It is beyond any doubt that the rich and famous live in homes?that look more like castles ¡ª and sometimes are ¡ª in the most?exclusive and coveted neighbourhoods?in the world.?
So it's only fair that someone like Mukesh Ambani, India's richest person?and one of the world's?10 richest billionaires?overall,?lives like royalty in mansions with amenities that might make real royalty blush.?
His Mumbai residence, referred to as Antilia, is a modern marvel and is counted as among one of the most expensive homes in the world. If reports are anything to go by, the property costs a whopping $2 billion.?
Earlier this year, Reliance Industries chairman added another stunning property to his collection when he invested?$79 million in an?iconic British estate - Stoke Park.?
While the Ambanis have quashed rumours of them moving to London, the purchase of heritage property is said to be aimed at enhancing it as a premier golfing and sporting resort.
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), in a statement on Friday, said that the acquisition will add to the fast-growing consumer business of the group. "Simultaneously, it will also expand the footprint of India's famed hospitality industry globally,"? it said.?
Stoke Park, is a historic estate that sits on 120 hectares (300 acres) of parkland and gardens in the English countryside, about 40km (25 miles) outside London.? ?
Ambani bought the estate from the King brothers ¨C Chester, Hertford and Witney ¨C who have owned the estate through their family business, International Group, since 1988.?
The Ambanis are already planning certain additions to the property and have decided to incorporate a medical centre, inside the premises, like a mini-hospital, Mid-Day reported. The family is also close to negotiating another deal for a hospital in the UK.?
According to various reports,?there are two private hospitals that the team has settled on, one of which is a boutique hospital and the other is under construction.??
Fancy is no word to describe Stoke Park in London's Buckinghamshire. The 300-acre mansion is every bit of luxury, and it was in April that Mr Ambani acquired the Rs 592-crore property.
The property includes a five-star hotel, three restaurants and lounges, a spa and gym, 13 tennis courts and a 27-hole championship golf course, South China Morning Post reported.?
This luxurious property in Buckinghamshire is frequented by the British elite and global superstars from cinema, sport and royalty apart from being a popular movie shooting spot.
Stoke Park has an esteemed history that dates back more than 900 years. However, most of the current estate was developed by a soldier and scholar named John Penn from 1790 to 1813.
It was?used as a private residence until 1908, when author and sports administrator Nick Lane Jackson bought the estate and turned it into Britain's first country club, according to the estate's official website.??
The property is famous for serving as a filming location for two James Bond films: 1964's "Goldfinger" and 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies."
Stoke Park's five-star hotel has 49 rooms and suites.?The hotel has three restaurants and lounges, including Humphry's fine dining and a coffee shop called San Marco.
Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea at the Orangery. Other notable facilities include a spa with steam rooms and a jacuzzi, as well as a 4,000 sq ft fitness centre.??