Tampa, Florida, is known for its temperate climate, pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, and relaxed vibes. The city has a rich historical background, and its impressive architecture adds an unrivaled level of charm. The city is also home to some breathtaking estates that truly promise allure and prestige.
While some of the properties in Tampa Bay are undoubtedly beautiful and impressive, they still do not compare to the most extravagant homes worldwide. Let's explore the top lavish high-end properties from around the globe.
Gold medal
Buckingham Palace would bring home the gold if homes earned medals based on their stunning architecture, gorgeous grounds, and market value. Located in London, it has been the residence of the British monarchy for several generations. It is a well-known landmark estimated to be worth over
$4.9 billion.
Its impressive exterior stonework reflects a French Neoclassical architectural style and features a large balcony where the royal family greets the crowds. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful courtyard and lush gardens, which add to its majestic appearance and atmosphere.
Upon entering the palace, visitors are greeted by the Grand Staircase, adorned with ornate gold railings and a dramatic red carpet. Cream walls with gold trim showcase an array of family portraits on display. Each room is steeped in history and color, with decorative ceilings, chandeliers, and abundant gold trim throughout the building.
The palace has 775 rooms, including over 50 bedrooms, a church, a doctor's office, a post office, a movie theater, and a swimming pool. It also has 188 bedrooms and a cafeteria for the staff. Of course, Buckingham Palace is more than a personal residence and will likely be at the top of the list for years to come.
Silver medal
Antilia, a stunning private residence owned by one of India's wealthiest men, has an estimated value of
$2 billion, which places it second in the world. Standing 568 feet tall, the 27-story residence provides breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. This impressive skyscraper is made of glass and steel and spans 400,000 square feet.
The lower part of the structure is adorned with greenery to absorb the sun's rays and keep the building cool. It also features numerous terraces overflowing with plants and small trees. Antilia has six floors dedicated to a parking garage and three helipads on its roof. The home also has a lobby with nine elevators, along with a two-story recreation area featuring a pool, gym, and yoga studio. The mansion also includes a religious temple, guest suites, a cinema, and an ice cream shop.
The owner's relentless attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the home. There is even a specially-designed ice room. Nothing says “extravagant” quite like creating your own snow. Although only six family members reside in Antilia, the home is expansive enough to accommodate 600 staff members.
Bronze medal
The private palace of the Sultan of Brunei, known as the Istana Nurul Iman, is hailed as the largest palace in the world. With a colossal area of over two million square feet, this architectural masterpiece is estimated to be worth a staggering $1.4 billion. The palace's exterior is a sight to behold, with its gleaming white walls adorned with arched doors and windows, turrets, and a magnificent golden dome embellished with 22-carat gold.
As you step inside, the luxurious experience only amplifies, with an astounding 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and 500 chandeliers. The palace has 18 elevators and 44 staircases, ensuring easy access to the various levels.
The opulence does not end there, either, as the palace also has two mosques, five swimming pools, and an astounding 110 separate garages, accommodating almost 17,000 cars. Overall, the Istana Nurul Iman is a testament to the Sultan of Brunei's grandeur and wealth, and it truly stands out as one of a kind.
Honorable mention
Located in the serene French Riviera, the Villa La Leopolda is an extravagant villa that exudes splendor and sophistication. This opulent residence is designed in the Neo-Palladian architectural style and spans over 80,000 square feet, featuring exposed beams, marble, and stone materials. The main house comprises 11 luxurious bedrooms, multiple kitchens, and dining rooms adorned with vintage decor and artwork, creating a storybook ambiance.
Once the residence of Belgium King Leopold II, the Villa La Leopolda has been featured in several movies, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief,” and it is not hard to see why. The estate has sweeping views across the French Riviera, creating a serene and picturesque setting. The grounds are surrounded by magnificent gardens that span over 50 acres, adding to the beauty and tranquility.
Over the years, the Villa La Leopolda has been modernized to include a range of amenities, such as a massive swimming pool, a bowling alley, a movie theater, and a helipad. Despite all these luxurious features, it was last bought for a mere $750 million, which is relatively inexpensive compared to the top three in this list. With its majestic appearance and elegant architecture, though, the Villa La Leopolda is undoubtedly one of the most stunning private estates in the world.
Lavish local homes
While there may not be billion-dollar mansions in the local area yet, gorgeous million-dollar estates are not too difficult to find.
The gorgeous
Century Oaks estate is on over four acres of waterfront property along Clearwater Bay. This magnificent Mediterranean home boasts a rich history and a sprawling 24,000-square-foot space that offers splendid water views. Accommodating visitors won't be a problem with 19 beds and baths, along with two spacious guest houses.
The property provides a range of amenities, including three swimming pools, a tennis court, a basketball court, and boat docks. Guests will also find a charming library, a movie room, a music studio, and fitness and game rooms. The house even has its very own bell tower. Recently listed on the market, this luxurious retreat is priced at just under $40 million.
Go for the win!
Looking for homes for sale in Tampa Bay should be an exciting experience, especially if you have a reliable real estate agent on your side.
Melissa Pranzo of #teamVENDE // eXp Realty Real Estate Group is a seasoned Realtor® with over two decades of experience. She is an expert in Tampa Bay real estate and has earned a top spot in her field through her attentive service, innovative marketing tactics, and exceptional negotiation skills.
Whether you are searching for the perfect home, planning to sell your property, or interested in building your own piece of paradise,
Melissa is the go-to Realtor® in all things real estate.
Contact her today to get started on turning your dreams into reality.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
