Luxury Real Estate: An incredible private mansion on Paris’ famed Avenue Foch has been listed for sale at $140 million, making it the second most expensive residential property in the world (in terms of current listings), just behind the $150 Spelling Manor in Beverly Hills. Offered by Christie’s Great Estates affiliate Daniel Féau, the ultra-exclusive estate was built in 1912 for the Duchesse de Montmorency and represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire one of Paris’ last great private houses. At the time of the Duchess’ death in 1927 the mansion was acquired by mining tycoon and famed art collector Antenor Patino.

The nearly 28,000 sq. ft. interior houses 12 bedrooms and 12 baths along with four staff apartments. Many elements of its incredibly rich décor come from older mansions and are of historical importance including 18th century wood paneling, scores of marble fireplaces and a museum-quality ceiling in the enormous dining room by the great French Post-Impressionist painter Henri Rousseau. The lavish interior also boasts massive crystal chandeliers, huge Corinthian columns, gilded moldings and marble floors. Avenue Foch, one of the world’s most expensive and prestigious addresses, is home to many private palaces including those of the Onassis and Rothschild families.