Inside the Top 9 Homes of Europe’s Elite: Oasis for Billionaires

Imagine waking up each day to breath-taking landscapes, or in the heart of a vibrant city with stunning views over its skyline. This is not a fairy-tale fantasy, but the everyday reality for some of the world’s wealthiest celebrities. From the serene shores of the French Riviera to the bustling streets of London, architects build or re-build luxurious homes that inspire you to dream that one day, you will have the keys to your own oasis.

According to a report by Savills World Research, Europe is home to 35% of the world’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), a population group with assets exceeding $30 million. These individuals own some of the most expensive and extravagant homes on the continent, reflecting their exquisite taste and appetite for luxury.

Celebrities are no exception in this arena. Sir Richard Branson’s luxurious Mallorcan villa, George Clooney’s 18th-century Italian villa on Lake Como, and Madonna’s opulent Georgian townhouse in London, are just a few examples of the grandeur and elegance that characterise these homes. Imagine being surrounded by vines, citrus fruit trees, almond, and olive trees, an oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty…

There’s something tantalisingly fascinating about peeking into the world of the wealthiest. A continent rich in history and architectural grandeur, Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful homes, with London being where one of the most expensive home in the world is for sale at present.

In this article we invite you on an exclusive tour of Europe’s most expensive residences. We’ll explore the captivating stories behind these opulent properties and unveil what truly sets them apart. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the epitome of European luxury. Prepare to be dazzled!

$300 Million Mansion in London- one the world’s most expensive homes for sale

We stopped outside the gates of the $300 million mansion in London, wondering what could be the feeling of living inside… Known as ‘The Holme is one of the most expensive home currently for sale in the world and ranks the most expensive in London . This lakefront property located in Regent’s Park was built in 1818 by English architect James Burton and designed by his son, Decimus Burton. The mansion sits on four acres and includes 40 bedrooms and 29,000 square feet of living space. The property also features eight garages, a tennis court, a library, a sauna, and a grand dining room​​.

Before The Holme, the title of the most expensive home in the UK (not globally) was held by a property in Knightsbridge known as 2-8a Rutland Gate.

French Riviera- homes for Europe’s elite

Nestled in the heart of the French Riviera, Villa Leopolda, named after its former owner, King Leopold II of Belgium, is a testament to timeless elegance. Built in 1902, the villa sprawls over an impressive 18 acres. The expansive gardens alone are a sight to behold, but the vintage charm of the interior spaces truly elevate this property to a class of its own.

This opulent estate, priced at a staggering €500 million, includes 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and a commercial greenhouse. Its regal character and spectacular views over the Mediterranean make it an epitome of luxe living.

Villa La Leopolda, located in the French Riviera, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The estate on which the villa currently stands was once owned by King Leopold II of Belgium, who had gifted the previous estate to his mistress, Blanche Zélia Joséphine Delacroix, also known as Caroline Lacroix. The villa derives its name from King Leopold. After Leopold’s death, his nephew, King Albert I, became its owner. During World War I, the estate was used as a military hospital.

In 1919, Thérèse Vitali, Comtesse de Beauchamp, acquired the property. The villa in its current incarnation was designed and built from 1929 to 1931 by the American architect Ogden Codman, Jr. However, due to financial difficulties, Codman was unable to live in the villa, so he rented it out to various wealthy tenants.

Upon Codman’s death in 1951, the estate was sold to Izaak Walton Killam, and after his death, his wife inherited the place. In the later 1950s, she sold it to Fiat president Gianni Agnelli and Marella Agnelli. The Agnellis then sold the Villa Leopolda to the Canadian philanthropist Dorothy J. Killam in 1963, who resided at the villa until her death in 1965.

In 1987, the Villa Leopolda became one of the properties owned by Lebanese born Brazilian banker Edmond Safra and his wife, Lily. The Safras were known to hold large parties at the villa.

Mikhail Prokhorov, a Russian billionaire, made headlines in early March 2010 when he was forced to forfeit a £36 million deposit he had placed on the Villa Leopolda in 2008. A court at Nice in France ruled that the villa’s owner, Lily Safra, could keep the deposit, plus £1 million in interest.

A billionaires’ oasis in the heart of London – vacant for over a decade

The second most expensive home available in Britain right now is not an apartment, but a “private palace” that overlooks Hyde Park. Located in Knightsbridge, this property features 45 rooms within its seven-story structure and was last sold to Chinese billionaire Cheung Chung-kiu for a record £205m in January 2020​​.

This residence, known as the 2-8a Rutland Gate property, has a rich history dating back to the 1830s when it was initially built as four grand family homes. However, it was later converted into one vast residence in the 1980s​​. Since the death of its former owner, Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, in 2011, the house has fallen into disrepair and remained vacant for at least a decade​​.

Despite its current state, the potential for this property is immense. Planning permission has been granted to redevelop the property into an eight-story, 5,760-square metre (approximately 62,000 square feet) private palace. The proposed plans include a triple-height ballroom and a two-level basement designed to house a collection of luxury cars. Once completed, the property could be worth as much as £500m​​.

This opulent home is located just south of Kensington Gardens and 68 of its 116 windows overlooking the park. The interiors, previously designed by French designer Alberto Pinto, contribute to the property’s prestigious status​​.

Its cost, even in its dilapidated state, is staggeringly high and makes this property several thousand percent more expensive than the average home in London or Britain. The sheer size, location, and potential of this property justify its high asking price.

One Hyde Park – billionaires’ marvel in London

Walking through the bustling heart of London, we find One Hyde Park, a spectacular residential skyscraper with apartments costing upwards of €160 million. The 86 residences within the tower redefine the concept of city living, offering opulent interiors combined with panoramic views of the London skyline.

Located in Knightsbridge, this architectural masterpiece pushes the boundaries of opulence, with services including a private spa, a wine cellar, and even a concierge service from the neighbouring Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The Manor – a classic billionaires’ oasis in Holmby Hills

Turning our attention to Holmby Hills, we come across The Manor. Once the residence of the late TV producer Aaron Spelling, this €150 million property showcases the grandeur of classic European architecture in its 123 rooms. The original article fittingly calls it “a European-inspired mega-mansion that offers the ultimate in luxurious living.”

Among its extravagant features are a bowling alley, several kitchens, and even a gift-wrapping room, portraying the absolute pinnacle of excess and luxury.

The Mansion of Billionaires – Opulent Extravagance in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Do you know that there is a peninsula of the billionaires (Presqu’île des milliardaires) famous for its superb luxury homes nestled in the pine forest? Located on the sun-drenched peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, The Mansion of Billionaires is a dazzling spectacle of opulence. Valued at €1.1 billion, this is the most expensive home in the world, is leaving London most expensive way behind. Boasting 14 bedrooms, a grand ballroom, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a private theater, it is a veritable palace of modern times.”

This iconic mansion, which once belonged to King Leopold II, is surrounded by 35 acres of lush gardens and offers unparalleled panoramic views of the French Riviera. It’s not merely a home, but a luxurious statement of grandeur and prestige.

Knightsbridge Townhouse – Prestigious Elegance in Central London

In the heart of central London, the Knightsbridge Townhouse is a symbol of sophisticated living. With an estimated value of €90 million, it combines traditional architectural style with contemporary comfort.

This grand home is located in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes. The interior detailing and hand-crafted finishes are a testament to the craftsmanship and elegance synonymous with properties in this area.

This luxurious townhouse, spread over 20,000 square feet, features ten bedrooms, an indoor swimming pool, a cinema room, and a wine cellar, underscoring its plush living environment.

The Marbella Villa – contemporary chic in Spain

Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Marbella, Spain, lies a modern masterpiece of architecture. Valued at €80 million, the Marbella Villa is an epitome of chic luxury. The property spans 10 bedrooms, a helipad, an infinity pool, and a home automation system, making it a digital-age marvel.

The Marbella Villa is more than just a home; it’s a lifestyle. A blend of luxury and technology that embodies the future of upscale living, revealing the changing dynamics of what defines a luxurious home in this digital era.

Exploring these homes offers a fascinating insight into the realm of extraordinary luxury. These residences, as we selected them to be the top 9 top homes for Europe’s Elite, are grand stages of opulent living. Whether it’s the lush grandeur of Villa Leopolda or the contemporary chic of Marbella Villa, or the most expensive oasis for billionaires who prefer to walk in London’s rain, each of these homes defines a unique interpretation of luxury.

Europe, with its rich history and diverse architectural influences, hosts some of the most extraordinary and expensive homes globally. Each property we have explored today reveals a unique aspect of luxury living, showcasing the limitless potential of human creativity and extravagance.

While we might not all be able to afford these lavish estates, we can certainly dream. After all, inspiration often sparks from the places we least expect it. So, dear reader, let these extraordinary residences inspire your dreams and aspirations, because dreaming is the first step towards achieving. And remember, regardless of the size or price of our homes, it’s the love, warmth, and memories we create within them that truly defines their value.

The real essence of a home lies in the life we live within its walls. A house, regardless of its size or cost, becomes a home when filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. As we dream of these luxurious homes, let us also continue to value and enrich the homes we currently have, creating our own unique sanctuary, love, and happiness. After all, luxury is not a price tag; it’s a state of being and living.

Don’t take offense if your home didn’t make it to the top 9 home for Europe’s Elite. Do you want to share your story and inspire our readers ? Know that every story is paving the way for a brighter, happier future.