India, Oct. 1 -- Talk about the world's largest private residence and most Indians will immediately think of Antilia - industrialist Mukesh Ambani's towering abode in Mumbai. That, however, would be incorrect. While Antilia is among the world's largest and most luxurious private homes, the top spot belongs to a heritage residence in Vadodara. The Laxmi Vilas Palace is actually the world's largest private residence, and it dwarfs modern-day palatial residences like Antilia as well as iconic symbols like the British royal family's Buckingham Palace.

The Laxmi Vilas Palace, seat of the Gaekwad royal family of Baroda, sits on a 500-acre compound that also houses a 10-hole golf course, a cricket stadium, an ancient stepwell and multiple garde...