It was reported this summer that the most expensive house ever sold is found in France’s Côte d’Azur and that it was bought by a Russian millionaire. The price was 500 million euros (close to 650 million US dollars), and the mansion is isolated by 20 acres of trees.

For those who prefer urban settings and have some extra millions in their pocket, there is a much better bargain in Lisbon! A private 17th century palace in the historical Alfama neighborhood is selling for just 12 million euros (around 15 million dollars).

It has an austere or discreet façade and stands right next to São Vicente Monastery (from where you get a partial view of the gardens as pictured above). It has been the setting of parties and meetings for high society over the centuries, and was fully renovated in 2000.

I have been inside and the ornate ceiling frescos, tiled walls, and lavish furnishings can feel a little intimidating, although I could easily picture turning the library into my office and that modern indoor pool does look tempting. Still, 700 square meters of museum-looking space is not my ideal living environment and I predict the building will end up being sold to serve as an embassy or to be rented for special events.

But if that sounds like your dream home, remember that the price is 12 million euros, take it or leave it. Offers of 9 and 10 million euros have been made, but for the current owners that price is just not right.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 at 12:58 pm and is filed under Alfama. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.