In the global marketplace for luxury real estate, just what does US$20 million buy? That’s the multimillion-dollar question posed for this edition of Luxury Defined.    

Obviously, this ducal sum can buy a palace. It’s just a matter of where. Consider life in a contemporary lakefront palace close to Old Amsterdam, or a palatial polo estate on the shores of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago.   

It can also buy a patch of paradise. Those in search of serenity can escape to a ski-in, ski-out mountain home on the pistes of Colorado’s Tenmile Range. Or find refuge on an island: Choose from a tropical compound in the French West Indies or a beachfront villa in the British Virgin Islands, where palm-lined strands of powder white sand and cerulean seas await. 

Thus, Luxury Defined has reached the lofty neighborhood of US$20 million. Read on, and open a few doors: It’s a rather splendid neighborhood, isn’t it?

Baambrugse Zuwe in Vinkeveen, Utrecht, Netherlands

This contemporary lakefront mansion in the Dutch hamlet of Baambrugse Zuwe comes with its own nightclub, indoor and outdoor pools, a sandy beach, and a boathouse. The newly built mansion has an idyllic rural setting on Vinkeveense Plassen, a picturesque lake within 10 minutes’ drive of Amsterdam. The landscaped grounds include 328 feet of sandy shoreline with a beach house and a boathouse. The 11,840-square-foot residence is a convergence of 18th-century architecture and cutting-edge contemporary design. 

This contemporary lakefront mansion in the Dutch hamlet of Baambrugse Zuwe comes with its own nightclub, indoor and outdoor pools, a sandy beach, and a boathouse. The newly built mansion has an idyllic rural setting on Vinkeveense Plassen, a picturesque lake within 10 minutes’ drive of Amsterdam. The landscaped grounds include 328 feet of sandy shoreline with a beach house and a boathouse. The 11,840-square-foot residence is a convergence of 18th-century architecture and cutting-edge contemporary design.

Villa Stellae in Saint Barthélemy, French West Indies

Set within resplendent gardens, this private compound in Saint Barthélemy comprises a turnkey villa, two guest bungalows, and an infinity pool facing the Bay of Lorient. The villa is an idyllic coastal retreat on the French Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy.  The three dwellings are surrounded by lush, tropical gardens framing a vista of Lorient Bay, with the islands of Anguilla and St. Martin in the distance.

Set within resplendent gardens, this private compound in Saint Barthélemy comprises a turnkey villa, two guest bungalows, and an infinity pool facing the Bay of Lorient. The villa is an idyllic coastal retreat on the French Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy.  The three dwellings are surrounded by lush, tropical gardens framing a vista of Lorient Bay, with the islands of Anguilla and St. Martin in the distance.

Peak 8 Ski House in Breckenridge, Colorado

This slope-side log-built ski home offers grand-scale living and entertaining—with ample bunkrooms for guests—among the pines. Built into the aspens and pines on the edge of Trygve’s Platter ski run, the residence has ski-in, ski-out access to Peak 8 and its Imperial Express SuperChair—the highest ski lift in North America (elevation 12,840 feet). The interior has a mountain-modern aesthetic, with barnwood accents and a striking three-story rock wall.

This slope-side log-built ski home offers grand-scale living and entertaining—with ample bunkrooms for guests—among the pines. Built into the aspens and pines on the edge of Trygve’s Platter ski run, the residence has ski-in, ski-out access to Peak 8 and its Imperial Express SuperChair—the highest ski lift in North America (elevation 12,840 feet). The interior has a mountain-modern aesthetic, with barnwood accents and a striking three-story rock wall.

Crab Tree Farm in Lake Bluff, Illinois

A refined lifestyle awaits at Crab Tree Farm, where 30 acres of grounds feature a polo field, equestrian complex, tennis court, formal gardens, and a sandy beach on Lake Michigan. This lakeshore legacy property is a 30-acre polo estate on Lake Michigan in the idyllic town of Lake Bluff, Illinois, just 35 miles north of Chicago. With 700 feet of private beachfront, a tennis court, swimming pool terrace, pastures and polo fields, and a 13-stall, detached equestrian barn, Crab Tree Farm offers ultimate recreation and relaxation.

A refined lifestyle awaits at Crab Tree Farm, where 30 acres of grounds feature a polo field, equestrian complex, tennis court, formal gardens, and a sandy beach on Lake Michigan. This lakeshore legacy property is a 30-acre polo estate on Lake Michigan in the idyllic town of Lake Bluff, Illinois, just 35 miles north of Chicago. With 700 feet of private beachfront, a tennis court, swimming pool terrace, pastures and polo fields, and a 13-stall, detached equestrian barn, Crab Tree Farm offers ultimate recreation and relaxation.

Aquamare on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Equally suited as a private home or a boutique resort, this idyllic beachfront compound on Virgin Gorda’s Mahoe Bay includes three villas, a manager’s house, three infinity pools, landscaped gardens, and a private strand of powder-white sand. Aquamare offers the rare opportunity to own a private boutique beach resort in the British Virgin Islands. The freehold property on the white sands of Mahoe Bay comprises three luxurious five-bedroom villas; a two-bedroom concierge house; spacious terraces; and lush, beachfront gardens with three infinity pools.

Equally suited as a private home or a boutique resort, this idyllic beachfront compound on Virgin Gorda’s Mahoe Bay includes three villas, a manager’s house, three infinity pools, landscaped gardens, and a private strand of powder-white sand. Aquamare offers the rare opportunity to own a private boutique beach resort in the British Virgin Islands. The freehold property on the white sands of Mahoe Bay comprises three luxurious five-bedroom villas; a two-bedroom concierge house; spacious terraces; and lush, beachfront gardens with three infinity pools.

What else can $20 million buy? Find out here.