When it comes to house-hunting wishlists, the average buyer might want a spacious backyard, a large kitchen and a spare bedroom for visiting guests, but the world's 1% can afford to be a little fussier with their demands.

With eight-figure price tags (or more), jaw-dropping interior design and an array of opulent extras, these extravagant estates are some of America's most expensive properties. 

Click or scroll on to feast your eyes on these seriously mind-blowing mega-mansions...

*Price and listing status accurate at the time of publishing.

This magnificent oceanfront ranch near Montecito, California, is a high-end, horse lover's dream. Boasting 12 bedrooms and a staggering 25 bathrooms, the 27,000-square-foot (2,508sqm) home stands on almost 20 acres (8.1ha) of perfectly manicured grounds, overlooking Loon Point Beach and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

On the market in February 2024, with Christie's International Real Estate Southern California, for $70 million (£55m), the home's main attraction is this incredible 10-acre (4ha) polo field.

Although built in 2005, the palatial home combines Neoclassical grandeur with the elegance of 18th-century Italian and French interiors.

This sophisticated dining room overlooks the polo field and brings the landscape inside, thanks to double French windows, a skylight, a floral ceiling fresco and a muted green colour scheme. Elsewhere, the home has additional living and dining rooms, a family room and a gourmet kitchen.

The home is richly decorated throughout, as seen from this incredible office. The shelves groan with medals and trophies – presumably won in polo matches – while the large French windows flood the room with warmth and light, and prevent the rich wood panelling from becoming oppressive.

While the office would be the perfect place to close a deal, the 5,000-bottle wine cellar and tasting room would be ideal for celebrating it.

The owner will be able to throw some spectacular post-match parties in this 200-person ballroom. There are plenty of other options to entertain guests, too, including a 20-seat movie theatre, a gym, a spa, a beauty salon and a sports bar.

A separate guest wing, two further guest houses, a pool house and a polo clubhouse ensure there's plenty of space for visitors.

The terrace and Olympic-length infinity pool overlook the polo field, meaning the owner won't have to choose between perfecting their tan and keeping an eye on the game playing out below.

Opulent extras include a helicopter hangar, a 32-car auto 'gallery', a 330-yard (302m) driving range, a putting green, a sand trap, a waterfall and even historic monarch butterfly habitats. We wonder if Prince Harry – a keen polo player who lives just 10 minutes away – has ever enjoyed a visit to this impressive estate...

There's no denying that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states in America. With its jaw-dropping coastline, wild volcanic landscapes and blue skies for miles, it is the perfect place for a millionaire to see out their retirement.

Hana Ranch, located in Hana, Maui County, really would be the ideal spot for such R&R and almost all the land you see in this image is part of the property – some 3,547 acres (1,435ha).

In fact, Hana Ranch is the largest offering on the archipelago of Maui and one of the few remaining private holdings of this size in all of Hawaii, according to listing agents, Hawai'i Life.

The estate was established as a working cattle ranch in 1944 and includes 37 separate parcels, allowing for the creation of a secluded estate with multiple homesites. There's currently just one 1,828-square-foot (170sqm) home on the estate, but there's endless room for more.

The ranch home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as an exterior deck that provides ocean and mountain views. Yet it’s all about the land and what the estate has to offer – this includes rotational grazing, orchards of tropical fruit and ulu (breadfruit) and restored forests and watersheds.

A variety of vegetable crops have been grown and marketed on the land over the years, too, so the property provides plenty of opportunities for generating income.

The ultimate paradise for lovers of the great outdoors, the estate also offers equestrian facilities, including a rodeo arena.

There are numerous farm buildings and equipment stores, too, as well as multiple wells and storage tanks. 

Entirely self-sustaining, the property also boasts abundant water resources on-site, which are managed by two operating water companies. The lucky owner can enjoy hiking or equestrian trails that traverse the estate’s rolling pastures and upland forests, and even fly into the retreat, thanks to a private helicopter landing pad.

It's no wonder this striking property was for sale in November 2024, with Hawai'i Life, for $75 million (£59m).

Palm Beach in Florida has one of the most expensive property markets in the US, with the average home selling for $2.1 million (£1.7m), according to Zillow. Yet if you have the budget, you can find homes that far exceed this rather modest price tag. Enter this oceanfront estate in the Palm Beach County town of Manalapan.

The house was completed in 2020 and not only benefits from high-end design and a jaw-dropping interior but 150 feet (46m) of ocean frontage.

Stretching 16,748 square feet (1,556sqm), the coastal retreat is extremely modern, finished with the finest materials and fittings.

Think decorative ceilings, glossy hardwoods, shimmering marble, natural stone and designer light fixtures.

There’s a grand and light-filled entrance hall, an eastern-facing living room with water views, a formal dining room, a large kitchen, 11 bedrooms and 13 full bathrooms.

The master suite is truly stunning, with a four-poster bed and French doors that open to the dreamy garden.

Elsewhere, there's a home office that doubles as a library, an elegant bar that looks like it belongs in a high-end hotel, a temperature-controlled wine room, a gym, a spa and even his and hers powder rooms.

Outside, you'll find several gorgeous landscaped gardens, verandas and a summer kitchen that's perfect for enjoying ocean breezes while you dine. There's also a private dock that houses two boat lifts, providing easy access to the water. Plus, there's a wonderful swimming pool with dreamy ocean views.

The elegant property was on the market with Equestrian Sotheby's International Realty in November 2024, for a cool $85 million (£67m). We're sure it would be well worth every penny.

The Hamptons lie on Long Island's South Fork and are made up of a string of affluent seaside communities. Here, you'll find weekly farmer's markets, long stretches of beach and generously proportioned shingle buildings that come with seriously eye-watering price tags. This is just one of them.

Situated on the edge of the iconic Georgica Pond in East Hampton, the property encompasses two parcels of land, totalling just over 11 acres (4.5ha). It also boasts a quarter-mile (0.6km) of pristine waterfront.

The residence, known as Briar Patch, dates back to 1931 and stands proud at 13,800 square feet (1,282sqm). It was originally constructed by Arthur C. Jackson, the architect responsible for the New York Public Library plans and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's childhood home, Lasata.

While the exterior oozes Hamptons sophistication, the interior is both modern and traditional, blending plenty of old-world charm and cosiness throughout, despite its scale.

Inside you’ll find lovely living spaces that are ideal for quiet family time and grand-scale entertaining. There’s a lounge, a dining room, a kitchen, six bedrooms and eight full bathrooms.

French doors lead to outdoor patios, perfect for alfresco dining with panoramic views of the pond and grounds.

The guest house was constructed in 1990 by renowned architect Peter Marino and offers four bedrooms, four bathrooms and its own living room and kitchen.

Other highlights of the estate include a heated gunite swimming pool and spa, which are located between the two homes. Plus, with the water mere steps away, the lucky owner can sail or kayak across the pond to reach the Atlantic Ocean.

The master bedroom in the main house is by far one of the finest spaces on the estate. With its soaring, timber-clad ceiling, striking interior design and large windows that provide dreamy views of the scenery outside, it is one of the most elegant rooms we've ever seen.

Now we've explored all this estate has to offer, we can understand why it was listed in November 2024 for $95 million (£75m). Sotheby's International Realty – Southampton Brokerage held the listing.

Set on over 24 acres (9.7ha) of prime Hamptons waterfront, the two mansions that stand inside the Mecox Bay compound were listed for sale together for the first time in November 2024 – for a cool $99.5 million (£78.8m).

The two opulent homes have 24 bedrooms and 38 bathrooms between them, as well as all the luxury amenities you could imagine. Let's take a stroll around...

This residence, which lies inland from its neighbour, covers 28,000 square feet (2,601sqm) and contains 11 bedrooms. It overlooks a heated swimming pool and acres of emerald green lawn, as well as a moated pool house, courtyard, firepit and numerous outdoor lounging and dining areas.

It was also available separately in November 2024, for a shade less than $55 million (£44m).

As well as all the rooms you might expect, the sprawling mansion contains some surprising extras. 

In addition to an extraordinary 750-gallon (2,839 litres) shark tank, there's also a 14-seat movie theatre, basketball half court, bowling alley, professional-standard gym, drinks cellar, indoor pool, games room, wet bar, arcade and this relaxing spa with sauna and steam room.

The second home stands on the shoreline and covers more than 17,000 square feet (1,579sqm) of the private peninsular.

With 13 bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen with waterfront views, a breakfast room that seats 10, a formal dining room and additional staff quarters, there's no excuse not to invite the in-laws over for the holidays (unless, of course, they live in the mansion next door).

This grand billiards room exemplifies the home's décor, with a neutral wall colour and a polished wood floor – not to mention the enchanting views out over the bay. Outside, the owner can enjoy a game of tennis on their private court, which has its very own tennis house. 

And if none of that floats your boat, the private dock certainly will. For those who didn't fancy snapping up the waterfront gem without buying the whole compound, it was previously on the market separately for just shy of $53 million (£42m).

In 2019, The Manor, formerly known as Spelling Manor, set a new real estate record when it sold for just shy of $120 million ((£95m) – the highest selling price ever in California at the time.

The property was off-loaded by owner Petra Ecclestone, the daughter of Formula One billionaire, Bernie Ecclestone, who made a serious profit on her initial investment. According to Mansion Global, she reportedly purchased the pad in 2011 for $85 million (£67m) and originally wanted $200 million (£158m) for the 123-room residence.

In February 2022, the iconic estate was back on the market with Carlwood Estates for $165 million (£131m), before the price was cut to $137.5 million (£109m) in April 2024.

The 56,500-square-foot (5,249sqm) château can be found in the affluent Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles and was built in 1991 for TV producer Aaron Spelling – the man behind Dynasty, The Love Boat and Beverly Hills 90210. Yet it seems Ecclestone spent time – and money – updating the mansion during her ownership.

The home's contemporary interior now boasts a huge entrance foyer lined with black and white marble, as well as exquisite living rooms finished to the highest imaginable standards.

Of the home's 123 rooms, 14 are bedrooms and 27 are bathrooms. There's also a glamourous formal living room, a high-end projection room, a library, an office, a billiard room, a games room, a wine cellar and a gym.

The ultimate party pad, it's also equipped with staff quarters, a service wing and a catering kitchen, ideal for entertaining large groups of VIP guests.

The opulent estate is overflowing with jaw-dropping home features, too – there's a room dedicated to cutting flowers, a humidity-controlled room for storing silver and multiple gift-wrapping rooms, according to Architectural Digest.

Elsewhere you'll find a beauty salon, complete with a hairdresser's station, nail bar, massage rooms and a pedicure zone. But, of course, that isn't even close to being all...

The property even comes kitted out with a French wine and cheese room, while the luxurious two-lane bowling alley features its very own shoe closet.

Ecclestone also added a large aquarium to the study and a nightclub to the luxurious basement. If that wasn't enough, the home's five-acre (2ha) grounds offer a tennis court, koi pond, citrus orchard, swimming pool, pool house and 100-vehicle motor court.

Taking third place in the list of America's most expensive homes, Casa Encantada is one seriously sophisticated pad. The masterpiece was constructed in 1937 and landed on the real estate market in October 2019 for a cool $225 million (£178m).

In November 2023, the house was back on the market with Westside Estate Agency but took a price cut to a mere $195 million (£154m). A year later, it was still for sale, with a reduced price tag of $165 million (£131m).

Casa Encantada can be found on an eight-acre (3.2ha) plot in the sought-after neighbourhood of Bel-Air, Los Angeles, and has had numerous high-profile owners over the years.

The estate is thought to have belonged to hotel magnate, Conrad Hilton, in the 1950s, as well as American billionaire businessman David Murdock and financier Gary Winnick, who bought the house in 2000 for $94 million (£74m). According to Business Insider, the last two times the house was on the market, it was the highest-priced property in America.

The Georgian-inspired mansion was designed by architect James E. Dolena and encompasses an H-shaped layout to provide city, ocean and garden views from all 60 of its luxurious rooms.

Located less than 10 minutes from Los Angeles' iconic Rodeo Drive, the property benefits from optimum privacy, surrounded by the fairways of the Bel Air Country Club golf course.

The home's interior spans a staggering 40,000 square feet (3,716sqm) and each room is decked out with the finest fixtures and fittings, setting a new standard for billionaire home design.

At the time of its construction in the 1930s, British designer T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings was called in to complete the interior flourishes, which reportedly cost over $2 million – or about $46.1 million (£36.5m) in today's money. In recent years, the interior has been lovingly restored, resulting in breathtaking living spaces.

Casa Encantada comes complete with seven bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, a walnut-panelled library, a living room and a family room. There's also a garage with space for 15 cars, a guesthouse, a pool house and manager's quarters, as well as a basketball court, tennis court, greenhouses, a rose garden and numerous koi ponds.

Other key details include the home's entrance hall, which boasts a 14-foot (4.3m) ceiling and a bar made entirely from sterling silver. How's that for billionaire bling?

Towering 1,550 feet (472m) above New York City, Central Park Tower is the tallest residential building in the world. Perched on the very top is the penthouse – aptly named The One Above All Else.

Thanks to its position on top of the world, the dazzling, double-height apartment was listed with Serhant in March 2024 for an eye-watering $195 million (£154m).

The ultra-luxe penthouse covers the top three floors of the vertiginous building and boasts seven bedrooms, a 1,500-square-foot (139sqm) grand salon and an almost 2,000-square-foot (186sqm) private ballroom, as well as this chic dining room with views to die for.

Elsewhere, there's an observatory, a library, a media room, a games room, a catering kitchen and a serving kitchen with an adjoining breakfast room. There's even space for a gym.

With 360-degree views taking in Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers and the entire New York City skyline, we're starting to think the price tag is justified. 

Imagine drinking your morning coffee as you took in this view. We'd be tempted to stay in bed all day...

The master suite has a pair of dressing rooms and two bathrooms. This tub is perfectly positioned to take in the exclusive view of Central Park.

In addition to the five main bedrooms, there are a further two staff bedrooms, which could also be used by guests.

This Central Park facing terrace is the highest on the planet, according to the listing. Spanning 1,433 square feet (133sqm), it would be the perfect space to host a showstopping summer soirée. 

The tower is home to the Central Park Club, which gives its members exclusive access to the 60-foot-long (18m) rooftop pool and cabana, not to mention a private park, wellness centre, multiple lounges, screening room and the highest private restaurant ever built in New York.

Undoubtedly one of the finest and most expensive residences in California, The Angelo Estate finds itself perched on a six-acre (2.4ha), elevated plot in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

The pad was designed by famed master architect, Ed Tuttle, in 2012 and has been described by Westside Estate Agency as “truly one of the great estates in all of America”.

Listed in November 2024 for a whopping $195 million (£154m), the property comes complete with a long, gated driveway that leads to the “museum-quality” masterpiece.

Formed from glass, steel and limestone, it has parking for up to 100 cars, as well as a magnificent open courtyard with fountains. When you enter the home, you'll find yourself in this gorgeous atrium foyer, filled with natural light and reminiscent of IM Pei’s iconic Louvre entrance.

The property comes with three structures in total, spanning a colossal 50,000 square feet (4,645sqm). There are 16 bedrooms and 27 bathrooms across the buildings and the main house has a beautiful living room, formal dining, library, chef’s kitchen and great room.

Every single space is immaculately presented, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame incredible views, as well as contemporary art, white oak timber accents, limestone walls and statement fireplaces.

Of course, a high-end estate requires top protection and this pad comes with state-of-the-art electronics and security, as well as a panic room.

The house is heated and cooled by geothermal technology and has solar panels and a generator, making it eco-friendly and ready for any disaster. There are plenty of hidden surprises, too, such as a movie theatre, games room, bowling alley, wellness centre, gym and wine cellar.

Yet one of the coolest features of this home has to be its awesome art gallery, which doubles – by the looks of the glitter ball – as a nightclub or disco room. 

Outside, you’ll find spectacular grounds, a green marble infinity pool and spa, an outdoor kitchen, a lighted tennis court and pavilion, and plenty of walkways and gardens. There’s also a two-storey guest house with two bedrooms and a separate guest apartment. 

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