Elite Auto Rental Blog

Forbes.com recently released a list of the most expensive homes currently on the real estate market, and that list was topped by $165 million mansion in Beverly Hills, once owned by newspaper magnate William Randolf Hearst. The Hearst Mansion, which was featured in the movie The Godfather, boasts six buildings and 29 bedrooms, three swimming pools and a state-of-the-art movie theater.

Although most of us cannot afford the price tag of the Hearst Mansion and other extravagant homes, we can still experience some of the lifestyle perks of the rich and famous. Among the fastest growing segments of the car rental business in the United States, exotic car rental allows car aficionados to drive exotic cars such as the Lamborghini Gallardo, Bentley Continental, or new 600 HP Dodge Viper.

Other mansions on the Forbes list are similarly luxurious. Fleur de Lys, a home that is also located in Beverly Hills, is on the market for $125 million. The 45,000-square-foot palatial estate is aptly named because it was modeled after Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles, complete with shaped hedges and a grand courtyard. Fleur de Lys also boasts a nine-car garage, plenty of room to store a few of the world’s top performance cars.

Some of the exotic cars that might reside in the garage at Fleur de Lys are also available for rent at a variety of exotic car rental businesses. If you dream of driving a Lamborghini Gallardo, there’s no need to consider that goal as far out of your reach as owning Fleur de Lys or the Hearst Mansion. Finding a car rental agency that specializes in exotics is simple using an online directory, such as www.rentexoticcars.net.

Also at $125 million, Forbes.com lists Dunnellen Hall in Greenwich, Connecticut. The estate features 40 acres of woods and meadows and a 21,897-square-foot Jacobean manor with 14 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. The interior of the home is no less grand with elaborate wood paneling, travertine floors, and even a 52-foot indoor swimming pool. It was her attempt to write off lavish rennovations of this residence as business expenses that got the late Leonna Hemsley in trouble with the IRS.

Those living the wealthy lifestyle also have at least one additional home, and at $100 million, Tranquility in Lake Tahoe, Nevada is a contender for those with the bankroll to support it. The 210-acre property includes a 20,000-square-foot main house with a wine cellar that has room for 3,500 bottles of the finest wines. Add to that the indoor swimming pool and 19-seat movie theater, and you’re all set to enjoy your vacation.

If you are interested in driving a car that makes almost as much of a statement as the mega-mansions featured on Forbes.com, look no further than renting a Lamborghini Gallardo. The exotic car, which has an MSRP of $225,000 can accelerate from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and boasts a 520-horsepower engine. Exotic car rental is the best way to drive a Lamborghini Gallardo if you want to feel like a tycoon for a day.

Other homes on the Forbes.com list include Maison de L’Amitie in Palm Beach, Florida, Hillandale in Stamford, Connecticut, BootJack Ranch in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and the Portabello Estate in Corona del Mar, California.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.