The world’s most expensive home for €99m
Prince Bandar bin Sultan put his Aspen, Colorado, ranch on the market nine months ago for $135 million (€99 million).
At 5,200sq metres, Hala is bigger than the White House and has a staff of 12.
Set on a 95-acre estate it boasts 15 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a children’s wing, swimming pool, car wash, tennis courts and its own cross-country ski trails.
There is also a private barbershop and beauty salon just off the master suite and enough space for a party of 450 people.
Many of the huge rooms overlook Aspen Valley and nearby mountains.
Dark, gleaming wood beams, pale plaster walls and television screens dominate the decor.
The basement kitchen is the domain of professional chefs and rows of hanging pots.
Not everybody can get a look at the house. The prince — who has been accused of accepting $2 billion in bribes from Europe’s biggest defence firm, BAE Systems — has so far only allowed 11 potential buyers inside.
It’s not as if there’s been a lack of interest. About 1,000 people have asked to see Hala, which means “welcome” in Arabic.
Estate agent Joshua Saslove says he, along with the prince’s team of lawyers, stringently vet every prospective buyer.
These are not members of the nouveau riche. Mr Saslove said most come from families that made fortunes at least a generation ago. However, he would not give any hints as to who has been is interested in the property.
“There are a lot of stories that go along with it but in the interest of privacy and confidentially, I can’t talk about it,” said Mr Saslove.
He said people like Prince Bandar helped establish the Aspen style of family, culture, art and wealth.
Prince Bandar, who was Saudi ambassador to the US for 22 years until 2005, but now spends little time in the America, denies accepting bribes.
The cash was allegedly in relation to the Al Yamamah arms contract, under which BAE sold Saudi Arabia Tornado jets and other military equipment and services.
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