The Strangest Luxury Home Requests: From Gold-Plated Bathtubs to Underground Beaches

The Gold-Plated Bathtub – Because Regular Tubs Aren’t Enough

In the world of luxury, even a simple act like taking a bath can become an extravagant experience. For some of the wealthiest individuals, a bathtub isn't merely a place to get clean; it's a statement piece, often made from or plated with gold.

These bathtubs, crafted from 24-karat gold, can cost more than an average home, reaching into the millions. Imagine stepping into a tub that shimmers and glows, reflecting every light in the room.

Some models even come with built-in champagne chillers, ensuring that every bath is a celebration. It's said that a Saudi billionaire once commissioned an 18-karat gold bathtub valued at over $2 million, proving that for some, luxury knows no bounds.

Indoor Shark Tanks – A Billionaire’s Aquarium

For those who find regular fish tanks passé, indoor shark tanks offer a more exhilarating alternative. These behemoth aquariums can span entire walls, containing over 20,000 gallons of saltwater.

Constructed with industrial-grade glass, they house exotic sharks and rare marine life, turning a living room into an undersea adventure. Maintaining such a tank is no small feat; it requires the expertise of a full-time marine biologist.

A casino tycoon in Macau took this concept to the extreme, installing a three-story shark tank in the heart of his penthouse, making waves in the world of opulent aquariums.

Rooftop Helipads – For When Traffic Is Just Too Annoying

In bustling cities like New York, Dubai, and London, traffic can be a nightmare. For those who can't be bothered to wait, rooftop helipads provide a swift escape.

Some mansions feature helipads complete with hidden underground hangars for storage, while others boast heated landing pads to melt snow in colder climates. Obtaining the necessary permits can be a challenge, but for billionaires, no hurdle is too high.

One Beverly Hills billionaire even went so far as to construct a secret underground helipad, reminiscent of a James Bond villain's lair.

Secret Passageways & Hidden Rooms

The allure of mystery and intrigue is timeless, and for some, it's worth investing in secret passageways and hidden rooms. These architectural wonders come in the form of bookshelves that swing open, underground speakeasies, and even entire hidden floors.

Some homes feature panic rooms disguised as wine cellars, while others offer underground tunnels leading to guest houses. One tech billionaire designed a hidden underground nightclub accessible only by a password-protected elevator, turning his home into a playground for the elite.

Wine Cellars with Underground Rivers

For oenophiles with a taste for grandeur, a standard wine cellar simply won't suffice. Enter the underground wine cellar, complete with flowing rivers.

These custom-built spaces hold over 100,000 bottles and feature waterways that help control temperature and humidity. Some cellars even offer gondolas to navigate between wine racks, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient wine caves.

A Swiss billionaire took this concept to new heights by incorporating a natural underground spring into his wine cellar, blending luxury with nature.

Indoor Ski Slopes – Bring the Alps Home

Why travel to the mountains when you can bring them home? Some billionaires are installing full-size, climate-controlled ski slopes inside their residences.

These slopes, complete with advanced cooling and snow-making systems, allow for year-round skiing, even in tropical locations. Multi-story slopes with ski lifts transform homes into winter wonderlands.

A royal family in the Middle East made headlines by constructing an indoor ski mountain within their palace, defying the desert climate in which they reside.

Underground Private Beaches

For those who yearn for the beach but live far from the coast, underground private beaches offer a unique solution. These indoor paradises feature real sand, simulated waves, and adjustable weather conditions.

Artificial sunlight mimics the perfect beach day, while temperature-controlled ocean water provides the ultimate tropical escape. A billionaire in Dubai took this idea to the extreme, building an indoor beach villa that recreates the Maldives, offering a private, hurricane-proof sanctuary beneath the earth.

In-House Casinos – Vegas in the Living Room

For the gambling enthusiast, having a casino at home is the ultimate luxury. These private, full-scale casinos come complete with professional dealers, custom poker rooms, and VIP high-stakes areas.

Some even feature real casino chips and licensed game tables, ensuring an authentic experience. Hidden entrances provide exclusivity for ultra-elite guests, while in-home ATMs and vaults stocked with millions in cash keep the action flowing.

A billionaire in Macau crafted a Monte Carlo-style casino within his mansion, accessible only to his closest friends, bringing the thrill of Vegas into his living room.

A House That Rotates

In the realm of futuristic architecture, rotating houses offer a dynamic living experience. Some of these homes rotate 360 degrees, providing ever-changing scenic views that follow the sun throughout the day.

Controlled by artificial intelligence, they adjust based on weather and mood, offering a personalized environment. These homes can shift in real-time, so seamlessly that occupants might not even notice the movement.

A billionaire in Los Angeles built a rotating house that always faces the sunset, ensuring the perfect view at day's end. In the world of luxury, imagination is the only limit.

These extravagant requests showcase the lengths to which the ultra-wealthy will go to create homes that are not only comfortable but also awe-inspiring. Each feature, from gold-plated bathtubs to rotating houses, reflects a desire for uniqueness and an unparalleled living experience.