Endless Acres: 14 of the Biggest Properties in America

Despite its ever-changing monikers—over the years, the castle has been called Hearst Castle, La Cuesta Encantada ("The Enchanted Hill"), and The Ranch—the impressive acreage and architectural scale of this property has endured. The 90,000-square-foot estate, the dream and life's project of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, comprises the Mediterranean-style Casa Grande and three guest houses, which sit on a 127-acre landscape complete with gardens, pools, and even a private zoo.

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A single parcel of land wasn't enough to contain this 6,500-square-foot abode, its 12,000-square-foot car showroom, and its 2,200-square-foot landing strip—which is why the property spans a whopping 47 parcels totaling 525 acres. The grounds of the five-bedroom, five-bathroom luxury home feature eight miles of bridle paths and hiking trails, scenic bridges, and tranquil waterfalls. With more than 3,000 trees and hundreds of species of flowers and shrubs, the estate is an ecosystem unto itself.

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Cabin fever is unlikely to set in at the 41,318-square-foot Elk Mountain Lodge. Spanning four land parcels on 82 verdant acres, the rustic retreat offers plenty of room for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, fish the two trout ponds, or take in views of scenic Castle Creek Valley. Those who prefer to stay within the cushy confines of four walls will love the 14,987-square-foot rustic main house and three adjacent single-family dwellings.

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If you're exploring the tranquil lagoon of Biscayne Bay, it's hard to miss this imposing structure, the former home of industrialist James Deering. Dubbed "Villa Vizcaya" after the northern Spanish province of Vizcaya, the deluxe estate integrates elements of Mediterranean Revival architectural throughout its 38,000-square-foot main house, from a spotless stucco facade to a radiant red-tiled roof. The main house and formal garden now sit on 50 acres, although the property extended to 180 acres before a portion was sold off.

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Passersby won't spy this postcard-worthy property from the main road, thanks to its hidden location on a private 350-acre lot within the Grand River Ranch community. The main house is connected by bridges to a master suite on one side and a guesthouse on the other, which together create a 24,000-square-foot mansion that could host a small town within its walls. The tranquil waterfalls and streams that fill the grounds offer ample natural splendor, while the nearby Rocky Mountains spoil residents with even more breathtaking beauty.

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Redwood, glass, and marble join forces to achieve this architectural masterpiece in Rancho Santa Fe. The 8,148-square-foot Del Dios Ranch has 61 private acres to its name, giving residents a sprawling hilltop observation area overlooking San Diego County.

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The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was built in the early 20th century for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company founder F. A. Seiberling. The 64,500-square-foot Tudor Revival estate as well as the surrounding 70 acres and a collection of contrasting gardens reflects the titanic presence of the home's former resident. The property is now a house museum and National Historic Landmark, open to visitors eager to experience its opulence and learn about its past. 

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