In March 2019, Bugatti unveiled its La Voiture Noire, a one-off hyper-luxury supercar, at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. It was swiftly swept up by an unnamed buyer for just under $19 million.
Nineteen million.
It was the most expensive new car ever sold, far surpassing the Rolls Royce Sweptail, which was commissioned for a mere $13 million two years earlier. While we’re big fans of Bugatti (See here for proof!), we do tend to prefer a few walls for our $19 million. A gourmet kitchen. A great place to entertain. Some amazing views. And a fab place to baby our chosen mode of transport, of course.
We examined the $19 million price range for this month’s look at Five Cities, scouring the nation for a look at what you can purchase at this elevated price point. Spoiler alert: The homes don’t disappoint. From a lofty San Fernando Valley villa to an Aspen contemporary to a historic Chicago manse, you can score a one-of-a-kind estate in your chosen city, and style, for under $20 million. And you should see the parking!
3431 Caribeth Drive
Encino, CA
7 Bedrooms
11 Baths
13,106 Square feet
A stately approach, immaculate design, an immense amount of space, and every amenity you could possibly want—this gated Italian villa manse wants for nothing, including a jaw-dropping view. Set high above the San Fernando Valley overlooking rooftops and twinkling lights, with a backdrop of undulating mountains, the estate is perched at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a 1.35-acre hillside lot. Views are equally dramatic throughout the home, with fine architectural details to match.
Perhaps no space is quite as enchanting as the expansive master suite, with intricate moldings, a romantic fireplace, and three sets of French doors that open out to one of the home’s many terraces and a jetliner view. This home also includes vast recreational space including a gym, indoor racquetball/basketball court, and a sauna, while the resort-style yard features a tennis court, a pool with waterfall, and more than 4,000 square feet of patio.
This home is listed for $19,995,000 by Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Beverly Hills.
5 Bedrooms
5 Baths with 3 partials
10,550 Square Feet
The clean lines, open floorplan, and huge windows of this Aspen contemporary would be a draw anywhere. Place the home in Red Mountain, also known as Billionaire Mountain, where it’s surrounded by mature trees and looking out onto snowy mountain peaks, and it really inspires.
The entertainment potential is immense with a main floor that comprises the chef’s kitchen, family room, and formal dining room, as well as the large living room. This gorgeous space features a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and immediate access to the outdoors through a disappearing wall of glass, where a fire feature dances at the base of the soaring mountains.
The luxe master suite is also on the main level. Slumber ensconced in the majesty of this natural splendor, with a wall of windows to invite nature in and a crackling fireplace for another layer of romantic bliss. Upstairs, the four guest suites, a gym, and media room are enhanced by a private pool terrace.
This home is listed for $19,950,000 by Carrie Wells of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate.
5 Bedrooms
5 Baths and 3 partials
7,461 Square Feet
Front row homes in this exclusive, 24-hour, guard-gated community don’t hit the market very often. This resort-inspired estate is the only oceanfront homes in the enclave currently available on the market, featuring three levels of unobstructed Pacific-view splendor.
Outdoor spaces revel in the splendor of the California Riviera, with an oceanfront entertaining area featuring a large spa and an expansive second-floor covered and heated terrace with fireplace. Interiors are refined with curved windows, wood beams, custom millwork, a professional-grade kitchen open to the living space, and a sumptuous top-floor master suite with a fireplace and private ocean-view deck.
On the main level, the formal living room, dining area, and chef’s kitchen afford everyday living with a vacation-style view, and the lower level incudes a gym, entertainment room, bar, and an ocean-view spa. This home also includes an elevator, and a golf cart port, as well as access to the private beach and all the resort amenities of this coveted coastal locale, such as the volleyball courts, tennis courts, Olympic-sized pool, and community clubhouse.
This home is listed for $19,800,000 by Rod Daley of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Newport Beach.
5330 Butterworth Rd
Mercer Island, WA.
5 Bedrooms
5 Baths and 3 partials
14,490 Square feet
Amenities including a lavish movie theater, a tea room, an indoor spa, a tap room, an enormous wine cellar, and yacht moorage will make you feel like you’re at a five-star resort. The coveted location on Mercer Island with access to Seattle but in a tranquil, natural setting cements the impression. Mercer Island’s preferred address has been home to business leaders, pro athletes, and entertainers (co-founder of Microsoft, Paul Allen; former chairman of Nintendo of America, Howard Lincoln; NBA Hall of famer, Bill Russell; comedian Joel McHale, to name a few).
The titan who purchases this estate will get a 14,490-square-foot floorplan that is flooded with light, loaded with glamorous details, and bursting with pro athlete-caliber amenities, including an indoor sport court, tennis court, and gym, plus an indoor spa, lush gardens, a huge wine room, and showy views extending out over the water to Mt. Ranier.
This home is listed for $18,888,000 by Wendy Lister and Christi Clark of Coldwell Banker BAIN.
915 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL.
6 Bedrooms
6 Baths and 1 partial
13,400 Square Feet
If historical grandeur, exquisite architectural details, and a remarkable location are your thing, you’ll be instantly entranced by this Gold Coast manse. Built in 1888 for attorney John H. Thompson and completely renovated, Thompson House is a stunning landmark home on Chicago’s Dearborn Street.
Crafted impeccably out of red rock, the Richardsonian Romanesque manse features an interior that is equally immaculate. Turkish Botticino marble flooring, silk wall coverings, coffered ceilings, an incredible stained glass dome, and highly detailed woodwork including mahogany paneling and hand-carved columns are but a few of the standout details. That stunning millwork was the starting point for a gut renovation that spanned nine years and restored the look of the home to its former grandeur, with an updated floorplan, state-of-the-art technology and smart home features, an elevator, a designer kitchen, and a commercial grade spa with a sauna and hot tub. The previously unfinished basement now reveals a bar and wine cellar.
This home is listed for $19,500,000 by Tatiana Miller and Dawn McKenna of Coldwell Banker Gold Coast.
