The War of the Worlds Most Expensive Homes

At one time the $70 million New York Pierre three-floor penthouse was considered among the most expensive homes in the world. Designed to resemble a French chateau it has spectacular views of Manhattan, Central Park, the East River and the Hudson River.

Now, this home is about to be dwarfed in size and in price by the new $2 billion custom home being built for Nita and Mukesh Ambani, an India based oil baron, and at last count, fifth richest man in the world. Given declining prices of petrol recently, I wonder if this has delayed their decision to build.

In any event, the couple and their three children will be up-sizing from their current 22-story Mumbai tower to a 27-story, 400,000 square foot home, designed by Perkins, Will and Hirsch Bedner Associates; the designers of the Mandarin Oriental in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.

Part of the high price tag is a result of the degree of customization on every floor; unlike an office building or a hotel, where each floor is replicated. In fact, no two floors will be alike in either plans or materials. If a specific wood or crystal is used on the 7th floor, it won't be repeated on any subsequent levels.

Here are some of the not-so-standard amenities featured in this home, from the ground up:

Parking: The first six floors will accommodate parking for visitors and relatives that refuse to leave. The exterior walls are covered by hanging plants intended to absorb heat and sunlight and keep the structure cooler.

Lobby: The lobby compares to most grand hotels, containing nine elevators, reception areas, washrooms and access to stairways, parking and ballroom.

Ballroom: Now this is a place to throw a party with crystal chandeliers hanging from 80% of the ceiling and lavish silver stairways. The kitchen can serve hundreds of guests and is virtually the same size as the ballroom.

Lounge: There are lounges peppered throughout the floors, some with a more traditional design using elaborate mirrors and chandeliers, and others with a more modern style. In any event, if one of the Ambani's or their guests feels the need to just hang out for awhile, they can grab one of the lounges.

Entertainment Floor: All theaters should look like this. Seating for dozens of people, separate wine room, snack bar, couches and tables provides a comfortable atmosphere for catching a flick.

Health Floor: More like a mainstream fitness center than a personal training area, this indoor/outdoor health floor provides gorgeous views of the city while swimming in the lap pool, working out in the gym, yoga or dance rooms. Relax your tired muscles with a leisurely soak in the Jacuzzi or stretch out on shaded lounge chairs. Later, chill out in the ice room, complete with simulated snow flurries. Think of it as a giant snow globe for the rich and famous.

Roof: If the last 26 floors weren't enough, then check out the roof. It features a covered entertainment area with spectacular views of the Mumbai skyline and the Arabian Sea. When the heat is too much to bear, enjoy the same view from within an enclosed, climate controlled area with floor-to-ceiling windows.

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