170 rooms, golf course, darbar hall, Venetian mosaic floor: Who owns this Rs 24000 crore home? It is world’s largest….
GH News December 25, 2024 10:06 AM
Whenever we talk about the most expensive or largest homes Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia is often the first name that comes to mind. But surprisingly the title of the country’s most expensive home belongs to a residence in Vadodara Gujarat not the 27-story skyscraper Antilia. The Laxmi Vilas Palace located in Gujarat is owned by the Gaekwads of Baroda and holds the title of the world’s largest private residence. Remarkably it is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. The Gaekwads once the rulers of Baroda remain highly respected by the local community. Today the former royal family is headed by HRH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad who is married to Radhikaraje Gaekwad.
According to the media reports Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Baroda princely state oversaw the construction of the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. Renowned for its grandeur the palace is considered one of the most luxurious and expensive in the world.
According to Housing.com Laxmi Vilas Palace spans 30492000 square feet whereas Buckingham Palace covers 828821 square feet. For perspective Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia the world’s most expensive private home valued at Rs 15000 crore covers just 48780 square feet. Laxmi Vilas Palace boasts over 170 rooms and even includes a golf course within its grounds. The palace was built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III costing GBP 180000 at the time. This opulent structure remains a symbol of the grandeur of the Baroda royal family.
The most impressive Raj-era palace in Gujarat its elaborate interiors boast well-maintained mosaics chandeliers and artworks as well as a highly impressive collection of weaponry and art. Paintings by the famous artist Raja Ravi Verma who was specially commissioned by the then Maharaja of Baroda adorn the palace. It’s set in expansive park-like grounds which include a golf course. The Navlakhi stepwell in the premises is a window to the ancient water resource system built by kings to overcome the parched lands of Gujarat reads the official page of Gujarat Tourism.
As per Vadodara - Gujarat State Portal portal the ornate Darbar Hall of Laxmi Vilas Palace often used for music concerts and cultural events features a stunning Venetian mosaic floor Belgian stained glass windows and walls adorned with intricate mosaic decorations. Outside the hall lies an Italianate courtyard with beautiful water fountains. The palace also boasts a remarkable collection of antique armor along with sculptures in bronze marble and terracotta by Fellici. The grounds were landscaped by William Goldring a specialist from Kew Gardens. The palace is open to the public and an audio tour is available for visitors. The former royal family is currently led by HRH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad who is married to Radhikaraje Gaekwad.