10 Surprising Facts About Ambani's 'Antilia', the World's Most Expensive House

Mukesh and Nita Ambani's billion-dollar home—spread across 400,000 sq. ft with 27 stories that tower up to a height of a 60-story building—spells luxury beyond comprehension. Designed by Chicago-based architects Perkins and Will, and constructed by the Australian-based construction company Leighton Holdings, while the structure lies magnificently perched on Altamount road in Mumbai, it's interiors are as (if not more) impressive than the building itself!

Plus, Antilia's pristine walls hold several secrets and astounding facts that will make your jaw drop. From a royal ballroom that's right out of a Disney movie to an in-house salon and spa, here's everything you ever wanted to know about the most expensive house in the world.

1. Named after a phantom island

The 2 billion dollar multi-story building is named after a mythical island in the Atlantic, 'Antilia'. It is a phantom island that was reputed during the 15th-century age of exploration, lying in the Atlantic Ocean, far to the west of Portugal and Spain.

2. An expensive street makes for an expensive home

The uber luxurious house is located in one of the most expensive addresses in the world, Altamount Road. It is surrounded by many successful business tycoons of India such as Kumar Mangalam Birla and Naresh Goyal, along with famous Bollywood personalities. 

3. Helipads aplenty

Understandably, the building comes equipped with several in-house amenities—from a multi-story garage that can accommodate up to 168 cars to 3 helipads on the roof with a special service station on the 7th floor to facilitate guests who prefer arriving by air. 

4. In-house amenities

Since we're speaking on amenities, let's discuss some super luxurious (and unbelievable) ones. There are 9 super-fast elevators that connect the lobby to different parts of the house. Antilia also has it's own private theatre with a seating capacity of up to 50 people, multiple hanging terrace gardens, swimming pools, dance and yoga studios, gyms, a health spa, a ballroom, a salon, guest suites, and even a snow room which creates artificial snow to escape from the humid Mumbai weather. 

5. Earthquake protection

While Mumbai doesn't experience regular earthquakes, the Ambani home has been designed to survive an earthquake rated 8 on the Richter scale.

6. The family believes in soaking up on Vitamin D

As per a statement given by Nita Ambani to Vanity Fair, the family's living quarters are on the top floor. This was a conscious decision so that they can enjoy as much natural sunlight as possible. 

7. Every floor is unique

The extravagant home was designed such that each floor features different accents. With motifs of the sun and the lotus consistent through the structure, exquisite materials including rare woods, marble, mother of pearl and crystal have been used for the interiors. 

8. A whooping electricity bill 

Interestingly, the very first electrical bill that the Ambani's incurred in their new home was worth more than Rs. 70 lakh!

9. A vast garden 

The house has been specifically designed in a way that keeps the interiors cool. 'W’-shaped beams support the upper floors of the building. But mind you, the hanging gardens are not just for show. The plants are energy-saving devices that absorb sunlight, keeping the interiors cool. 

10. A staff of 600!

From security personnel to bodyguards and in-house wellness experts, it is believed that the Ambani's have a staff of over 600 employees! Well, you do need a bunch to maintain a house like this one.