You don’t have to be wealthy to appreciate the sheer beauty of some of the world’s most extravagant and beautiful houses. From the quaint cobblestoned streets of Paris to the unparalleled vistas of the Pacific Northwest, these homes adorn the globe in breathtaking elegance. While some of these beautiful homes are home to royalty, many are more accessible to those who simply appreciate spectacular architecture. From accessible log cabins to extravagant castles, here’s a list of some of the most extravagant and beautiful houses in the world.
- Neuschwanstein Castle – Schwangau, Germany
Arguably one of the most beautiful castles in the world, the Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival castle perched on a hill in the Bavarian Alps in Schwangau, Germany. Completed in 1886, the castle is a breathtaking neoclassic wonder seen in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and Broadway’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Its interiors are just as delightful as its exterior – with intricate painting and gilded stuccos decorating the curved walls and ceilings.
- Palais Garnier – Paris, France
The Palais Garnier is an exquisite opera house designed in the neo-baroque style. Located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Paris skyline thanks to its grandiose dome and arcades. The theatre was featured prominently in Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera and the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name. Equally romantic is its grandiose interior, with gold-plated mouldings decorating the walls and balconies. Despite its beauty, the Palais Garnier has always been associated with the mysterious figure of the Phantom and the tragic events that occurred inside its walls.
- Hearst Castle – San Simeon, California
The Hearst Castle is a 175-acre estate nestled in Spanish-Gothic Revival style in Northern California. The castle is famously known for its grandiose facade and porticos, which are reminiscent of a medieval fortress. Inside, the opulence of its furnishings and art pieces is overwhelming. It has 38 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, a swimming pool measuring nearly 100 feet, plus its own theater, a billiard room and a study. When you gaze out of this estate’s 28 different vista points, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the Big Sur coastline and the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains.
- Casa Milà – Barcelona, Spain
The Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is an iconic Catalan Modernism building in Barcelona, Spain. Built between 1906 and 1910, the house was designed by Antoni Gaudí and showcases his renowned design style of curved stonework and intricate organic forms. Reducing sharp angles was his main intention, and this is evident all around Casa Milà which, despite its massive size, flows seamlessly from inside to out. Its balconies and chimneys, which double as decorative towers, are all designed in Gaudí’s signature style and are masterful examples of Catalan Modernism.
- Palazzo Parisio – Valletta, Malta
The Palazzo Parisio is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the Maltese capital of Valletta. Commissioned in the late 18th century, the palace was built in a combination of Baroque and architectural styles, which have been magnificently restored and maintained within the last few years. While it may not have world-famous frescoes or ancient works of art, the low ceilings and beautifully decorated rooms make it a picturesque attraction. The lobbies, salons, and secretpassageways of Palazzo Parisio are just as intricate, enticing and informative as those found in far larger stately homes.
- Château de Chenonceau – Chenonceaux, France
This fortified French château spanning the River Cher is elegant and serene – and considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Built in the 16th century, the Château de Chenonceau was once home to a number of well-known personalities, including King Henry II and his wife, Catherine de Medici. The castle’s vast gardens and interior design are breathtaking. From its sweeping gardens, which stretch around its riverside facade, to the oriel windows of its vast salon, the Château de Chenonceau is an overwhelmingly romantic sight.
- Taj Mahal – Agra, India
The Taj Mahal is an iconic monument of love and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s an ivory-white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, and it was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 to commemorate his favorite wife. With its impressive dome and its lush gardens, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of architectural perfection and a testament to the emperor’s love for his late wife. Its symmetric gardens, whose flora and fawns reflect the sunlight in its sprawling pathways and terraces create an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace.
- Voevodskya Manor – Pazardzhik Province, Bulgaria
Voevodskya Manor is a stunning mansion located in the city of Orlovets, in the Pazardzhik Province of Bulgaria. Also known as the “White House” of the province, this stunning mansion was built in 1853 and boasts beautiful interiors with chic wooden columns and beautifully ornated floors. Its luxurious furnishings and beautiful lighting create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. The semi-circular porch of the mansion is a imposing sight, as it overlooks a magnificent park with old trees.
From castles to palaces, these are just some of the most extravagant and beautiful houses in the world. While extravagance may be a subjective measure, these exquisite homes are undoubtedly exquisite treasures that should remain preserved and respected for years to come. No matter the style of the home, each has its own unique charm and characteristics. Whether you’re making a visit to one of these majestic homes or simply admiring them from a distance, these grandiose abodes are sure to take your breath away.
