Vijay Mallya’s Extravagant Real Estate Portfolio, From Trump Plaza, English Estates To “The White House In The Sky”; Here’s A Peek Into The Lavish Homes Of The Controversial “King Of Good Times”

Vijay Mallya, once the symbol of opulence and now a figure shrouded in controversy, has indulged in the luxury lifestyle afforded by immense wealth, boasting possessions like a superyacht, private jet, customized Boeing 727, and extravagant homes worldwide.

One of these residences, among the most remarkable encountered, sits atop a skyscraper and has earned the nickname ‘White House in the sky’. However, whether Mallya can continue to relish these luxuries remains uncertain, as he faces allegations and legal challenges back home.

Vijay Mallya amassed his riches primarily through liquor ventures like United Spirits and UB Spirits before venturing into Formula 1 with the launch of the Force India team in 2008. His current net worth is debated, ranging from an estimated US\$1.1 billion (₹90 billion).

The Indian government has sold Mallya’s properties, including luxury homes, sports cars, and a cricket team, to pay off his debts.

Once celebrated as the ‘King of Good Times’ for his flashy lifestyle, Mallya’s fortune began to dwindle after his aviation enterprise, Kingfisher Airlines, collapsed in 2012, leaving significant debts.

Fleeing to the UK in 2016, he encountered further setbacks, including the loss of his F1 team. Facing extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering, Mallya was declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019 and sentenced to jail in absentia in 2022.

The Grandeous
At the pinnacle of his property portfolio lies a controversial $20 million mansion atop a 400-foot skyscraper, a replica of the White House.

This extravagant residence in Bengaluru crowns the Kingfisher Towers, a project developed on the site of his ancestral home. Mallya shares ownership of the 34-story towers, which feature 81 premium apartment units.

However, positioned at the summit is his White House replica, boasting exclusive amenities like a helipad, wine cellar, gardens, salon, gym, and pools, all commanding panoramic city views. Spread across two levels, the mansion is reportedly segregated from other units, complete with dedicated elevators for Mallya’s use.

Despite its grandeur, reports suggest Mallya has yet to set foot in his mansion, whose construction coincided with his financial downfall.

Indeed, Mallya has crafted for himself a lavish penthouse that defies conventional expectations. Rumored to draw inspiration from the iconic White House in Washington, DC, Mallya’s mansion is equipped with two private elevators for discreet access.

According to Coldwell Banker, the penthouse maintains complete separation from other units within the tower, ensuring Mallya’s privacy.

However, the property’s reported price tag of $20 million (£15.6m) has stirred considerable controversy, particularly in light of Mallya’s alleged financial troubles and mounting debts.

Vijay Mallya’s Californian Mega-Mansion
Back in 1994, Mallya made a substantial investment, shelling out $1.2 million (£967k) for a sprawling but unfinished residence nestled in Sausalito, an affluent coastal enclave just north of San Francisco.

It’s rumoured that he poured a considerable sum, exceeding the initial purchase price, into refurbishing the property – and the results are nothing short of spectacular – boasting seven bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, this opulent Mediterranean-style abode epitomizes luxury living, offering an array of amenities fit for a billionaire’s lifestyle.

Alongside its gleaming swimming pool, spa, and sauna, the mansion features a meticulously controlled wine cellar capable of housing 2,000 bottles, complemented by a library complete with its own wet bar.

Adorned with masterpieces from the likes of Picasso, Chagall, and Renoir, and filled with an assortment of antiques, including a prized 1872 Steinway piano, the residence exudes sophistication and refinement.

However, Mallya’s ownership of the mansion hit a snag when he defaulted on his payments, jeopardizing the status of what stands as the largest single-family home in Sausalito.

As a result, the property has been listed for sale at a staggering $16.8 million (£13.6m).
Touted as an “elegant European palace” in its listing, the nearly 11,000-square-foot estate initially debuted on the market in 2021 with an asking price of $22.5 million (£18.1m) but has since undergone several price reductions in attempts to entice potential buyers.

Inside, the residence boasts exquisite features such as Italian marble flooring, intricately carved wood and gilded columns, white marble window arches, and hand-painted ceilings, creating an ambiance of grandeur and sophistication.

Vijay Mallya’s London Home
In 2007, well before his relocation to the UK became permanent, Mallya acquired a property in Cornwall Terrace, a prestigious address nestled alongside Regent’s Park in London. Dating back to 1823, this historic residence is purportedly occupied by Mallya’s son and elderly mother.

However, like many of his real estate holdings, this Grade I-listed gem has faced its fair share of challenges.

In 2012, Mallya leveraged the property as collateral for a $25 million (£20.4m) loan from UBS, a debt he ultimately defaulted on.
Subsequently, in 2021, UBS pursued legal action against Mallya, seeking possession of the home, and the following year secured a court order to evict him, as reported in the media.

Despite Mallya’s assets being frozen, his family was able to access trust funds established in their name in the Bahamas, allowing them to settle the outstanding loan and safeguard the London property – at least for the time being.

While specifics regarding whether the property is a townhouse or an apartment remain unclear, its value is estimated to be in the millions.

Designed by Decimus Burton under the guidance of John Nash, illustrious architects renowned for their contributions to Georgian and Regency architecture, this six-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence elsewhere on Cornwall Terrace is currently listed for £25 million ($31m).

Vijay Mallya’s $100m Superyacht
Adding to his extravagant acquisitions, Mallya procured a majestic superyacht in 2006, estimated at a staggering $100 million (£80.7m) by Superyacht Fan.

Originally christened Al Mirqab in honor of the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mallya rechristened it Indian Empress, this 311-foot vessel boasts accommodation for 32 guests and a crew of 42, ensuring every desire is catered to.

Its master suite spans an entire deck, complemented by amenities like a gym, sauna, and steam room.

However, in a twist, the opulent vessel was sold in a 2018 auction mandated by a Maltese Court due to Mallya’s outstanding debts.

In addition to this gem, Mallya was also the previous owner of the yacht Kalizma, once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in the 1960s.

Vijay Mallya’s French Retreat
Following the acquisition of his superyacht, Mallya sought an idyllic retreat and in 2008, purchased Le Grand Jardin, a 13th-century estate situated on a UNESCO-protected island in the French Riviera.

This historic property, once inhabited by King Louis XIV and the 15th-century Dukes of Guise, has a storied past, including hosting the infamous ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ during Louis XIV’s reign and serving as a grazing ground for Napoleon’s horses.

Acquired for €27 million ($28.8m/£23.2m) with the assistance of a loan, the estate boasts 17 bedrooms, a cinema, private helipad, and even a nightclub, exuding regal splendor.

However, Mallya encountered financial setbacks once again, defaulting on the loan, leading to legal action by Qatar National Bank in 2020.

During the ensuing trial, the bank alleged neglect and mismanagement of the property, resulting in its depreciation. A Knight Frank inspection revealed a €10 million ($10.7m/£8.6m) decline in its value.

Subsequently, in 2020, Mallya sold Le Grand Jardin and sought access to the proceeds to cover mounting legal expenses through the UK High Court.

Forbes reports that the property is now overseen by Swiss real estate firm Ultima Capital, restored to its original glory based on historical blueprints and open for holiday rentals.

However, luxury comes at a price, with a week’s stay in July commanding a staggering $303,000 (£245k). With twelve elegantly refurbished bedrooms spread across six structures, a private pool, wine cellar, and striking sculptures gracing its botanical gardens, the estate offers a rejuvenating escape in unparalleled luxury.

Vijay Mallya’s Trump Plaza Apartments
In a curious twist, Vijay Mallya ventured into real estate connected to another prominent figure, Donald Trump.

In March 2010, the liquor magnate acquired an apartment in Trump Plaza, New York, under the name of his daughter Tanya, for $950,000 (£765k).

Shortly thereafter, he expanded his portfolio with the purchase of the penthouse, featuring a wood-burning fireplace and a sprawling terrace, for $1.2 million (£966k). Later the same year, he added a four-bedroom penthouse duplex to his collection.

However, Mallya faced backlash for failing to disclose ownership of these properties while holding a position as a Member of Parliament in India.

Initially, when the opulent high-rise was inaugurated in 1984, Donald Trump retained 90 percent ownership.
However, by the late 1990s, his stake dwindled to a handful of apartments, along with retail space and the parking garage. In 2014, the building’s management board agreed to a $185 million (£149m) land purchase beneath the structure.

This decision burdened some residents, including Mallya and his daughter Tanya, who were unable to fulfill their share of the financial obligation, as reported by The Real Deal.
Facing a $10.1 million (£8.1m) debt, Tanya received a forbearance agreement from the Plaza co-op board in 2015, a formal pact to forestall foreclosure in cases of financial inability.

However, by 2016, any issues seemed to have been resolved, with the co-op president stating they no longer had concerns regarding Mr. Mallya. The current ownership status of the properties remains unclear.

Vijay Mallya’s English Mansion
In 2015, together with his ownership of the Formula 1 team Force India, Mallya made a notable purchase of £11.5 million ($14.3m) – the former residence of Anthony Hamilton, father to the acclaimed racing driver Sir Lewis Hamilton.

Nestled near the tranquil village of Tewin in Hertfordshire, Ladywalk exudes an air of exclusivity, guarded by an array of CCTV cameras and security personnel.

It is presumed that Mallya still resides at the estate, adorned with gates bearing black posts intricately embossed with his initials.