For the super-rich, backyards are about so much more than white picket fences and freshly mown lawns. From mile-long driveways that meander through spectacular landscaped grounds to go-karting tracks, waterparks and even tiny towns, we've cherry-picked some of the finest estates in the world with gardens that will make you green with envy. Click or scroll on for more...
While we've heard of people creating superfan shrines in their homes, we've never seen a garden that was inspired by the owner's favourite movie – until now. The backyard of this sprawling mansion in Boca Raton, Florida, has been transformed into a wonderland of colour, greenery and unusual extras, all inspired by James Cameron's epic science fiction movie, Avatar.
The magical grounds are home to extravagantly landscaped gardens, a scenic lake with pretty bridges and lush greenery, unusual sculptures (including life-size bears, a velociraptor, rhino and Buddha), all woven together by unusual walking paths that come to life at night, thanks to cinematic, Avatar-inspired garden lighting.
Elsewhere, there's a koi pond, a swimming pool and a massive pond with a towering waterfall, just like the ones in Pandora, the fictional world in Avatar. If all this wasn't enough, the garden is also home to tennis and basketball courts, an alfresco dining patio, an outdoor kitchen and bar and parking for 25 vehicles. In January 2022, the property was on the market for just over $14.9 million (£11.1m).
For some properties, the location does all the talking, and that's certainly the case when it comes to this dreamy lakefront home in Como, Italy. Built in 1900, the historic manor house boasts a beautiful 26,909-square-foot interior and one of the finest gardens we've ever had the pleasure of strolling around.
Positioned in the hamlet of Laglio, on the very edge of Lake Como, the historic garden spans less than an acre, but it packs plenty in nonetheless. The pièce de résistance of the grounds is perhaps this enchanting European landscaped garden, complete with perfectly manicured hedges, antique statues and climbing vines.
There are endless patios for sunbathing and entertaining, while the 807-foot swimming pool looks out over the glittering waters of Lake Como itself. Surrounded by beautifully manicured greenery and stunning architecture, backyards don't get much grander than this.
As well as quiet courtyards and decorative formal gardens, the estate also boasts a large lawn, endless alfresco dining spaces with lake views and its very own boat dock, allowing the lucky owner to zip off at a moment's notice. The magnificent villa hit the market with Sotheby's International Realty for an undisclosed sum in 2018. We'd struggle to put a price on this dazzling estate too!
With its striking façade, incredible interior, multitude of surprising extras and breathtaking backyard, Summit Cove mansion has it all. Located in Palm Desert, California, the trophy home could never be described as ordinary, not least because it comes equipped with an aquarium tunnel and a shark tank. Unsurprisingly, the house once had a very wealthy owner, the late hospitality tycoon, Duane Hagadone.
As well as dramatic interior spaces, the 20,667-square-foot home sits on almost eight acres of land, meticulously curated by architect Guy Dreier. Across the acreage, you'll find waterfalls, koi ponds and a pickleball court, as well as three swimming pools, an open-air elevator and a private outdoor spa for lazy days in the sun.
If you're feeling a little more energetic, you can head down to the private golf course, where you can tee off while soaking up the Californian sunshine. One of the most luxurious estates in the world, the scenic 18-hole course is akin to that of a high-end hotel. But, of course, that isn't quite all...
Previously listed with Bighorn Properties, the home's stunning backyard is hiding another rather unusual secret. Carved into a rock in the mountainous grounds is a glass-walled home office, possibly the most unique remote-working space we've seen. This mesmerising addition seals Summit Cove's fate as one of the greatest mansions of all time.
Located in one of America's most exclusive zip codes, Linden is one seriously stunning estate. Nestled on 10 pristine acres in Southampton, New York, the historic mansion dates back to 1910 and offers more than 18,000 square feet of living space across three gorgeous floors. Yet, as with all of these homes, it's really all about what's going on outside...
The home’s park-like grounds offer privacy and spectacular outside spaces in equal measure. With sprawling lawns, soaring fountains, enchanting greenhouses and pretty pergolas where evening drinks and alfresco meals can be enjoyed, this estate has everything a billionaire could need.
The house features an outdoor pool complete with a diving board and sunbathing patio. Elsewhere, there's a spa, a grass tennis court, a paddle court, two pavilions with full kitchens, and even a carriage house that could be transformed into a stunning holiday home or guest suite.
What’s more, the grounds are also home to a huge glass pool house, complete with a slide and waterfall. How's that for luxury? In 2021, the house was listed for a mere $69.9 million (£52m) with Sotheby's International Realty.
Casteel Creek Retreat is undoubtedly one of the world's most lavish homes. The modern mega-mansion spans a staggering 30,350 square feet and comes with everything from a dramatic million-dollar glass bridge, to its very own ice cream parlour, movie theatre, cowboy saloon, spa and gym, plus there's more than a few surprises nestled in its spectacular grounds.
Spreading some 250 acres in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the garden borders two million acres of National Forest land, allowing for complete seclusion and enchanting views across the Vail Valley. Despite being down the road from some of America’s best ski slopes, you don't need to leave the majestic mountain home to indulge in outdoor pursuits. There are endless woodland trails and dramatic slopes for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and hiking.
But that's not all. The grounds feature a 27,000-square-foot entertainment venue, with a climbing wall, pool, shooting range, catering kitchen, Teppanyaki restaurant, bar and games room. Outside the venue, you’ll find a stocked fishing pond, a soccer field, numerous patios and hot tubs, a playground and even a fake Wild West town with a sheriff's office and gas station.
If all that wasn’t enough, there’s even a dedicated car and snowmobile garage. The residence features a 200-foot steel viewing bridge that's suspended above the forest, offering the perfect vantage point for taking in jaw-dropping views of the Sawatch Mountain Range. It's no surprise that this pad is listed with Sotheby's International Realty for an eye-watching $42 million (£31m).
Upon first glance, this grand home looks pretty traditional, but once you look a little closer you'll discover it's anything but. Located in the city of Wentzville, Missouri, the luxury mansion was constructed in 2001 and its breathtaking grounds were clearly designed for the young at heart.
The 20,550-square-foot home has seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a two-storey library and even its very own indoor chapel, complete with stained-glass windows and wooden pews. But outside is where the fun really begins. According to Realtor, the owners built the property and allowed their five children to get involved in the design process. In fact, they let each child create a design for the pool and the winning idea was custom-built by a professional pool architect.
The sprawling grounds boast two racing slides, a lazy river, an outdoor hot tub and a swim-up bar. The 20-acre garden is also home to a tiny town, too! There's a stable block designed to look like a traditional English store, along with a sports field, an events venue, bowling alley, bar, movie theatre and dance hall, plus basketball and volleyball courts.
Yet the home's pièce de résistance has to be its incredible outdoor, custom-built playground. Kitted out with a full-size Ferris wheel and carnival-style rides, this billionaire hideaway has to be every big kids' dream come true. Unsurprisingly, the mansion is listed with Coldwell Banker for a hefty $20 million (£15m).
Nestled in the hills of Montecito, California, this Balinese-influenced home spans 8,188 square feet and is the quintessential Golden State retreat, thanks to its seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Sitting on nine acres of land, the immaculately landscaped grounds offer a botanical zen wonderland fit for a billionaire.
The home's south-facing glass doors open up to a veranda, complete with a gas firepit that has panoramic views stretching nearly 50 miles along the coastline. This beautiful beach house also boasts manicured lawns, that lead to a breathtaking basalt pebble infinity pool that blurs into the ocean beyond.
Next to the pool, you'll find a cabana, including exercise facilities with a changing area and steam room, as well as a pickleball court. There's also a guest house with two ensuite bedrooms that open out to a kitchen and private garden. Just imagine waking up to that stunning view every morning!
Let's not forget the amazing tropical gardens filled with succulents, palm trees, sculptures and tranquil koi ponds. A real green oasis, it's no surprise that this stunning estate was once home to an A-lister. House-flipping aficionado Ellen DeGeneres let this beautiful property go in 2020 for $33.3 million (£24.9m).
This majestic 24,600-square-foot mansion sits on 2.25 acres of gated land and offers the best of both worlds. As well as being secluded and ultra-private, it also finds itself on one America's most expensive streets, South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach, Florida.
The magnificent mansion was finished in 2003, and nothing was overlooked during the design process. As well as eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a two-storey foyer, formal living rooms, a gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, billiards room and panelled library, the estate is also home to a jaw-dropping backyard. Steps cascade down to the home's two terraces, which lead to a lush courtyard.
Relax by the heated swimming pool, or head out to the lake from your own private dock. If that doesn't take your fancy, enjoy a stroll through the formal gardens, or head along the meandering boardwalk to the private beach for a spot of sunbathing.
Elsewhere, you'll find a guest house and pool house, a six-car garage and a brick motor court for petrolheads to display their favourite toys. One of America's most expensive homes when it originally went up for sale, the waterfront estate last sold for a colossal $43 million (£32m) back in 2019.
When it comes to enchanting English estates, it doesn't get much better than this spectacular stately home in Godalming, Surrey. Nestled in the heart of England's finest countryside, the Palladian-style mansion has 27,000 square feet of accommodation and no end of luxury amenities, including a cinema, bowling alley, indoor pool, games room, gym, spa treatment room and custom wine cellar. And that's just the interior...
Head outside and it's hard not to be spellbound by the property's palatial grounds. Surrounded by 30 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland, the newly-built mansion offers a north-facing terrace that leads down to a sunken garden with a feature fountain and a large swimming pool.
There's a summer pavilion with a dining area and firepit, which offers views of the estate's private lake – the perfect place for hosting lavish soirées. A path winds down to a private tennis court, while the home's endless lawns were made for summer croquet matches, garden drinks and alfresco lunches. The grounds also feature numerous cottages, as well as dog kennels, a washroom and a staff kitchen that can cater for large events.
Last but not least, the lavish stately home also comes with a sweeping, Downton Abbey-style driveway that curves through the stunning parkland. Unsurprisingly, such an incredible home comes with a rather incredible price tag, too. On the market with Fine & Country for $40.5 million (£30m), this mesmerising mansion is just waiting to be snapped up by a wealthy VIP.
Known as The Oaks, this stunning estate in Hillsborough County, Florida, is almost too good to be true. Situated on the edge of Lake Thonotosassa, the sprawling property was designed to resemble a historic French country manor. Yet far from being stuffy and old-fashioned, this luxurious residence is overflowing with personality.
The property is the work of the award-winning team at Cooper Johnson Smith Architects and no expense was spared during its construction. The 36,000-square-foot residence not only comes equipped with its own gentleman's lounge, bowling alley, craft room, fitness centre, spa and indoor saltwater pool, but the grounds are also home to an enchanting garden brimming with exciting extras. For one, there's a custom-built go-kart track located a stone's throw from the water's edge.
Of course, to make the most of the track, the owner needs somewhere to store their collection of cars and this auto barn is more than up to the task. Elsewhere on the amazing estate you'll find an art workshop, manicured lawns and gardens, a workshop, a pool house, a gatehouse, horse stables, grazing pastures, an outdoor saltwater pool, expansive loggias and a two-storey boathouse.
While the kids are playing with go-karts, the adults can take to the one-mile running track or perhaps savour a moment of peace down at the water's edge, thanks to the home's 1,278 feet of lake frontage. It's no wonder this one-of-a-kind gem sold in 2021 for $16.7 million (£12.4m).
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