This Qatari royal bought an European villa for $395 million, bigger than Vatican City. The Sardinian estate features 126 rooms, remote-controlled erupting volcano, secret cave to hide from drones and more
ALSO READ: Archaeologists open 2,300-year-old bronze bottle in China; There was still beer in it.
Reportedly worth €350 million (about $395 million), the deal attracted global attention not only because of the property’s staggering price tag, but also because of its remarkable and stunning features. The property includes an artificial volcano, an underground sea cave, seven swimming pools, 126 rooms, botanical gardens larger than the Vatican City, as well as a secret cave to hide from drones.
ALSO READ: Cause of death of Jayden Adams
Here’s everything you need to know about the billionaire buyer and the Mediterranean’s most talked-about mansion.
Who is Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani?
Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, known worldwide by his initials HBJ, is one of the richest members of the Qatari royal family.
The 66-year-old billionaire previously served as Prime Minister of Qatar and also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He later became chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country’s sovereign wealth fund responsible for investing billions of dollars around the world.
According to Forbes, Sheikh Hamad’s personal wealth is estimated at approximately $5 billion, making him one of the richest royal figures in the Middle East. Over the years, he has built an impressive portfolio of luxury real estate, hotels and international investments.
HBJ buys Villa Certosa for $395 million
According to Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, Sheikh Hamad purchased Villa Certosa for approximately €350 million ($395 million). The property was originally listed for €500 million ($571 million) before the asking price was reduced.
Despite negotiations for a lower purchase price, the property remains among the most expensive private homes in Europe.
A luxury property that costs millions every year
Buying Villa Certosa is only a fraction of the cost. The property reportedly requires around €8 million a year just to operate and maintain it.
Ongoing expenses include:
- Approximately 1.3 million euros in annual electricity bills
- Mortgage of 94 million euros
- Maintenance of a special desalination plant that supplies water to the land
- Personnel responsible for the maintenance of buildings, gardens and guest villas
Bigger than Vatican City
Located on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, Villa Certosa is larger than the Vatican City, spanning approximately 120 hectares. The land is roughly equal to 83 football fields.
The main mansion alone covers an area of 4,500 square meters and has 126 rooms. Designed by renowned Italian architect Gianni Gamondi, the property also includes guest houses, greenhouses and numerous private villas spread across the enormous grounds.
Inside Villa Certosa: Seven pools, secret cave and artificial volcano
During Silvio Berlusconi’s ownership, Villa Certosa became internationally renowned for its extraordinary luxury.
The property includes:
- Seven swimming pools
- a football field
- tennis courts
- bocce courts
- private golf course
- luxury spa
- Greek style amphitheater
- Helipad
One of the standout attractions is the thalassotherapy complex, which includes five interconnected seawater pools designed for wellness and relaxation.
The site also features two artificial lakes (Palm Lake and Bio Lake), complete with floating islands, swans, and even a floating tiki bar.
There’s even a secret underground cave on site
Among Villa Certosa’s most unusual features is a secret cave carved into the coastline.
Guests will reportedly be able to arrive by boat through an underground tunnel that will allow them to enter the property without attracting the attention of photographers or unwanted attention.
During Berlusconi’s ownership, the property also gained an anti-nuclear bunker designed as a safe haven beneath the property.
Adding to its uniqueness, there is also an artificial volcano equipped with mechanical effects that can simulate realistic volcanic eruptions.
A botanical paradise with thousands of rare plants
Villa Certosa is much more than a luxury mansion.
It also functions as one of Italy’s most impressive private botanical gardens.
Features of the property:
- Approximately 2,100 succulents in 500 species
- Nearly 1,200 palm trees
- Approximately 5,000 hibiscus plants representing 850 varieties
- Approximately 800 citrus trees of 160 species
- About 150 ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane
Maintaining the landscape requires a permanent workforce dedicated to caring for the thousands of rare plants on the property.
What will Sheikh Hamad do with Villa Certosa?
Unlike its previous owner, Sheikh Hamad does not intend to use Villa Certosa solely as a private residence.
Hospitality company Constellation Hotels has a number of luxury hotels and landmark properties across Europe.
Current plans reportedly include turning Villa Certosa into a high-end luxury resort, allowing wealthy travelers to experience one of Europe’s most iconic properties.
If completed, the project will open a property once reserved for political leaders, celebrities and royalty to paying guests.
