World’s top 50 stately homes
The best stately homes on the planet
From dramatic royal palaces to stunning châteaus, these spectacular stately homes are the best in the world, brimming with architectural wow-factor and fascinating history around every corner. We've divided them into five categories: most royal, most filmed, most beautiful, the best that are still family homes and the most surprising stately residences hiding a secret. Dive in to our definitive ranking and get swept away into a bygone era...
Most royal: 10. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria
Originally built as a hunting lodge for Crown Prince Joseph, Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace was the gleaming centre of 18th-century court life. The palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty and was built in the Baroque architectural style. The sprawling grounds are one of the palace’s main treasures and are home to a maze, orangery and a botanical garden.
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Most royal: 9. Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen, Denmark
Comprised of four stately structures surrounding an octagonal courtyard, Amalienborg Palace is the seat of the Danish monarchy. The palace didn’t start out as a royal residence – it was originally built in the 17th century to house four noble families. However, when Christianborg Palace burnt down in 1794, the Royal Family purchased Amalienborg and moved in. Situated between the centre of Copenhagen and the harbour, the palace is revered as one of Denmark’s finest architectural gems.
Most royal: 8. Royal Palace of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Despite being the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, today’s monarchs choose not to reside within the walls of this impressive building. Once occupied by a 9th-century Moorish fortress, this site has been home to royals for centuries – long before Madrid became the capital of Spain. The building that stands today was designed by Juan Bautista Sachetti after the previous palace burnt down in 1734.
Most royal: 7. Hampton Court Palace, Richmond, UK
This impressive palace was commissioned by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 1500s. However, King Henry VIII was so impressed by its grandeur that he took up residence in the 1530s to host his extravagant Tudor court. The building has been extended over the years, with the addition of an elegant Baroque palace designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It’s said that the ghost of the King’s third wife, Jane Seymour, appears every year on the anniversary of her death.
Most royal: 6. Royal Palace, Oslo, Norway
It’s not often that monarchs get involved in the construction of their own palaces. However, when building works began on Oslo’s Royal Palace, it was King Carl Johan that laid the first foundation stone in October 1825. Set in an imposing position at the head of Oslo’s main thoroughfare, Karl Johans gate, this impressive residence remains the home of the current King and Queen.
Most royal: 5. Château de Fontainebleau, Fontainebleau, France
This stunning gem is nestled amidst 130 acres of stunning parkland and gardens. As well as boasting an impressive 1,500 rooms, the royal houses of Valois, Bourbon, and Bonaparte have all called Fontainebleau home. The palace showcases an array of historic architectural styles, from the 12th to the 19th century. Look out for the famous horseshoe staircase that dates from the reign of Louis XIII.
Most royal: 4. Winter Palace, St Petersburg, Russia
St Petersburg’s Winter Palace was the official residence of Russian Emperors until 1917. Featuring iconic columns, statues and parapets, the richly decorative façade was designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. No structure in St Petersburg is allowed to overshadow the incredible estate, with strict planning laws in the city prohibiting new buildings from exceeding the hight of the palace.
Most royal: 3. Windsor Castle, Windsor, UK
The site of Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle, Windsor Castle has been occupied by British kings and queens since the Middle Ages, making it the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. The original structure was constructed in the 11th century and was added to over the centuries. Architectural highlights include the 16th-century St George’s Chapel, which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic design.
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Most royal: 2. Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
One of Thailand's finest architectural treasures, King Rama I commissioned the Grand Palace in 1782. Subsequent kings made their own additions to the complex of buildings, resulting in an eclectic mix of pavilions, halls, and temples. With walls adorned in gilt and glass mosaics, it's home to an array of treasures, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Most royal: 1. Buckingham Palace, London, UK
Located at the head of London’s Mall, Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence is a pretty impressive sight. Dating back to the 17th century, the royal palace boasts no less than 775 lavishly decorated rooms and 40 acres of grounds. Factoring in the artworks, antique furniture and luxurious facilities, a recent estimate by Foxtons values the palace at £2.2 billion ($2.9bn).
Most filmed: 10. Castle Howard, North Yorkshire, UK
This glorious Baroque masterpiece has been used as the filming location for an eclectic selection of media, from Garfield 2: A Tale of Two Kitties to an Arctic Monkeys music video. Situated 15 miles north of York, the estate stretches across 8,800 acres of land. While construction of the main house began in 1699, it took over 100 years to complete.
Most filmed: 9. Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, UK
Waddesdon Manor encapsulates all the enchantment of a traditional French château. Originally conceived as a summer escape for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain guests, construction was completed in 1883. A lift was installed in 1890 for the visit of Queen Victoria, but suspicious of electricity, she declined to use it. The property was used as the setting for numerous movies and TV shows, including The Crown, Downton Abbey and Midsomer Murders.
Most filmed: 8. Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, UK
Built in 1611 by the first Earl of Salisbury, Hatfield House has been in the Cecil family for over 400 years. The Old Palace and the deer park surrounding the house were once owned by King Henry VIII. Hatfield House has appeared numerous times on the silver screen, including as one of the settings for 2018's The Favourite. Other hits filmed here include Sherlock Holmes, The King's Speech, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Transformers and The Crown.
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Most filmed: 7. Oheka Castle, Long Island, USA
Built in 1919, this impressive property is the second-largest private residence in the US. It’s thought that the estate inspired the glitzy mansion in F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel The Great Gatsby. Over the years, Oheka Castle has appeared in a plethora of Hollywood creations, including the 1941 classic Citizen Kane and 2018's What Happens in Vegas, as well hit TV shows such as Madame Secretary, Gossip Girl and Project Runway, and Taylor Swift's Blank Space music video.
Most filmed: 6. Englefield House, Berkshire, UK
This Elizabethan country house, where Pippa Middleton (sister to the Duchess of Cambridge) married James Matthews in 2017, isn’t short of claims to fame. The 16th-century Berkshire property has featured in an array of silver screen hits, including The Crown, The King’s Speech, X-Men: First Class and Great Expectations.
Most filmed: 5. Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada
This Gothic Revival-style mansion was built over a three-year period from 1911 to 1914 for banker Sir Henry Pellatt. Casa Loma is home to no less than 98 rooms covering an area of 64,700 square feet and includes two hidden underground tunnels, as well as a bowling alley in the basement. A whole host of blockbusters have been shot at the property, including X-Men, Chicago, Crimson Peak and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Most filmed: 4. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK
This breathtaking Baroque palace was designed by the first Duke of Marlborough in the 18th century and one of the UK’s grandest stately homes. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the palace has been used as the setting for numerous films and television shows, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Spectre and Transformers: The Last Knight. The palace is estimated to be worth around £180 million ($236m).
Most filmed: 3. Royal Palace of Caserta, Caserta, Italy
This former royal residence is one of the largest palaces to have been erected in Europe in the 18th century. Its 1,200 rooms include a vast library, theatre and 24 state apartments. Designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, the palace’s likeness to the Vatican has made it a popular filming location. In fact, it doubles up for the seat of the Catholic Church in several movies, including Star Wars, Mission Impossible III, Angels and Demons and The Good Pope.
Most filmed: 2. Highclere Castle, Hampshire, UK
Nestled in 1,000 acres of sublime parkland designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, this Jacobean castle dates back to 1679 and is the ancestral home of the Earls of Carnarvon. While this iconic country home is best known as the seat of the Crawley family in the hit show Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle was also the film location for a host of Hollywood blockbusters including Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut and Kevin Reynolds’ Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Most filmed: 1. The White House, Washington DC
Unsurprisingly, the official residence of the US President scoops our top spot as the most filmed stately home in the world. The White House is seen in hundreds of films and TV shows including Independence Day, Olympus Has Fallen, Jackie and The Day After Tomorrow. However, while numerous big screen sensations are set within the iconic building and feature shots of the exterior, few are actually filmed inside. So for a sneak peek, you’ll have to stick to the news.
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Most beautiful: 10. Como House, Melbourne, Australia
Built in 1847 for Sir Edward Eyre Williams, Como House offers a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its former owners, the Armytage family. Charles Armytage purchased the property in 1864 for £14,000 ($18.5k), and the family lived there for nearly a century until they sold the house to Australia’s National Trust in 1959. One of southern Australia’s most celebrated architectural gems, the residence houses a vast collection of rare antique furniture.
Most beautiful: 9. Rideau Hall, Ontario, Canada
This imposing building, which dates back to 1838, is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. Originally designed as a two-storey structure in the Regency style, Rideau Hall has been altered and added to, creating the impressive building that stands today. One of the greatest changes took place in 1913 when the Mappin Wing was constructed, linking the ballroom with the Tent Room – a cavernous space draped in red and white striped fabric.
Most beautiful: 8. Royal Palace of Turin, Turin, Italy
Once the residence of the House of Savoy, this elegant Baroque masterpiece became the city’s main seat of power in 1563, undergoing various revisions across the decades. The 17th-century renovations of the Royal Palace saw the addition of the incredible Scala delle Forbici or Staircase of Scissors, as well as the Chapel of the Holy Shroud which was added to house the Shroud of Turin which many believe Jesus was buried in.
Most beautiful: 7. Hohenzollern Castle, Zollernalbkreis, Germany
This impressive hilltop castle is the ancestral seat of the House of Hohenzollern. First accounts of Hohenzollern date all the way back to 1061, however, the awe-inspiring structure we see today is the result of the 19th-century reconstruction by Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia. A multitude of towers, turrets and fortifications create a fairy tale-like castle, which is one of Germany’s finest pieces of neo-Gothic architecture.
Most beautiful: 6. Burghley House, Cambridgeshire, UK
This Elizabethan beauty was constructed for Sir William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. The property's aesthetic was influenced by the classical style of buildings that were popular in France and Flanders at the time. When the 9th Earl of Exeter inherited the estate in 1754, he brought in Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown who modernised the grounds, adding an orangery and a Gothic-style summerhouse.
Most beautiful: 5. Hearst Castle, California, USA
The design of this striking historical landmark was masterminded by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst and his architect, Julia Morgan. Built between 1919 and 1947, Hearst Castle is an exciting showcase of various architectural styles, from Mediterranean to Southern Spanish Renaissance, largely inspired by Hearst’s tours of Europe. The original plans included no less than 42 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms and a private zoo.
Most beautiful: 4. Palacio Nacional da Pena, Sintra, Portugal
Perched atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains, this splendid multi-coloured palace is one of the finest examples of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The first building to occupy this position was a small chapel built in the Middle Ages – a far cry from the dramatic residence that occupies the site today. The estate was commissioned by King Ferdinand II and completed in 1854, with the King insisting that Medieval and Islamic elements be incorporated.
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Most beautiful: 3. Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Once described by Moorish poets as “a pearl set in emeralds”, this spectacular palace started out as a small fortress built on the site of Roman fortifications. The current palace and fortress walls, which house courtyards and tranquil gardens, were commissioned by Muhammad I of Granada in the mid-13th century. Many innovations which were groundbreaking at the time were incorporated during construction, including fountains and reservoirs of running water.
Most beautiful: 2. Biltmore, North Carolina, USA
Built for the wealthy Vanderbilt family in 1895, this sprawling mansion is America’s largest privately-owned home. The property extends an incredible 178,926 square feet, with 35 bedrooms and 45 bedrooms. Open to the public all year round, the home's medieval-style banqueting hall features a seven-storey ceiling, complete with stunning carved wooden panelling.
Most beautiful: 1. Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France
This awe-inspiring Château scoops the top spot in our selection of the world’s most dazzling stately homes. The site’s 17th-century hunting lodge was dramatically overhauled by King Louis XIV, who added numerous wings, grottos and magnificent landscaped gardens. The famous Hall of Mirrors is bursting with opulent treasures, including 5,000 pieces of antique furniture and 6,000 paintings. Estimates put the value of Versailles somewhere around the £39 billion ($50.7bn) mark.
Still lived in: 10. Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic
Founded in 880 AD, this mighty castle remains the official seat of power in the Czech Republic – albeit now, it’s the official office of the president rather than the home of the Royal Family. The estate is the largest complex of castle buildings in the world, comprising an array of palaces and religious buildings. A smorgasbord of architectural influences is on show, from 10th-century Romanesque-style buildings to Gothic structures from the 14th century.
Still lived in: 9. Stiftsgården, Trondheim, Norway
This striking wooden facade nestled in verdant grounds is the Norwegian Royal Family’s official Trondheim residence. Measuring 43,000 square feet, it’s thought to be the largest wooden building in Northern Europe. Built between 1774 and 1778, the palace was originally constructed as a private home and became an official royal residence in 1906.
Still lived in: 8. The Union Buildings, Pretoria, South Africa
Widely acknowledged to be one of South Africa’s finest architectural masterpieces, this impressive complex of buildings was designed by Herbert Baker and completed in 1913. Constructed in light sandstone, the building’s sweeping semi-circular structure sits within a magnificent terraced garden which features an array of indigenous plants. The Union Buildings are the official seat of the government in South Africa and house the offices of the President.
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Still lived in: 7. Castletown House, County Kildare, Ireland
This grand Palladian beauty was built in 1722 for William Conolly, the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. Designed by famous Italian architect Alessandro Galilei, the interior features an array of gorgeous Baroque rooms, including a grand central drawing room, a print room and a long gallery. Castletown was sold to developers in 1965 and is now split between state and private ownership.
Still lived in: 6. Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh, UK
Positioned at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, this imposing castle is the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The building has been home to royalty since the 16th century and Queen Elizabeth still spends one week in residence here at the beginning of each summer.
Still lived in: 5. Stockholm Palace, Stockholm, Sweden
The home of the Swedish Royal Family, Stockholm Palace has over 600 rooms so there's no danger of guests having to bunk up. The stunning residence that stands today was built during the 18th century on the spot where Tre Kronor – the previous royal castle – burnt down in 1697. Designed in the Italian Baroque style, the palace is spread over 11 floors, with the state apartment enjoying spectacular views over the Stockholm skyline.
Still lived in: 4. Mysore Palace, Mysore, India
This sublime citadel is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, who ruled the state of Mysore from 1399 to 1950, and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. Constructed from fine granite and embellished with pink marble domes, the palace has real wow-factor, incorporating elements from Indian, Indo-Islamic, Neo-Classical and Gothic Revival architectural schools.
Still lived in: 3. Château de Coppet, Coppet, Switzerland
This architectural gem has been home to a multitude of notable residents since it was built in the 13th century, but none more famous than the highly influential Madame de Staël. An admired intellectual figure, Madame de Staël was exiled by Napoleon in 1803 when he grew tired of her growing influence amongst the great thinkers of the day. Her descendants still live in the castle on Lake Geneva today.
Still lived in: 2. Quirinal Palace, Rome, Italy
Also known as the Palazza del Quirinale, this stunning palace is one of three current residences of the President of the Italian Republic. Set amidst gorgeous gardens, archaeological evidence shows that the site has been in use since Roman times, and has since housed no less than 30 popes, four kings and 11 presidents. Located in Rome, the vast palace is said to be the ninth largest in the world in terms of area.
Still lived in: 1. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, UK
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of England’s Peak District, Chatsworth House is one of the UK’s best-loved stately homes, with the Duke of Devonshire and the Cavendish family still in residence. The original Tudor mansion was built in the 1560s, but this was rebuilt in part in the late 17th century by the first Duke of Devonshire to create the stunning English Baroque building we see today.
With a secret: 10. The Breakers, Rhode Island, USA
This lavish country home was built between 1893 and 1895 by the Vanderbilts – the closest thing America has to a royal family. The property is packed with ornature statues, priceless artwork and intricate covings, however, Cornelius Vanderbilt II wanted to hide something of his family history within the neo-classical grandeur. If you look carefully at the cherub relief above the doorway of the music room, you'll see a nod to the Vanderbilt wealth – a railway train chugging along.
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With a secret: 9. Mount Stuart House, Isle of Bute, UK
This grand old Scottish beauty is recognised as one of the UK’s finest Gothic Revival mansions. Built in the late 1870s for John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, this Hogwarts-esque building was the first property in Scotland to have electricity, and claims to house the world's first heated pool in any residential house. Its impressive library is also home to William Shakespeare’s First Folio.
With a secret: 8. Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
Home to 285 rooms, 46 halls and 68 toilets, it’s safe to say that Turkey’s Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most opulent palaces in our selection. The estate served as the seat of Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887, and 1909 to 1922, and its spectacular interior conceals a rather lavish secret. During the construction, Emperor Abdülmecid I wanted no expense to be spared, so a whopping 14 tonnes of gold were used to gild the palace's ceilings.
With a secret: 7. Chillon Castle, Veytaux, Switzerland
Situated on the eastern bank of Lake Geneva, this imposing castle dates back to the Bronze Age. The historic structure has a grizzly history, which inspired Lord Byron’s 1816 poem, The Prisoner of Chillon. In it, Bryon recounted how one prisoner, Bonivard, was chained for four years to a pillar in the infamous dungeon – in reality, however, it was only six months. Visitors to the labyrinthine castle can also check out the secret passageways which lead off to the estate's bedrooms.
With a secret: 6. Kronborg Castle, Helsingør, Denmark
Located on the tip of the island of Zealand, Denmark’s Kronborg Castle dates all the way back to the 1420s. In the 16th century, King Frederick II transformed Kronborg from a medieval fortress into a stunning Renaissance castle, however, the estate's most famous reimagining was by William Shakespeare, who immortalised the castle as Elsinore, the setting of Hamlet.
With a secret: 5. Monticello, Virginia, USA
Monticello is the sprawling homestead and final resting place of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the US. In 2017, archeologists made a momentous discovery on the estate when they excavated an area of the mansion. The living quarters of Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman, who historians believe fathered six of Jefferson's children, were uncovered. The room is currently undergoing restoration in preparation for public viewing.
With a secret: 4. Schwerin Castle, Schwerin, Germany
For centuries, Schwerin Castle was home to the Dukes and Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg and later Mecklenburg-Schwerin. But the grand property also accommodates a rather more ethereal presence – a ghost! Known as Petermännchen, the spectre is said to be no more than several feet tall and wears the clothes of a cavalier. Given that earliest records of the castle date back to AD 973, it's hardly surprising that there's the odd spirit lingering around!
With a secret: 3. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, UK
This iconic castle dominates the skyline of Edinburgh. Located on top of an extinct volcano, archaeological evidence shows that humans have occupied this spot since the Iron Age. The estate has housed many royal residents since its construction, however, it's also been home to many canine companions too, many of whom now rest in the castle's dedicated dog cemetery. The unique graveyard was established in 1840 and pays homage to the faithful hounds of high-ranking soldiers.
With a secret: 2. Mount Vernon, Virginia, USA
One of the most iconic 18th-century homes in America, this plantation property was the beloved home of President George Washington and also housed a rather unusual furry friend. In 1787, Washington decided to purchase a camel for the estate to entertain his guests over Christmas and the tradition has continued to this day. Currently, visitors to Mount Vernon can meet the resident Christmas Camel, Aladdin, when he visits the house for his holidays.
With a secret: 1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
This enchanting estate is thought to have inspired Walt Disney's iconic castles, though its history is far from happy. King Ludwig II, who commissioned the structure in 1868, was declared insane and later died in mysterious circumstances. Further misfortune struck in 1940 when the Nazis chose the castle as the headquarters for their notorious art-looting operation. Thousands of plundered items were recovered when US troops descended on the castle in 1945.
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