


Castles have acted as military fortresses and home to royal families for centuries. Some meet the stereotypical gothic image of a castle, but others are more unusual because of the period or country in which they were built. This list of jaw-dropping castles from around the globe includes the largest ancient castle in the world and Dracula’s humble abode.
Artificial floating islands exist in locations all over the world. Some of them are used by militaries or corporations – others are beautiful creations specifically designed for pleasure. From the United States to India, to Japan, there are some truly remarkable feats of architecture on some of these man-made archipelagos. Continue on for a closer look at some of the world’s most impressive man-made islands.
Many cities in the United States receive millions of tourists a year. The crowds drive up prices, make public transportation unpleasant and altogether can ruin a vacation. Beat the crowds and get more bang for your buck by visiting one of these six lesser-known cities in the country.
Ellen Degeneres snagged this Tudor-style mansion formerly owned by Maroon 5 lead vocalist Adam Levine for a cool $45 million in 2019. The home is massive and has a history of celebrity owners, including Will & Grace co-creator Max Mutchnick and tennis legend Pete Sampras. Continue on for more photos of this gorgeous real estate gem.
Concealed from the road in Berlin, New Jersey is a $1.75 million home dubbed the “Valley House.” At first glance, the 6,500-square-foot abode doesn’t seem overly special. However, it has a rather colorful past: serving as a hideout for the notorious gangster Al Capone. Take a step inside Scarface’s former refuge from the law, with a design so dated it’s almost frozen in time.
This Bel-Air mansion set a record for being the most expensive home ever sold in California at a whopping $150 million. Some may recognize this sprawling 25,000-square-foot estate from the 1960s sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies.” The beautiful chateau sits on 10 acres of land and features a Gatsby-esque ballroom, multiple entertaining areas, a parking garage and a custom wine vault meant to hold 12,000 bottles. Continue on to view photos of the most expensive home ever sold in California.
The “Wolf of Wall Street” Jordan Belfort, the real-life stockbroker portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2013 film, led his lavish lifestyle at an 8,706-square-foot mansion in Old Brookville, Long Island. After being seized by the government to pay back some of the millions that were owned to Belfort's fraud victims, it was sold in 2001. The 8,706 square foot home has been transformed by the current owners. There are five bedrooms, six baths, a two-story foyer, a sunken living room, and a billiards room with a walk-in wet bar. Outside, there is a pool, a pond, and multiple terraces.
Lil' Wayne’s newest residence is situated in the gated and secured Hidden Hills community in the San Fernando Valley. He made the purchase after spending most of 2020 in a rented property in the Hollywood Hills. The nucleus of the sprawling property is a 12,000-square-foot mansion flanked by a swimming pool, basketball court and a guest house. Continue for photos of Lil' Wayne’s new Hidden Hills home, where he’ll be neighbors with the likes of Kylie Jenner, Dwyane Wade and his former protege, Drake.