To put into perspective what “big” means when we talk about the biggest houses in the world, consider the White House—presidential, yes, but at a mere 55,000 square feet, it’s not nearly palatial enough to make the list. Hearst Castle? The legendary San Simeon, California, home of William Randolph Hearst has 38 bedrooms, 42 bathrooms, and 30 fireplaces—and yet, you could fit 445 Hearst Castles inside the staggeringly sizable house that’s number one on this list.
So what are the expansive abodes that make America’s legendary mansions look pint-size in comparison? Though not all private residences anymore, they include homes of maharajas, popes, and presidents; 15th-century structures; and 21st-century skyscrapers. Some of them we can only read about and imagine, others are open for tours, and a couple are even available for overnight stays. Below, the 11 biggest houses in the world.