When it comes to extravagant living, the United States is home to some of the largest and most awe-inspiring residences in the world. These sprawling estates, many of which boast tens of thousands of square feet, are not just homes but monuments to architectural brilliance, luxury, and ambition. From historic Gilded Age mansions to modern mega-mansions outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, each property has a story to tell. Whether designed as private retreats, centers of entertainment, or symbols of wealth and power, these homes captivate with their sheer scale and grandeur. Here’s a look at the 18 largest homes in the United States, exploring what makes each of them truly remarkable.
Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
Spanning a jaw-dropping 175,000 square feet, the Biltmore Estate is the largest private residence in the United States. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 19th century, this home boasts 250 rooms, including 43 bathrooms and 35 bedrooms. The French Renaissance chateau-style mansion features ornate detailing, a grand library, and a banquet hall with a 70-foot ceiling. Surrounding the estate are 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including a winery. Visitors can marvel at its opulent interiors and impressive art collection. Originally constructed as a country retreat, it reflects Vanderbilt’s passion for luxury and European architecture. Today, the Biltmore is a historic landmark open to the public.
Oheka Castle – Huntington, New York
Covering 109,000 square feet, Oheka Castle is a stately mansion situated on Long Island. Otto Hermann Kahn, a financier and philanthropist, built the property in 1919 as a country residence. Its French-style chateau architecture includes formal gardens, a grand staircase, and luxurious living spaces. Over the years, the castle has served as a backdrop for films, weddings, and notable events. Oheka Castle boasts 127 rooms, each designed with intricate detailing. Once a center of elite social gatherings, it is now a boutique hotel and event space. Its preservation has ensured its grandeur remains intact.
Arden House – Harriman, New York
Encompassing 97,000 square feet, Arden House sits atop Mount Orama, providing breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley. Built in 1909 by railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman, the mansion is an example of Gilded Age luxury. The home features marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, and expansive dining halls. Its 100+ rooms were designed for both comfort and entertaining. Although originally a private residence, it has been used as a corporate retreat in modern times. The architecture combines elegance with a rugged charm fitting its mountainous surroundings. Arden House is a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century estate living.
The One – Los Angeles, California
With over 105,000 square feet, The One redefines modern luxury living. Designed by architect Nile Niami, this mega-mansion features 21 bedrooms, 42 bathrooms, and multiple entertainment spaces. Highlights include a 4,000-square-foot sky deck, five swimming pools, and a 30-car garage. Its sleek, minimalist design incorporates floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering panoramic city views. The mansion also includes a private movie theater, bowling alley, and spa. Although it has faced financial controversies, its sheer size and amenities make it stand out. The One is a symbol of extravagant contemporary architecture.
The Manor – Holmby Hills, California
Once owned by Aaron and Candy Spelling, The Manor spans 56,500 square feet. Built in 1988, this French chateau-inspired home features 123 rooms. Inside, there’s a bowling alley, beauty salon, and several lounges. The property also includes a 5-acre lot with manicured gardens and fountains. Notable for its celebrity ownership history, it remains one of Los Angeles’ most iconic homes. Despite its grand scale, its design emphasizes both luxury and livability. Today, The Manor continues to capture imaginations as one of the most recognized estates in Hollywood.
Fairfield Pond – Sagaponack, New York
Stretching over 63 acres, Fairfield Pond boasts a 62,000-square-foot mansion. Built by billionaire Ira Rennert, this Hamptons estate is an icon of wealth. The house includes 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, and a massive dining hall. Additionally, it features an indoor basketball court, bowling alley, and a 91-foot long dining table. Outside, there’s a 164-seat theater, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Its scale and amenities reflect Rennert’s vision of ultimate luxury. Fairfield Pond exemplifies opulent seaside living.
Winterthur – Wilmington, Delaware
Encompassing 96,582 square feet, Winterthur was built by Henry Francis du Pont in the early 20th century. This expansive home is now a museum showcasing American decorative arts. Its 175 rooms are filled with priceless antiques, rare textiles, and historical artifacts. Originally designed as a family home, it also served as a center for entertaining elite guests. Surrounding the house are 1,000 acres of manicured gardens, meadows, and woodlands. Winterthur’s architecture blends Federal and Greek Revival styles, giving it a timeless elegance. Visitors today explore its halls to glimpse life during the Gilded Age.
Versailles – Windermere, Florida
Modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France, this mansion spans an impressive 90,000 square feet. Owned by Jacqueline and David Siegel, the home features 32 bathrooms and 14 bedrooms. Luxurious touches include a two-story wine cellar, 10 kitchens, and a ballroom. Despite its grandeur, construction faced delays due to financial challenges during the 2008 recession. The home also includes indoor and outdoor pools, a 20-car garage, and a private movie theater. Situated along Lake Butler, it offers stunning waterfront views. Versailles reflects a modern-day take on European palatial luxury.
Whitemarsh Hall – Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania
Once one of the largest homes in the country, Whitemarsh Hall covered 100,000 square feet. Built in 1921 by investment banker Edward T. Stotesbury, it featured 147 rooms. The estate boasted marble floors, grand staircases, and a collection of fine art. Though demolished in 1980, its legacy remains in architectural history. The home included formal gardens designed by the Olmsted Brothers, adding to its beauty. Whitemarsh Hall symbolized the Gilded Age’s excess and splendor. Today, its memory endures through photographs and surviving elements of the gardens.
Shadow Lawn – West Long Branch, New Jersey
This historic mansion spans 130,000 square feet and was built in 1927. Originally owned by Hubert Templeton Parson, president of F.W. Woolworth, it served as a lavish summer home. The property features 50 rooms, a grand marble staircase, and ornate plaster ceilings. Shadow Lawn is now part of Monmouth University, used as an administrative building. Its Beaux-Arts architectural style stands out for its grandeur and attention to detail. The mansion has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Shadow Lawn is a striking reminder of the opulence of the Roaring Twenties.
Lynnewood Hall – Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Often referred to as “The Last of the American Versailles,” Lynnewood Hall covers 110,000 square feet. Built in 1900 by industrialist Peter A.B. Widener, it has 110 rooms, including a ballroom and art gallery. Designed by architect Horace Trumbauer, the mansion reflects the Beaux-Arts style. Its interiors once housed one of the most valuable private art collections in the world. Sadly, much of its grandeur has faded due to years of neglect. Despite this, Lynnewood Hall remains an iconic piece of Gilded Age architecture. Restoration efforts continue to aim for its preservation.
Villa Leopolda – Beverly Hills, California
Villa Leopolda, though often overshadowed by larger homes, spans a remarkable 80,000 square feet. This Mediterranean-style villa was built with lavish attention to detail, featuring expansive terraces and gardens. Its location in Beverly Hills offers unparalleled views of Los Angeles. The mansion’s interiors are outfitted with imported marble, custom woodwork, and grand chandeliers. It has been home to several Hollywood elites, adding to its mystique. Outside, the property includes a large pool and private tennis courts. Villa Leopolda is an enduring symbol of California luxury.
Pensmore – Highlandville, Missouri
Covering 72,000 square feet, Pensmore is both a residence and a fortress. Built by astrophysicist Steven T. Huff, it features advanced construction techniques to withstand natural disasters. The home includes 13 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and state-of-the-art energy efficiency systems. Its design combines elegance with sustainability, utilizing reinforced concrete and insulation technology. Pensmore’s purpose extends beyond living space, serving as a testbed for innovative building practices. It is surrounded by 500 acres of forest, offering privacy and seclusion. The mansion is a marvel of modern engineering and environmental foresight.
Westbury House – Old Westbury, New York
Westbury House, located on Long Island, spans 70,000 square feet. Built in 1906 by John Shaffer Phipps, it was inspired by English country homes. The estate features 23 rooms with Georgian-style architecture and lavish interiors. Its grounds include over 200 acres of gardens, reflecting pools, and walking paths. The mansion’s historical charm has been preserved as part of Old Westbury Gardens. Visitors can tour its rooms to admire period furnishings and artwork. Westbury House is a timeless treasure of early 20th-century elegance.
Xanadu 2.0 – Medina, Washington
Owned by Bill Gates, Xanadu 2.0 spans 66,000 square feet and incorporates cutting-edge technology. The home features a 60-foot pool with underwater music, a 2,500-square-foot gym, and a 1,000-square-foot dining room. Smart systems adjust lighting, temperature, and artwork displays. Despite its size, the mansion is designed to be energy-efficient, utilizing sustainable materials and green technology. Guests are given electronic pins that personalize their experiences within the home. Situated on Lake Washington, the property offers stunning water views. Xanadu 2.0 exemplifies the intersection of technology and luxury.
Mar-a-Lago – Palm Beach, Florida
Mar-a-Lago, built in 1927 by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, spans 62,500 square feet. This Mediterranean-style estate features 126 rooms, including opulent living quarters and guest accommodations. Its elaborate interiors showcase gold-leaf ceilings, Italian marble, and antique furnishings. The property also includes a beachfront pool, tennis courts, and a private dock. Now owned by Donald Trump, it operates as both a private club and residence. The estate’s location on the Atlantic Ocean adds to its exclusivity and charm. Mar-a-Lago remains one of the most iconic homes in the country.
Witanhurst – Los Angeles, California
Inspired by British country homes, Witanhurst in Los Angeles encompasses 55,000 square feet. Built by a technology mogul, the estate includes 25 bedrooms, a private theater, and a wine cellar. The architecture blends Georgian influences with California modernity, offering a unique aesthetic. Outside, manicured gardens surround a massive infinity pool and multiple outdoor lounge areas. The home also features advanced smart technology and energy-efficient systems. Witanhurst’s elevated location provides sweeping views of the city skyline. This residence showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and modern luxury.
Chartwell Estate – Los Angeles, California
Chartwell Estate, famously featured in The Beverly Hillbillies, spans 56,000 square feet. Built in 1933, its French chateau-inspired design makes it one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable homes. The mansion includes 11 bedrooms, a 5,700-bottle wine cellar, and a ballroom. Its lush grounds feature a 75-foot swimming pool, formal gardens, and a private tennis court. Perched on a hill, the estate offers breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. Owned by media mogul Jerry Perenchio until 2017, it became a symbol of Old Hollywood grandeur. Today, Chartwell remains an enduring landmark in luxury real estate.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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