THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT HOUSES IN THE WORLD

Nothing quite compares to seeing how others live. Especially when there is a substantial price tag attached. From villas and castles to entire islands: these are the most expensive homes for sale worldwide.

There is nothing more fun than seeing how others live. Especially if it also comes with a hefty price tag. From villas and castles to entire islands: these are the most expensive homes for sale worldwide.Online editor: Natasha Hendriks

The Pinnacle, Woolworth Tower, New York

$ 79 Million

This massive 9.710 square meter penthouse occupies the top five floors of the landmark building and features a 408 square meter open-air observatory with 360-degree views of the city. There is a private elevator that takes you between the five floors, either down to FW Woolworth's original swimming pool or to the Gilbert Lounge entertainment suite, wine cellar and tasting room on the building's 29th floor. Photo: Williams New York

Hackwood Park, Hampshire, England –

$ 85 Million

Built in 1680, the main house features 24 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms and is surrounded by 260 lush acres of Hampshire countryside, a 80-mile drive from central London. The sale of the house is secretive: all that is known about the current owner is that he is a 'foreign billionaire' who has carried out a substantial restoration of the estate. And don't even dream of stopping by for a walk; potential buyers must first prove their financial status and sign a confidentiality agreement before they can come and view. Photo: Christie's International

Pumpkin Key, Key Largo, Florida – 

$ 95 Million

What's not to like about owning an island in the Florida Keys? For $95 million you can get the keys to Pumpkin Key, a 26-acre private island in the Windex-blue waters of Card Sound Bay. While isolation on the island is all well and good, sometimes you want company. And here's the real draw of Pumpkin Key: It's a three-minute boat ride to Key Largo's chic Ocean Reef Club and all its amenities, like a landing strip for your private jet, a state-of-the-art spa, a supermarket, eight restaurants and an on-site medical center . Back on the island there is a three-bedroom main house, two caretaker's houses, a guest house and a tennis court. Photo: Sotheby's International

Villa l'Echaguette, Monaco –

$ 125 Million

From the roof terrace you can look at the superyachts in Monaco's famous Port Hercule harbour. Or on a weekend in May, get a look at race cars rocketing through the streets below during the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. Built in the 1860s, Villa l'Echauguette was once home to casino developer Francois Blanc, who helped transform once-sleepy Monte Carlo into the playground for the rich and famous that it is today. Perched on a cliff overlooking the harbour, this pink Belle Epoque villa offers an area of ​​8200 square meters over six floors; luckily there are two elevators. Inside there are six bedrooms, a spacious living room opening onto a large private terrace, a wine cellar, a skinny 22-metre swimming pool, a sauna, a guest apartment and a two-car garage. Photo: Sotheby's International

The ONE, Bel Air, California – 

$ 500 Million 

This is the first 'giga-mansion', and it is almost ready to live in! What that impressive sum will buy you is a 100.000-square-foot, 20-bedroom compound high above Bel Air on four acres, with spectacular 360-degree uninterrupted views. It is the creation of film producer turned prolific real estate developer Nile Niami and architect Paul McClean, who took seven years to build this ultimate spec home. Among its multitude of jaw-dropping features; a 5500-square-foot master suite, 30 bathrooms, a 30-car gallery, five swimming pools, a 36-seat movie theater, a six-lane bowling alley and, of course, a nightclub. Photo: Paul McClean