Bigger isn't always better – but sometimes it is, as these exquisite luxury homes prove. From a romantic, fairytale-inspired villa in Austria to a penthouse apartment in London and an iconic bubble house overlooking Cannes, these are some of the most lavish and expensive residences in Europe.

Click or scroll on, as we explore prestigious properties that truly define the phrase 'dream home'...

Described by Austria Sotheby's International Realty as "Vienna’s most exquisite residence" and an "exclusive haven of privacy", this remarkable modern home has everything a VIP could need – and then some.

Think Armani wall coverings and built-ins, Gaggenau appliances, custom lighting by Panzeri and a luxe security system, complete with 24-hour security guards.

Located on the outskirts of Vienna, the retreat has immaculate living spaces, kitted out with the finest furnishings and fixtures. There’s an easy, open-concept flow to the layout and across the home’s three floors, you’ll find a living room, dining room, kitchen, wine cellar, private spa and home cinema, with a 150-inch (12.5-foot) screen and top-class gadgets.

The theatre is air-conditioned, with electrically controlled ventilation and the latest KNX technology, so the owner can control all functions from their smartphone, tablet or using their voice. Talk about hands-free!

The house also offers four bedrooms, including this truly mind-boggling master suite. Spanning 861 square feet (80sqm), it has a sitting area, a walk-in closet and a wellness area with a hammam, sauna and rainfall shower. Oh, and there’s also a separate sleeping area for a butler or nanny.

Other plush extras include the home’s trowelled ceilings and walls, finished with liquid gold, underfloor heating and cooling, electronic windows and sliding doors and two evaporative fireplaces.

What’s more, the property comes with an elevated outdoor viewing platform, which features a swimming pool, a lounge area, a kitchen, a dining space for 20 people and an outdoor cinema for eight. There’s also a sky garden with Mediterranean planting and you can enjoy music anywhere outside, thanks to smart, integrated lighting and speakers.

Multiple terraces provide 360-degree panoramic views of the Danube River. So, it's really no surprise that this home was listed for sale for £15.8 million ($19.9m), or €18.9 million.

Combining state-of-the-art technology with a curated selection of modern art and a pool that can be transformed into a helipad or stage for parties, this exceptional villa is unlike any we've seen before.

Nestled in the exclusive Son Vida hills, known as the 'Beverly Hills of Mallorca', this high-end home enjoys incredible views of the sea and the port of Palma de Mallorca.

The Chameleon Villa 2.0 has an estimated value of €38 million, or £31.6 million ($39.8m), and was listed for sale in November 2024 via Engel & Völkers Mallorca. The price tag includes a 1.6-acre (0.6ha) garden, 35,294 square feet (3,279sqm) of living space and truly dreamy interior design. 

The property gets its name from the home's unique lighting system, which has the power to change the entire building's colour with the push of a button. More than half of the exterior is made of the finest crystal, on which sophisticated LED technology can perform lighting effects. 

Built in 2012, the property, which is made up of three buildings, was extensively renovated in 2023 and every single room is modern and filled with natural light, allowing the view to take centre stage. The main house has three floors, with living areas, bedrooms, a kitchen, library, cinema room, wine cellar and staff accommodation.

The second building is connected to the main house via a corridor and offers three pools, including a heated indoor pool and an entertainment area, as well as (probably) Mallorca´s biggest private fitness and spa area.

The separate guest house has private access, making it perfect for visitors. There are 10 bedrooms and nine bathrooms across the three structures. Of course, there’s also a wonderful Mediterranean garden surrounding the house.

There are three balconies, 11 parking spaces, elevator access – and freight elevator access – and the house is wheelchair accessible. Plus, a stunning swimming pool truly captures the heart of Spanish living.

Over on another Spanish island, Ibiza, you'll find this lavish Mediterranean estate.

Known as Los Olivos, the near-10-acre (8ha) property lies in the village of San Rafael and has an estimated value of £36.5 million ($45.6m). That's €43.5 million in the local currency. Let's take a closer look...

The elegant pad was for sale in November 2024, with Ibiza Sotheby's International Realty, who described it as an "exclusive agricultural property located in the heart of the island of Ibiza". 

The name Los Olivos comes from the ancient olive trees that adorn the estate, which enjoys a strategic position that is both secluded and within easy reach of the island’s many impressive beaches.

Despite the home’s historic aesthetic, it was actually built in 2000. With a distinctive Spanish style to it, the rooms benefit from exposed timber beams, tiled floors, grand fireplaces and antique light fixtures.

The main house measures 22,604 square feet (2,100sqm) and extends over three floors. There are five bedrooms, a kitchen, two living rooms, a French billiards room, two libraries and a wine cellar on the lower level. But there are 11 bedrooms and eight bathrooms in total, spread across several other buildings on the estate, making it ideal for those with a big entourage.

The compound is also renowned for being the home of the Los Olivos Spanish purebred horse stud, which is recognised as one of the most famous and award-winning in the country. The property houses more than 100 horses, has 55 stables and an 8,611-square-foot (800sqm) dressage arena.

The grounds also benefit from plenty of places for rest and relaxation, including idyllic gardens, a swimming pool with a waterfall and an orchard. We wouldn't mind taking a dip in these turquoise waters!

Dating back to the 18th century, Schwarzenbach Villa is enclosed by enchanting Alpine peaks and smooth mountain lakes, in the Wiener Neustadt-Land district of Austria.

For sale in November 2024, via Luxury Immobilien GmbH, for €44 million, or £36.6 million ($46.6m), the residence has been described as a "noble estate" and we can certainly see why.

Akin to a fairytale castle, the luxury villa measures 10,258 square feet (953sqm) and has 13 rooms, five of which are bedrooms. Each one appears untouched since the building was constructed in 1706 and is bursting with refined period features, from delicate ceiling mouldings to ornate fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble accents and glossy hardwood floors.

Amazingly, until 1930, the Schwarzenbach estate was home to the descendants of German aristocrats, Petrus and Judith von Goerschen. The property later belonged to Denes Festetics de Tolna, a member of the noble Festetics family.

There's a formal sitting room, a formal dining room with a parquet floor, stucco ceiling and panelled walls, a kitchen fitted with world-class appliances from La Cornue, a bowling room, ‍a billiard room, a library and a men's and women's lounge.

There's also a stunning indoor swimming pool that looks like it belongs in a high-end hotel. It was constructed by the talented architect, Heinz Karbus, between 1974 and 1989.

The amazing building sits on 24 acres (9.7ha), right next to the picturesque waters of Lake Wolfgangsee, but also has a private pond, illuminated fountains and even its own drawbridge!

Plus, the property is just a 40-minute drive from Salzburg, making it ideal for anyone who wants the best of both worlds.

It isn't difficult to understand why this breathtaking country pile has such a hefty price tag. Situated close to the beautiful Upper Moselle River, Gestüt Peterhof (or Land of Horses) is the ultimate equestrian estate, with a world-renowned dressage stable and stud farm.

Amazingly, the lavish property played host to the qualifiers for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and is home to the three-time World Championship-winning stallion, Sezuan.

Offering a staggering 74 acres (30ha) of land, the estate can accommodate 40 horses and boasts a two-storey tack room, furnished by Ralph Lauren Home.

There's an Olympic-standard dressage arena, an indoor arena, a lunging ring and all-weather gallops, as well as a huge clubhouse that includes an 80-seat restaurant, two catering kitchens, several VIP lounges and four terraces.

As for homes, there's an imposing baroque-inspired main house, a manager's house and five guest cottages, with 14 bedrooms in total, spread across 19,019 square feet (1,767sqm).

Each of the buildings is immaculately presented, with sumptuous décor and a distinct equestrian theme. You'll spot plenty of tartan and plaid fabrics, as well as horse sculptures, paintings and photos.

However, the pièce de résistance has to be the home's equine wellness centre, which has an aqua-trainer, spa and an infrared heat cabin that provides inhalation treatments. This means that people as well as animals get to enjoy the high life at this remarkable property.

The estate was for sale in November 2024 for a cool €65 million, which equates to £54.1 million ($67.7m). Unicorn Real Estate and Christie’s International Real Estate Luxembourg held the listing.

Just one look at Villa Versailles and you won't be able to deny that this is one seriously spectacular home. Located in the Swiss canton of Ticino, the property finds itself in the “most exclusive area” of Lugano and offers truly mesmerising views across glacial Lake Lugano.

Standing proud at 16,329 square feet (1,517sqm), the residence was constructed in 2016 but appears to have been around for centuries.

Designed for entertaining on a spectacular scale, the Greek Revival-style property has a classical exterior with two tiers of white columns, oversized windows and a rotunda overlooking the rear terraced garden.

Of course, the interior is every bit as breathtaking. Reminiscent of a French chateau, it benefits from a grand entrance hall with a sweeping staircase, polished marble floor and crystal chandeliers – and this is just for starters!

Neo-classical touches can be found inside, too. Everywhere you look you'll spot gilded panelling, moulded walls, coffered ceilings and fine antique furnishings. There's an opulent living room, a formal dining room, a lounge and a chef’s kitchen.

It also boasts six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, so the lucky owner can host friends and family whenever the mood strikes.

Of course, there are also spectacular manicured gardens that are fit for royalty. Plus, just look at that scenery!

Previously on the market for £54 million ($68m/€65m), the residence was for sale in November 2024, with Fontana Sotheby's International Realty, for an undisclosed sum, indicating that this home is only for an elite subsection of potential buyers. We wouldn't find making this remarkable Swiss home our own...

Nowhere in the world screams luxury quite like the Cote D'Azur. Also known as the French Riviera, this corner of the Mediterranean is all about stunning coastal villages, turquoise waters and, of course, exemplary homes that only the lucky few can afford. Enter Palais Vénitien!

Nestled on an elevated coastal plot in Cannes, the ultra-expensive mansion dates back to 1990 and was inspired by Venetian and Byzantium architectural styles. The grounds span six acres (2.5ha) and benefit from sweeping ocean views as far as the eye can see.

As for the property itself, it extends 32,291 square feet (2,999sqm) and has a wealth of luxurious amenities, including a lake, tennis court, secluded woodlands and an expansive outdoor pool.

The living spaces are equally as majestic, decorated with monumental columns, exquisite mouldings, gilded accents and the finest furnishings money can buy.

It’s entirely contemporary too, so as well as elegant reception rooms and formal entertaining spaces, the pad also boasts a cinema, a gym and its very own nightclub – complete with a dancefloor and seating for dozens of people.

Of course, a property of this scale has to come with a high-end security system, as well as a home automation unit that can control everything from the lights to music and air-conditioning.

There’s even a wellness centre with a sauna and hammam, a wine cellar and an elevator that connects each of the home’s three floors. It's no wonder this remarkable home was on the market in November 2024, via Côte d'Azur Sotheby's International Realty, for a cool €120 million. That's £99.9 million ($125.6m)!

London has one of the most expensive property markets in the world, but would you fork out £175 million ($220.3m/€210.2m) for an apartment? Well, this prestigious penthouse is no ordinary flat.

The duplex lies inside the iconic One Hyde Park, a luxury apartment building that's managed by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Perched on the 10th and 11th floors, the stunning home benefits from views of Hyde Park and ritzy Knightsbridge.

On the market in November 2024, the five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home extends 18,000 square feet (1,672sqm) and has been described by the listing agents, United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, as "one of the finest residential real estate assets in London".

The double-height formal reception room is one of the finest spaces in the property, thanks to its 26-foot (8m) high ceiling, glass fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows.

There's an impeccably designed Japanese-inspired kitchen, featuring Black Forest granite countertops and floors, as well as high-end Gaggenau appliances. The Japanese theme continues in the adjoining breakfast room, with shoji screen blinds that sit on grooves, cut into the stone.

Elsewhere, there's a games room, a cinema, two sleek home offices, a private spa with a treatment room, sauna and steam room, as well as a gym featuring state-of-the-art equipment.

The master suite stretches over 2,300 square feet (214sqm) and features not one, but two ensuite marble bathrooms, each with Jacuzzi-style jet tubs and spacious dressing rooms.

The apartment even has four secure underground parking spaces, four storage units, two staff entrances and a separate staff suite. Now that price tag isn't sounding so steep, is it?

Situated next to a lake in the heart of London's Regent's Park, this sublime mansion is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after private homes in the United Kingdom.

The Regency-era estate is more than 200 years old and in March 2023, it became one of the world's most expensive homes, when British newspaper The Financial Times reported that it had landed on the real estate market for an eye-watering £250 million ($312.6m/€300.5m). However, The Telegraph newspaper suggested the price tag to be more than £300 million ($375.1m/€360.6m).

The striking mega-mansion was constructed back in 1818 by James Burton, a building contractor famed for his collaborations with the acclaimed British architect, John Nash, who was the mastermind behind Regent's Park. It was designed by James’ son, Decimus, and became the Burton family home.

With five floors, the property is said to extend 29,000 square feet (2,694sqm), with 40 bedrooms, grand reception rooms, a ballroom, a library, a home cinema and even a fitness centre with a sauna and swimming pool.

The property eventually passed from the Burton family and was leased for a time by Bedford College, before being utilised as a private residence once more. It was reportedly remodelled in 1935, by American architect Paul Phipps, although the makeover was said to remain faithful to Burton's original vision.

Thanks to its prominent location in one of London's most popular royal parks, the mansion has become a fond fixture of the gardens and, over the years, has played host to an abundance of prominent figures, including German-American actress Marlene Dietrich, who gave a speech outside the house as part of a charity event in July 1954.

While the house remains private, the public has occasionally been allowed access to its beautifully manicured grounds, as part of the UK's National Garden Scheme. The pristine four-acre (1.6ha) gardens were designed by the esteemed Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe and include a grand terrace, a rose garden and extensive shrubberies.

Reports suggest that the Saudi royal family has owned The Holme since 1998 and uses it as a diplomatic residence. It's unclear who owns the property now, or whether it even sold, since no news has been released about its status on the market.

Looking out over the Mediterranean Sea, above the Bay of Cannes, Palais Bulles has become somewhat of an icon, due not only to its bold design but its extraordinary price tag.

In 2015, it hit the market for a jaw-dropping £363.8 million ($455m/€437.4m), which instantly made it Europe's most expensive home, according to Forbes.

Palais Bulles, which translates to 'palace of bubbles' was designed by trailblazer Hungarian architect, Antti Lovag, in 1975, for French industrialist Pierre Bernard.

Lovag was inspired by the cave dwellings of prehistoric humans as well as organic architecture and set about curating a bubble home, interspersed with circular roof terraces and pools. Taking cues from forms of nature, the innovative residence boasts spherical sections, circular windows and doors. Due to its scale and its unusual shape, the building took nearly 14 years to construct and was finally finished in 1989.

Measuring a staggering 12,900 square feet (1,198sqm), the property is spread over six floors, sits on almost two acres (0.8ha) and has 180-degree views of the Mediterranean.

Boasting a 500-seat amphitheatre, an infinity pool, 10 bedrooms, a panoramic lounge and no shortage of eclectic rooms, including suites decorated by contemporary artists, such as Patrice Breteau and Jérôme Tisserand, the home is bonkers and beautiful in equal measure.

In the early 1990s, fashion designer Pierre Cardin bought the property as a luxury holiday home and since then, it has played host to plenty of notable events, including a Dior fashion show and the James Bond 40th birthday party.

Occasionally, the estate has been rented out to private individuals for an estimated £879 ($1.1k/€1.1k) per person, per night. Likely due to the home's price tag, the property failed to find a buyer and in 2017 it was still for sale, according to Architectural Digest. Sadly, Pierre Cardin passed away in December 2020, leaving many to worry about what will become of his iconic former home.

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