance, depending on the amenities and size of the staff.
- Utility Costs: A house like Antilia, with multiple helipads and high-tech features, consumes significant electricity. Estimates suggest that the monthly utility bill for a home of this size could top $100,000.
- Security: Security is another considerable expense. Homes like Antilia and the Biltmore Estate employ round-the-clock security teams with surveillance technology that rivals that of small governments.
Conclusion: The World of Big Homes and Bigger Dreams
The fascination with large homes is as old as human civilization, from the grand palaces of ancient emperors to modern-day mega-mansions. For the ultra-wealthy, these homes are not just places to live but also symbols of status, power, and influence. Whether it’s Antilia, standing tall amidst the Mumbai skyline, or the sprawling Biltmore Estate in the Appalachian Mountains, these massive homes captivate the imagination and give us a glimpse into a world of unimaginable luxury.
As Alex and Chloe discovered, stepping into one of the world’s largest homes is like entering another realm—one where luxury knows no bounds, and the possibilities of architecture and design seem limitless.
