23 April 2015

Inside the £400million mansion in the sky

  • Boeing 747 can normally hold up to 600 people but this model was customised for a single ultra-wealthy tycoon
  • Digital images show how the interior is as luxurious as an expensive hotel room despite space constraints
  • The jumbo jet contains a master bedroom, 'aeroloft' with added sleeping space, and a large dining room
  • It is also kitted out for business with a conference room and office so the owner is never out of touch with work

These extraordinary images show how an enormous jumbo jet has been converted into a luxury home for a mystery billionaire - complete with bedrooms, multiple lounges and an onboard restaurant.
The custom-built Boeing 747 is believed to have cost its ultra-wealthy owner £400million after it was customised to fit his specifications exactly over a three-year period.
The jumbo jet would normally carry as many as 600 passengers - but this version was built for just a single tycoon, although he will be able to fit dozens of guests.
It contains a large dining room where travellers can enjoy meals cooked in an adjoining kitchen, with a lounge and 'state room' at the back of the plane.
More sleeping space is provided in the 'aeroloft' on the top deck of the vessel, with eight full beds for passengers who prefer to get some shut-eye on flights.

Luxury: This is the lounge on board a custom-built Boeing 747-8, as depicted in an artist's impression by Greenpoint Technologies
Luxury: This is the lounge on board a custom-built Boeing 747-8, as depicted in an artist's impression by Greenpoint Technologies
Shuteye: The master bedroom of the £400million plane has a huge bed as well as an armchair and sofa for when the owner needs to relax
Shuteye: The master bedroom of the £400million plane has a huge bed as well as an armchair and sofa for when the owner needs to relax
Business: The conference room of the plane could be perfect for meetings in the sky with its long table in the centre
Business: The conference room of the plane could be perfect for meetings in the sky with its long table in the centre
Chill-out: The lounge decor looks like a luxury hotel, belying its true location inside a plane similar to those used by commercial airlines
Chill-out: The lounge decor looks like a luxury hotel, belying its true location inside a plane similar to those used by commercial airlines
Executive: This room, which can be used as an office or a guest bedroom, gives a hint to its true location thanks to the porthole-style windows 
Executive: This room, which can be used as an office or a guest bedroom, gives a hint to its true location thanks to the porthole-style windows 
Kicking back: The main suite could easily be mistaken for a room in a top hotel thanks to its over-the-top decorations
Kicking back: The main suite could easily be mistaken for a room in a top hotel thanks to its over-the-top decorations
Restaurant: The central portion of the plane hosts a dining room which is attached to a kitchen, allowing the owner to make use of the services of a private chef
Restaurant: The central portion of the plane hosts a dining room which is attached to a kitchen, allowing the owner to make use of the services of a private chef
Shiny: The jumbo jet is one of the most luxurious private planes ever built, with the price tag believed to have reached a total of £400million
Shiny: The jumbo jet is one of the most luxurious private planes ever built, with the price tag believed to have reached a total of £400million
Sofa: Parts of the plane are set aside for guests to relax while watching television, as the vessel can carry several dozen passengers
Sofa: Parts of the plane are set aside for guests to relax while watching television, as the vessel can carry several dozen passengers
Plush: Another artist's impression of the main state room, which also contains a desk so the owner can switch between work and relaxation
Plush: Another artist's impression of the main state room, which also contains a desk so the owner can switch between work and relaxation
Welcoming: Images of the lounge show a space very different to the normal aeroplane cabin, with the traditional rows of seats completely discarded in favour of a hotel-like ambience
Welcoming: Images of the lounge show a space very different to the normal aeroplane cabin, with the traditional rows of seats completely discarded in favour of a hotel-like ambience
Exclusive: Few people can ever imagine flying in this sort of luxury - far more glitzy than first class on commercial flights
Exclusive: Few people can ever imagine flying in this sort of luxury - far more glitzy than first class on commercial flights
Plan: The layout of the Boeing 747 is shown in this plan published by Greenpoint Technologies
Plan: The layout of the Boeing 747 is shown in this plan published by Greenpoint Technologies
Gigantic: The luxury interior has been built inside a Boeing 747-8 similar to this one, which can hold up to 600 passengers
Gigantic: The luxury interior has been built inside a Boeing 747-8 similar to this one, which can hold up to 600 passengers

Portable islands, a Grand Prix track and a (miniature) Monaco: Rise of the unbelievably opulent mega-yacht

  • Superyachts are rising steadily in popularity, with figures showing that 412 were purchased last year alone
  • As the demand increases, designers of these epic vessels are just getting more and more creative
  • From floating island-inspired clubs to sleek aluminum models fit for a Bond Villain, it seems the sky is the limit
Figures released by Forbes earlier this year show that sales of the mega-vessels have more than doubled in the past five years, with 412 purchased by the end of 2014 alone.
With the rich only getting richer, the designs of these gargantuan offerings are likewise only getting more sophisticated, carrying their own portable islands, garages for sports cars and submarines and even recreating cities on the sea. It seems the sky is your limit, if you have the cash to splash.

The Pastrovich Studio's X R-Evolution model looks as though it was inspired by the over-water villas found in the Maldives
The Pastrovich Studio's X R-Evolution model looks as though it was inspired by the over-water villas found in the Maldives

With such luxurious offerings as detachable plunge pools, which can be anchored closer to a shore of your choosing, to a £244million boat, which has been designed as a to-scale replica of the city-state of Monaco, it seems as though the sky is the limit when it comes to the superyacht designs of the future.
MailOnline Travel looks at some of the most surreal renderings below. 
X R-Evolution
This Pastrovich Studio-designed masterpiece looks as though it was inspired by a Maldivian over-water villa.
The 77m long vessel boasts two separate platforms, which are tethered together and float behind the yacht.

If your guests would like a bit more privacy, it is possible for the plunge pool 'island' and other platforms to 'break off' from the mother ship and drop anchor closer to a sandy beach shore.
This floating hotel is essentially several private villas, designed to accommodate 40 different crew members. Though with all the different configuration possibilities, there's a good chance that you may never see them.

Meanwhile, the design firm's 92m Beach Club offering is outfitted with several towering palm trees, and a large central pool
Meanwhile, the design firm's 92m Beach Club offering is outfitted with several towering palm trees, and a large central pool

Beach Club

Those looking for a truly island-inspired escape will undoubtedly enjoy the 92m Beach Club yacht from the same design firm.
The main deck features six towering palm trees, which surround the pool and its loungers.
Two shaded decks overlook the tropical paradise below, where circular sun beds and several dining tables can accommodate many large gatherings.
Inside, the interiors are in line with such a breezy, island aesthetic and include billowing linen curtains and crisp white couches
Inside, the interiors are in line with such a breezy, island aesthetic and include billowing linen curtains and crisp white couches
The deck has several tiers and include several formal dining options, as well as deck chairs circled around an open fire pit
The deck has several tiers and include several formal dining options, as well as deck chairs circled around an open fire pit

Inside, the interiors are similarly rustic-chic, with plenty of linen curtains blowing in the sea breeze and comfortable white sofas alongside wicker accessories.
On the third deck, a circle of folding deck chairs surround an open fire pit, creating a beach-like atmosphere in the middle of the ocean.
Who needs to pay a visit to an oceanfront resort when you have your very own multi-million pound floating beach club?
The sleek Sveti design looks as though it was tailor made for a Bond villain - right down to the futuristic rooftop heli-pad
The sleek Sveti design looks as though it was tailor made for a Bond villain - right down to the futuristic rooftop heli-pad

Sveti

Straight out of a film, the Pastrovich Studio designed Sveti is the type of yacht that a James Bond villain would undoubtedly feel at home on.
The 150m offering is as futuristic as they come, easily accommodating a helipad, as well as storage for several smaller speed boats and jet skis.
On the main deck, there are several plunge pools surrounded by sun loungers, as well as an upper-level terrace overlooking the common areas below.
Though superyachts may traditionally be considered a toy preferred by male millionaires, La Belle is designed with the fairer sex in mind
Though superyachts may traditionally be considered a toy preferred by male millionaires, La Belle is designed with the fairer sex in mind

La Belle

The first of its kind, this Lidia Bersani Luxury Design crafted superyacht is especially for women.
Just look to the 262ft ship's Swarovski crystal chandeliers, opulent gold mosaics and over-the-top ice fountains to see how the design firm has customised what is usually considered to be a toy for a male millionaire to that of the high-spending fairer sex.
Decorated with fur, flowers and plenty of additional feminine detailing, the yacht is meant to evoke a 'romantic and warm' aesthetic. 
The 262ft ship was crafted by Lidia Bersani Luxury Design and boasts plenty of feminine touches, including gold and crystal accents
The 262ft ship was crafted by Lidia Bersani Luxury Design and boasts plenty of feminine touches, including gold and crystal accents

Six deluxe cabins, which are all decorated in the same ivory and gold hues, sleep 12 guests, though it's the master cabin that's the most decadent.
Outfitted with a round king size double bed and baldachin canopy, the suite also offers a separate private terrace.
True to its target demographic, the massive yacht is also tricked out with a state-of-the-art spa area, complete with hydromassage pool, hamman, and infrared sauna, as well as a beauty centre, disco club, theatre and several bars.  
A superyacht of the future, the 'Streets of Monaco' design is quite literally nothing short of a floating city-state
A superyacht of the future, the 'Streets of Monaco' design is quite literally nothing short of a floating city-state

'The Streets of Monaco'

This superyacht of the future is nothing short of a floating city.
Designs for the gargantuan £244 million boat were unveiled earlier this year and are complete with many key landmarks of the wealthy principality, including the iconic Hotel de Paris. 
And if that's not enough for the super ship's potential playboy owners, there's also a go kart race track that replicates that of the Grand Prix.
With a price tag of £244 million, the mega-boat features all of the key landmarks of the wealthy principality - scaled to size
With a price tag of £244 million, the mega-boat features all of the key landmarks of the wealthy principality - scaled to size
While its interiors are similarly luxe, it's perhaps the replica F1 Grand Prix go karting race track that's the most over-the-top feature
While its interiors are similarly luxe, it's perhaps the replica F1 Grand Prix go karting race track that's the most over-the-top feature

Rob McPherson, one of the founders of the project told the Daily Mail: 'The idea was to recreate the circuit as a fully-functional kart track able to accommodate three karts side-by-side to allow for plenty of overtaking. 
'By sizing the track in this way it has driven the overall dimensions of the yacht and the placement of the famous landmarks.' 
And, of course, there's also a helipad, mini submarine, speedboats, jet skis, swimming pools and Jacuzzis on board the mega boat, which accommodates 16 guests and sleeps a staff of 70.
Milan-based designer, Federico Fiorentino, recently unveiled The Belafonte, which can only be described a superyacht on steroids
Milan-based designer, Federico Fiorentino, recently unveiled The Belafonte, which can only be described a superyacht on steroids

The Belafonte

At the end of last year, Italian designer, Federico Fiorentino, revealed a new luxury vessel, called The Belafonte, that is essentially a floating playground for billionaires.
A superyacht on steroids, the striking bronze exterior can be spotted miles away as it catches the sun's reflection off of the sea.
The 164ft aluminum boat has three decks for lounging and five cabins, including a 900 square foot owner's suite with separate studio, balcony, walk-in closets and two bathrooms. 
Tony Castro's Explorer has been dubbed the 'Range Rover of the Seas' due to all of its luxurious extras
Tony Castro's Explorer has been dubbed the 'Range Rover of the Seas' due to all of its luxurious extras

Explorer

Dubbed the 'Range Rover of the Seas,' British designer Tony Castro's latest £29m superyacht comes with all the bells and whistles.
Among the luxurious extras, the mega-boat boasts a cinema, wine cellar, gym, sauna and beach club with infinity pool on board.
For the ulta-rich, travelling with all of their costly toys, there's also space on the Explorer to house a submarine, several luxury sports cars and jetskis.
And, of course, there is an upper-deck helipad to accommodate a luxurious private transfer.
Not only is there an on-board cinema and wine cellar, but the stunning infinity pool on the boat's stern is actually two decks deep
Not only is there an on-board cinema and wine cellar, but the stunning infinity pool on the boat's stern is actually two decks deep
To accommodate the ultra-rich and their costly toys, there is also ample storage space for a submarine, luxury sports cars and jet skis
To accommodate the ultra-rich and their costly toys, there is also ample storage space for a submarine, luxury sports cars and jet skis

The stunning infinity pool, which looks even more incredible during sunset, is two decks deep, offering stunning views from the boat's stern.
Ample lounge space, as well as a luxurious master cabin and four other double cabins, can accommodate up to 12 guests and a crew of 15.
Best of all, wooden areas jut out into the sea, with ladders down, so that guests can take a dip to cool off whenever they wish. 
The £390 million Azzam superyacht departed on its maiden voyage in 2013 as the largest private yacht in the world
The £390 million Azzam superyacht departed on its maiden voyage in 2013 as the largest private yacht in the world

Azzam 

Owned by the president of the UAE, the £390 million Azzam, departed on its maiden voyage in 2013 as the largest private yacht in the world.
Measuring in at 590 feet, the equivalent of 12 double-decker buses parked end to end, the Azzam is actually 57 feet longer than Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's impressive superyacht, Eclipse.
Inside, there's an expansive open-plan salon designed by French interior designer, Christophe Leoni, in a turn-of-the-century, Empire aesthetic. 
Such a superyacht of the future is actually so large that most of the world's marinas will struggle to accommodate it - not surprising considering it houses a cinema, conference facilities, beauty salon, swimming pool and sauna, and can sleep 36 guests.
Facheris Designs has just put the finishing touches on this rendering of their sleek and stylish Maximus 300 gigayacht
Facheris Designs has just put the finishing touches on this rendering of their sleek and stylish Maximus 300 gigayacht

Maximus 300

Sleek and stylish, this rendering from Facheris Designs is as far from the stereotypical 'wedding cake' superyacht structure as possible.
Balancing efficiency and extravagance, the chrome colouring adds are particular futuristic feel to this model.
With ample deck space, the mega-yacht is able to accommodate a helicopter landing, and, because you can walk from the stern to the bow in open air, there are some breathtaking views to be had.
With a minimalist aesthetic that is both efficient and extravagant, this chrome-accented offering has a particularly futuristic feel
With a minimalist aesthetic that is both efficient and extravagant, this chrome-accented offering has a particularly futuristic feel
Though the boat measures 100m, the entire design is actually very environmentally conscious, using a diesel-electric propulsion system
Though the boat measures 100m, the entire design is actually very environmentally conscious, using a diesel-electric propulsion system

And though it may be hard to believe, considering that the boat measures 100 metres in length, the entire design is actually extremely environmentally conscious.  
It's powered by a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system and a solar-energy panel has been integrated into the design.
Five private residences, which each measure from 400 to 800 square feet and come with their own personal gym, can accommodate up to 10 guests.
But it's the main deck that's truly the focal point of the superstructure, boasting an infinity pool, outdoor theatre and a full five-star restaurant with all the fixings. 

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