Introduction
What does “big” really mean when we talk about the largest houses in the world? Most people imagine palatial estates, royal residences, and billionaire mansions—but even famous structures like the White House or Hearst Castle don’t come close to the scale of the world’s truly gigantic homes.
To give you perspective:
- The White House is about 55,000 sq ft
- Hearst Castle is about 60,000 sq ft
- But the largest house in the world is a jaw-dropping 30.5 million sq ft—yes, million.
These residences are architectural wonders. Some are historical palaces, some are still occupied by royal families, and others are ultra-modern mega-mansions filled with outrageous luxuries like snow rooms, helipads, and private cinemas.
Three of the world’s biggest mansions are right here in India, showcasing the country’s imperial heritage and modern-billionaire lifestyle.
This guide takes you through the 11 biggest houses in the world, explaining their history, size, design, and what makes them so extraordinary.
Table of Contents
1. Safra Mansion – São Paulo, Brazil
Size: ~117,000 sq ft
Ownership: Safra Family (banking billionaires)
Built: 1990s
Located in São Paulo’s ultra-luxury Morumbi neighborhood, the Safra Mansion blends Roman-inspired classical design with modern security. Although the family keeps the interiors strictly private, reports claim the mansion contains:
- 130+ rooms
- Private helipad
- Fortified security
- Heritage artworks kept under controlled conditions
It is considered Brazil’s most private residence—almost nothing from the inside has ever been publicly photographed.
2. Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Size: 175,000 sq ft
Owner: Built by George Vanderbilt
Built: 1889
Often called America’s largest private home, the Biltmore Estate is a grand French Renaissance château built as the Vanderbilt family’s vacation retreat.
Highlights:
- 35 bedrooms
- 43 bathrooms
- 65 fireplaces
- Wine estate + luxury hotel
- Art galleries and exhibitions
- Historic gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted
Today, it’s open to the public for tours and luxury stays, making it one of the most visited architectural estates in the US.
3. Antilia – Mumbai, India
Size: ~400,000 sq ft
Owner: Mukesh Ambani
Floors: 27
Value: Estimated $2 billion
Antilia is one of the most famous houses in the world and easily the most unique. Unlike horizontal palaces, Antilia is a vertical mansion that stands tall on Mumbai’s Altamount Road.
Insane Features:
- Multiple helipads
- Six-floor garage
- Private temple
- Ice-cream parlor
- Movie theater
- Ballroom
- Dedicated spa and wellness center
- Snow room that produces artificial snow on demand
Antilia represents the evolution of luxury housing in the 21st century, merging skyscraper engineering with personalized royal-style amenities.
4. Palace of Versailles – Versailles, France
Size: 721,206 sq ft
Built: 17th century
Original purpose: Hunting lodge for King Louis XIII
The Palace of Versailles is one of the world’s most iconic architectural creations. Expanded by King Louis XIV , it is a masterpiece of Baroque design and French royalty’s symbol of opulence.
Attractions:
- Hall of Mirrors
- Grand Apartments
- 6,000+ paintings
- 2,000 acres of gardens
- Fountains, sculptures & historic galleries
More than 10 million visitors explore Versailles each year.
5. Buckingham Palace – London, UK
Size: 828,820 sq ft
Rooms: 775
Built: 1703
Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of British monarchs since 1837.
Inside the Palace:
- 52 royal rooms
- 188 staff bedrooms
- 92 offices
- 78 bathrooms
- Iconic balcony used during royal ceremonies
It is both a working palace and a symbol of British national identity.
6. Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur, India
Size: 1 million sq ft
Built: 1929–1943
Architectural style: Indo-Deco
One of the world’s last great palaces, Umaid Bhawan is still partly occupied by the Jodhpur royal family.
Features:
- 26-acre landscaped gardens
- Taj-operated luxury hotel
- Historical museum
- Ornate ballroom
- Subterranean Zodiac Pool
This palace blends Art Deco luxury with traditional Indian craftsmanship.
7. Quirinal Palace – Rome, Italy
Size: 1.2 million sq ft
Built: 1583
Once a summer residence for popes, Quirinal Palace has been home to:
- 30 popes
- 4 kings
- 12 presidents
Distinctive features:
- Over 200 tapestries
- Priceless art collections
- The world’s 2nd largest carpet (3,200 sq ft)
It is one of Italy’s most historically significant palaces.
8. Apostolic Palace – Vatican City
Size: 1.7 million sq ft
Purpose: Official papal residence
This vast complex includes offices, chapels, museums, libraries, and the world-famous Sistine Chapel.
Highlights:
- Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece
- Raphael Rooms
- Borgia Apartments
- Vatican Library
Parts of it are open for public tours.
9. Istana Nurul Iman – Brunei
Size: 2.2 million sq ft
Owner: Sultan of Brunei
Built: 1984
A striking example of Islamic and Malay architecture, Istana Nurul Iman is one of the largest royal residences.
Key stats:
- 1,788 rooms
- 257 bathrooms
- 5 swimming pools
- 200-horse air-conditioned stable
- 44 marble staircases
It serves as the Sultan’s residence and government seat.
10. Ak Saray – Ankara, Turkey
Size: 3.1 million sq ft
Built: 2014
Owner: Presidential office of Turkey
Known as the “White Palace,” Ak Saray is the grandest modern governmental residence in the world.
Indulgent interiors include:
- 1,100 rooms
- Silk wall coverings
- Green marble
- Gold detailing
- Expansive ceremonial halls
It’s both admired and criticized due to its cost and extravagance.
11. Lakshmi Vilas Palace – Vadodara, India
🏆 Largest House in the World
Size: 30.5 million sq ft
Built: 1890
Owner: Royal family of Vadodara
Nothing else compares to the scale of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. At 30.5 million sq ft, it is recognized as the largest private residence on the planet.
Incredible Highlights:
- 170 lavish rooms
- Venetian mosaic flooring
- Belgian stained glass windows
- Rajasthani marble structures
- Private museum
- Parts open for public tours
Its Indo-Saracenic architecture and royal legacy make it one of India’s greatest cultural treasures.
Comparison Table: Largest Houses in the World
| Rank | House / Palace | Location | Size (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakshmi Vilas Palace | India | 30.5 million |
| 2 | Ak Saray | Turkey | 3.1 million |
| 3 | Istana Nurul Iman | Brunei | 2.2 million |
| 4 | Apostolic Palace | Vatican City | 1.7 million |
| 5 | Quirinal Palace | Italy | 1.2 million |
| 6 | Umaid Bhawan Palace | India | 1 million |
| 7 | Buckingham Palace | UK | 828,820 |
| 8 | Palace of Versailles | France | 721,206 |
| 9 | Antilia | India | 400,000 |
| 10 | Biltmore Estate | USA | 175,000 |
| 11 | Safra Mansion | Brazil | 117,000 |
Pros & Cons of Gigantic Mansions
Pros
- Incredible historical or architectural significance
- Palace-level luxury and amenities
- Massive landscaped grounds
- Preservation of cultural heritage
- Unique tourism or hospitality value
Cons
- Very high maintenance cost
- Large staff required
- Significant environmental footprint
- Complex security requirements
- Limited privacy for tourist-accessible palaces
Key Takeaways
- The largest house in the world is located in India (Lakshmi Vilas Palace).
- India has three properties in the global top 11: Antilia, Umaid Bhawan, Lakshmi Vilas.
- Modern mega-mansions like Antilia are redefining luxury living.
- Many of these residences have transitioned into museums or state properties.
- These structures offer insights into history, royalty, architecture, and extreme wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the largest house in the world?
Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, India, measuring 30.5 million sq ft.
2. Who owns the biggest house in India?
The Gaekwad royal family owns the Lakshmi Vilas Palace.
3. Is Antilia the largest house in the world?
No, but it is one of the largest modern private residences at 400,000 sq ft.
4. Can you visit Umaid Bhawan Palace?
Yes, parts of the palace are a luxury hotel and museum open to visitors.
5. Which country has the most largest houses?
India appears multiple times on the global list.
6. What is the largest residential palace still in use?
Lakshmi Vilas Palace—still occupied by the royal family.
7. Why are old palaces so large?
They were built to symbolize power, accommodate royal courts, and host large gatherings.
8. Which is the largest Presidential residence?
Ak Saray in Turkey (3.1 million sq ft).
9. How many rooms does Buckingham Palace have?
It has 775 rooms in total.
10. Is the Palace of Versailles still a residence?
No, it is now a museum and heritage site.
Conclusion
The world’s largest houses are more than just homes—they are architectural marvels representing history, culture, power, and extreme luxury. From India’s royal palaces to ultra-modern skyscraper mansions like Antilia, these mega-residences show what human imagination and wealth can create.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about the world’s grandest homes, exploring these residences offers a fascinating glimpse into opulence across different eras.
