Tour the World’s Largest — And Priciest — Mega-Manse

While last Sunday’s Oscars lacked some of the pomp and circumstance of pre-pandemic ceremonies, it was a reminder that Hollywood glamour is alive and kicking. Need more proof? Check out this Los Angeles mega-manse, billed by Architectural Digest as  “the world’s most expensive home.” Projected price tag: $340 million.

Aptly named “The One,” this exclusive estate was eight years in the making. It has all the characteristics of a blockbuster: Opulence! Extravagance! Grandeur! Even an obligatory cliffhanger, to give the story some extra pizazz.

It starts with a colorful cast of characters including spec developer/owner Nile Niami, known for his brazen personality and wildly ambitious real estate projects. Architect Paul McClean was tapped to “create something unique and spectacular”—a challenge he totally aced. Also on board: interior designer Kathryn Rotundi, founder of KFR Design.  

With its 26-foot-high ceilings, the main entrance leads to a myriad of gathering areas.

Each features panoramic 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Mountains. The entry area is filled with water, along with a sculpture and bridge.

“Water is something we often use in our design process because it allows for a sensory change that helps you adjust to your surroundings,” McClean told AD. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment and history of Los Angeles modernism, he connected the home’s inside with outside “to provide that quintessential L.A. living but on a bigger scale.”

By the numbers, the 105,000-square-foot house sports some pretty phenomenal stats — think 42 bathrooms and 21 bedrooms including a 5,500-square-foot primary suite. There’s also a 30-car garage, five swimming pools, a four-lane bowling alley, a 30-seat movie theater, and a 10,000-square-foot sky deck. And when charity events resume, over 200 guests can gather in the “philanthropy” wing, complete with floating pods overlooking the city.

Additional amenities run the gamut from a juice bar and putting green to a beauty salon and yoga studio.

For Rotundi, it was important for spaces to flow into one another. “I was really drawn to ‘wow factor’ elements in the hospitality sector,” she says. Top luxury hotel brands such as Aman, Bulgari and Baccarat provided inspiration.

A neutral palette throughout the home allows the landscape and panoramas to shine.

They’re also an ode to the uber-chic Tom Ford boutique on Rodeo Drive, a favorite of both Niami and McClean.

Art abounds throughout the house, including a butterfly installation by Stephen Wilson on the lower level and a Niclas Castello custom panel in black and silver in the office. A collection of bespoke furniture pieces is from byShowroom.

Due to recently approved city ordinances, a property of this magnitude will never again be built in Los Angeles—or maybe should it. A recent LA Times article had less-than-stellar news about the mansion’s future:

To build the extravagant home, Niami borrowed $82.5 million from Hankey Capital in 2018. Over the last three years, that debt has ballooned to more than $110 million, and Hankey wants its money.

According to a document obtained by The Times, the lender just served Niami a notice of default on the prized property, which is considered the first step in the foreclosure process. If Niami can’t repay the loan in 90 days, Hankey could force a sale of the home.  

Will “The One” indeed be the one for some lucky homebuyer?

Do we see a colossal bargain in store? A cliffhanger, to be sure. We’ll be watching.