America's Highest-Priced Home Sale in Bel Air: Is It Worth It?

The owner was asking a lot, and the buyer paid plenty. The end result? The most expensive residential real estate sale in the U.S. so far this year.

A 48,000-square foot, hilltop mega-mansion in Bel Air, Calif., has closed for more than $46.5 million (the previous record held by the Bootjack Ranch in Colorado). According to listing real estate agent Stacy Gottula, Coldwell Banker Previews, Beverly Hills, the sale has been completed. However, confidentiality agreements prevent Gottula, the co-listing agent Joyce Rey or the seller from disclosing the exact price or buyer for the home, which was listed at $72 million.

Built by developer Mohamed Hadid, Le Belvedere was designed to resemble a French chateau and comes with architectural details, finishes and amenities expected in a castle fit for royalty. Hadid has built numerous other opulent structures over his 30-year career, from Ritz-Carlton hotels to other luxury homes, including the Holmby Hills estate that Michael Jackson was renting when he died.

"The buyer can walk-in and their lifestyle starts," says Hadid of the unique home that was sold completely furnished. On the market for more than a year (and originally listed at $85 million), the deal took more than six months to close, not unusual for ultra-high-priced estates.

But what does one get when they spend more than anyone else in the country?