This remarkable New York City home was built for William Henry Vanderbilt, the eldest son of railroad magnate Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. Completed in 1882, 600 workers toiled away on the construction of the enormous Fifth Avenue home, with 60 European sculptors drafted in to work on the exterior and interior adornments.

The property consisted of two sections: the southern wing encompassed a 58-room home for William and his wife, Maria, while the northern wing accommodated two further single-family units for William's daughters, Emily and Margaret, and their families. This unusual arrangement gave rise to the home's nickname: the Vanderbilt Triple Palace.

Liking this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveMONEY

Rediscover 10 magnificent lost mansions of the past in rare photos