2017’s Top 10 Most Expensive Christmas Gifts in Real Estate – And Affordable House Plan Alternatives

The Worlds 10 Most Exclusive Homes? You Bet. But We Have Fascinating Similar House Plans in Your Price Range

 

As a new year looms on the horizon, expect the mega-rich to put some of their prized possessions on the "for sale" lists. Come and join us on a fast-paced adventure as we take you on our annual whirlwind tour of the most exclusive properties on the real estate block.

First up is the Chartwell Estate in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles; then theres T. Boone Pickens 65,000-acre Mesa Vista Ranch in the Texas Panhandle; a magnificent waterfront property in Connecticut; a Regency townhouse in Londons Eaton Square; a swanky villa in Marbella, Spains Golden Mile; a posh mansion in Paris; and a manor house in Canada built by a beer tycoon.

 

 

1. The Chartwell Estate, Bel-Air, Los Angeles      $350 Million

Its not only Bel Airs priciest property, it is considered the most expensive in the United States, and perhaps, in the world in 2017. And its on the market for just $350 million (compared twith the $1 billion price tag of last years Villa Les Cedres in the South of France).

 

 

Built in 1933 by architect Sumner Spaulding and owned by late TV executive Jerry Perenchio, the Chartwell Estate sits on 10 acres of land containing sculpted gardens, lawns, and fountains. Once the backdrop of the Clampett residence in the popular television series The Beverly Hillbillies, the expansive French Neoclassical mansion has 25,000 square feet of living space. Among the luxurious amenities are a guest house, tennis court, covered parking for 40 vehicles and in the main house a ballroom, formal salon, and wine cellar.    

While bidding for this estate will be quite intriguing, finding something within your budget may be a bit more appealing.

Take this stunning two-story, 6,095-square foot Colonial home below, with its five bedrooms, five baths, and an amazing spiral staircase that can rival ones from the most exclusive estates in the world like the Chartwell Estate and the Moscow Mansion (#8).

In addition to the gorgeous staircase, there is a Grand Ballroom with attractive bow windows, a library with fireplace, a guest room, a master suite with master bath, walk-in closets, a private veranda, a formal dining room, a keeping room, a sunroom, a main-floor laundry, and a three-car garage. Other similar-size home plans can be found here.

 

 

2. Mesa Vista Ranch, Pampa, Texas (in the Texas Panhandle)      $250 Million

If La La Land is not your beat, how about a little-known town in Texas about 80 miles northeast of Amarillo for one of the most awe-inspiring and expensive estates on the market? The sprawling oasis called Mesa Vista Ranch in Pampa, Texas, and home of billionaire T. Boone Pickens is on the block for a whopping $250 million.

What began as a 3,000-acre parcel in the 1970s when Pickens first acquired the property has grown into a 65,000-acre little town with its own private airport and hangar, chapel, creeks, 20 man-made lakes, golf course, tennis court, grasslands, waterfalls, and housing for staff. On the grounds are an 11,000-square-foot kennel for Pickens 40 dogs, and the kennel includes its own veterinary lab.

There are two main residences: the 1,700-square foot Gate House and the castle-like Lodge, with its 33,000 square feet of space and stained-glass front door that used to belong to Bing Crosbys home. Inside the Lodge are a stunning wine cellar, a library, a 30-seat home theater, a two-story pub, and a homey, comfortable living room.

 

 

So why would Pickens decide to sell this wonderful paradise, one that he developed for more than 40 years? He says, "there are many reasons why the time is right to sell the ranch now, not the least of them ensuring that . . . one of the most magnificent properties in the world winds up with an individual or entity that shares my conservation ethic."

Mesa Vista may change ownership in the near future, but Pickens legacy will live on because a great part of the proceeds from the sale will go to his foundation to fund a number of charitable projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its not Mesa Vista. But this 5,417-square-foot two-story, four-bedroom, three-bath Texas-style home (below) with an open-floor-plan design has its own share of luxury amenities. Its built on an expansive property thats fully landscaped – and features a covered front porch, a sundeck, and an attached garage for four cars.

The interior has vaulted ceilings, a Great Room, a library, loft, four fireplaces, a guest room, a kitchen with an island, aformal dining room, a home office, and a main-level laundry. The main-floor master suite has a fireplace, a master bathroom, and walk-in closets.

 

 

3. Great Island, Darien, Connecticut      $175 Million

If you love islands and the oceanfront – and you have $175 million in the bank – then make a serious bid for Great Island, a 63-acre island off the coast of Darien, Connecticut. Just an hour away from New York City, the estate is on the market for the first time in more than a century.

 

 

Great Islands six-bedroom primary residence, Villa Juliette was constructed in 1902 by 200 stone masons and has breathtaking views of Long Island Sound from every room. There are smaller buildings on the estate, including Gate House, the caretakers cottage; a greenhouse; and several guest cottages.

Bordered by 14 miles of conservation land, the islands other attractions are a private beach, a yacht basin, and a 20-stall granite stable with an arched Guastavino-tile ceiling like the one in Grand Central Terminals Oyster Bar. Theres an exercise track, an equestrian ring, and bridle trails.

 

 

 

 

Without traveling to Connecticut or the Golden Mile of Marbella, Spain (#7), you can find your own retreat on a smaller and more-affordable scale.

Perhaps a Mediterranean-style two-story, five bedroom, seven bath home (below) spread over 7,893 square feet of space can serve as your own Great Island. The home has a terra-cotta-tiled roof, a landscaped courtyard, covered front and rear porches, a sundeck, a swimming pool, and an attached garage for three vehicles.

Interior features include vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, a formal dining area, a family room, a game room, a gym, and a main-floor laundry. The master suite on the second floor has its own balcony and private deck with great views of the waterfront. In addition, theres a sitting area and walk-in closet.

For food lovers, theres a fully equipped eat-in kitchen with both a butlers pantry and a walk-in pantry – and a peninsula/eating bar, kitchen island, and breakfast nook.

All these creature comforts for a lot less than the millions of dollars for the properties on our list! You can find other similar-size home plans here.

 

 

4. West Creek Ranch, Gateway, Colorado      $149 Million

Cant afford Mesa Vista Ranch? For $100 million less (sticker price of $149 million), you can own the majestic West Creek Ranch, a natural treasure located in Mesa County, Colorado, and Grand County, Utah.

 

 

Within the 7,000-acre spread is a huge mansion with a two-story circular stone library, an observatory, a bear and mountain lion habitat, an airstrip and helipad, stables, fishing ponds, streams, water fountains, a pool, and a spa. The residences – a four-story main house, guest house, cabin, and staff quarters – contain 14 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and two half baths. The mansion alone has eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms – and is serviced by an elevator on all four levels. Inside are marble archways and columns, six fireplaces, a Great Room, a chefs kitchen, a formal dining room breakfast room, a gym, a study, and a home theater.

But best of all are the riveting scenic vistas of the property that include Precambrian rock cliffs, canyons, and green pastures. If being close to nature and all its wonders gives you a calming, soothing feeling, then West Creek Ranch may be the home waiting for you.

 

 

 

 

How about creating your own treasured moments in this 2-story, 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom, 2-half-bath traditional Country-style home below?

With more than 5,100 square feet of space, this home with an open floor plan and vaulted ceilings has enough nooks and crannies for family and friends to occupy themselves, entertain, and spend great times together. For starters, there are covered front and rear porches, a sun deck, and a private deck in the master suite.

The master suite itself features a fireplace and a master bath with dual sinks, a tub, a shower, and walk-in closets. The bedrooms are spread out, with the guest suite on the lower level and the other four bedrooms on the second floor.

Amenities include a family room, media room, and home theater where movie buffs can hang out. Book lovers have an entire library to escape to and read their favorite book, and those who prefer sports and games can spend time in the recreation room and bar in the basement.

A dream of a kitchen awaits, equipped with lots of space and counters for food preparation, a center island, a breakfast nook, a peninsula/eating bar, and a walk-in pantry. An attached garage for three vehicles allows access to the mudroom and the main-floor laundry room.

For a sticker price lower than West Creeks youll find your own peaceful, quiet, luxurious space in this beautiful six-bedroom Country home.

 

 

5. Regency Townhouse, Eaton Square, London      $103 Million

If you want to live in a prime residential garden square in Londons Belgravia District, get ready to open that wallet for a Regency Townhouse in Eaton Square.

For an estimated $103 million, you can join a long list of royals, British prime ministers, statesmen, and actors who have owned homes in Eaton Square. Reportedly the priciest property on the market in England, the Regency townhouse has been restored in an elegant contemporary design.

On the main level is a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern kitchen with state-of-the-art features. For movie buffs, theres a luxurious theater; and for those who prefer to relax and unwind, theres an indoor pool and spa. Outdoor attractions are a landscaped courtyard garden and a roof terrace.

Not bad, especially if you like to hobnob with the rich and famous of London society.

 

 

 

 

 

6. 10979 Chalon Road, Los Angeles      $100 Million

If youre into modern contemporary structures with all the luxury trimmings, you have to check out another fabulous home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. This architectural gem on Chalon Road has 31,000 square feet of living space plus an additional 40,000 square feet of covered patios.

 

 

An open floor plan allows for a continuous and smooth flow from the homes Great Room to the dining and living areas and the kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling windows not only afford stunning panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline but also connect the indoors with the fabulous outdoors.

One of the highlights of this thoroughly modern home is a 5,600-square foot master suite with a spa. There are 12 bedroom suites and 23 baths, private staff quarters, five bars, a game room, and a wine cellar.

And theres no need to get out of the property to indulge hobbies and pastimes. At the disposal of the family and guests are a two-lane bowling alley, home theater, pavilion, pool cabana, infinity pool with waterfall and spa, and putting green with a 50-foot fire feature. Then theres a terrific ultra-modern kitchen with all the accessories to make cooking and entertaining a delight.

If thats not enough, theres also a huge court that accommodates parking for 70 cars – and a garage custom made for 14 cars.

 

 

 

 

 

Instead of the Regency Townhouse in London or the mansion on Los Angeles Chalon Road, why not this 5,170-square-foot, 2-story, 5-bedroom, 5-bath luxurious Contemporary home below?

With an exterior façade of rock and stone and wood siding, its meticulously manicured lawns, a covered porch, a sundeck, fireplaces, and other conveniences, this home will more than satisfy your longing for modern living in a big city.

 

Like most large homes, this one has all the trimmings: fireplaces, exercise room, game room, home office, loft, media room, guest space, mudroom, and second-floor laundry. Its state-of-the-art kitchen features a butlers pantry, kitchen with island, and peninsula/eating bar. The second-floor master suite has its own fireplace and private deck, along with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closets.

And any other additions you may think of down the road can be feasible with the unfinished space in the basement, so consider the possibilities!

 

 

7. La Casa Loriana, Marbella, Spain      $87 Million

Do you want the privacy and seclusion of a beachfront property at a slightly lower price than Great Island? Get ready to travel to Spain and take a tour its most expensive home – a huge beachfront villa along the fabulous Golden Mile of Marbella that is on the market for $87 million.

 

 

Owned by Irish packaging magnate Michael Smurfit, the 12-bedroom, 11-bathroom villa called La Casa Loriana is surrounded by lush gardens and consists of four separate buildings that feature a guest villa (with three guest suites and a large living area), a beach house, and a staff house. The main attraction of La Casa Loriana is the swimming pool, with its waterfalls and grotto.

Inside the main house are his and her cloakrooms, a large kitchen, a formal dining room for entertaining in style, two offices, and a living room that looks out into the gorgeous gardens. A home theater, formal and casual dining rooms, two wine cellars, a private gym with spa and hydrotherapy bath, and a medical room complete the other amenities.

 

 

 

 

8. Mansion in Moscow, Russia      $80 Million

A sprawling 27,000-square-foot mansion built on a seven-acre property just outside of Moscow is now on the market for $80 million. Currently the most expensive residence for sale in Russia, the plush mansion has five bedrooms and 14 bathrooms.

 

 

Step inside the gates, and you can look into the private pond and see the palatial mansion reflected in the water. Open the doors of the main house, and walk into a foyer featuring a majestic double staircase and chandelier with detailed and elaborate decorative work. There are several reception rooms and a huge living room, home theater, spa, gym, game room, indoor swimming complex, wine cellars, and garage for 10 cars.

Think about it – living in the countryside may have its advantages after all!

 

 

 

 

9. Chelster Hall, Oakville (Ontario), Canada      $48 Million

From a mansion in Russia, we go to the house that beer built. Chelster Hall in Ontarios Oakville Section is a 41,000-square foot property on 10.3 acres of land on the market for $48 million. It has four spacious bedrooms equipped with marble ensuite bathrooms.

It was built by Hugo Powell, former president of Labatt Brewing Company who was born in India and educated in England before emigrating to Canada in 1971. Powells dream was to create a home that would stand the test of time and become a lasting legacy for both his family and the town of Oakville.

Inspired by traditional English mansions, Chelster Hall combines historic and modern elements in its design, including ornate and antique-laden reception rooms. A private chapel – the Chapel of Saint Francis of Assisi – was constructed on the property to provide the Powell family a place to pray and meditate.

 

 

 

 

Chelster Hall is also modern, as it comes with its bowling alley, gym, sauna, dance floor, home theater, wine cellar, tennis court, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and pool house, which doubles as a residence for the in-laws. A two-story library with a spiral staircase houses a collection of 3,000 books, artifacts, and treasures.

All this can be yours for a mere $48 million!

But you dont have to go to Canada to experience manor living. The elegant 6,076-square-foot California-style home below, with 4 bedrooms, a main-floor master suite, and most of the features youll find in Chelster Hall, is as good as it gets.

 

With its open floor plan, there is a smooth flow from room to room. On the first floor are the kitchen and a morning room, laundry room, dining room, family room, and master suite with his and her baths and walk-in closets. There is a fireplace; billiards room; home office; library; kitchen with island, breakfast nook, and walk-in pantry; and three-car attached garage.

 

10. Rue de Bourgogne Mansion, Paris, France      $43 Million

And finally, in the City of Lights, there is a four-bedroom mansion listed for $43 million.

With an exclusive address on the Rue de Bourgogne in the wealthiest section of Paris – the 7th Arrondissement – the 5,856-square-foot mansion has a private garden and a glass-covered conservatory. It has an indoor swimming pool, a spacious salon for entertaining guests, a gourmet kitchen, staff quarters, and a huge garage.

Perfect for a mansion in the heart of Paris!

 

 

 

What does The Plan Collection have that can compare to this chic Paris mansion?

How about this magnificent and modern Mediterranean-style home below, with five bedrooms and four bathrooms? The two-story 6,563-square-foot residence has covered front and rear porches; four fireplaces, including one in the master suite; and a formal dining room, exercise room, guest quarters, guest room, library, and loft.

The master suite has its own private deck, bathroom, sitting area, and walk-in closets. In the spacious kitchen are butlers and walk-in pantries, a kitchen island, a breakfast nook, and a peninsula/eating bar.

 

With a number of fascinating luxury homes at your fingertips at The Plan Collection, you dont have to pine after the ultra-expensive estates of the super-rich. Most of the time, the simple pleasures of life are the best!

 

 

Resources:

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