#1) Castle Above the Clouds – $6,900,000

189 Upper Springs Road, Stowe, Vermont, United States, 05672

Taking the top spot of our Top 10 Pads of October 2013 is the outstanding Castle Above the Clouds in beautiful Stowe, Vermont.  This superbly designed 18,095 square foot masterpiece was built in 2001 and sits on a generous 15.15 acre lot with awe-inspiring views.  The exterior of the residence is finished with an 80-year old tile roof and a white marble exterior – the same marble used in the construction of the White House in Washington, D.C.  Other features include a gorgeous soaring entry with sweeping staircase, master suite wing, studio-quality theatre with seating for 18,  and a gorgeous indoor swimming pool.  Be sure to check out the video tour of this fabulous estate home to see why it claimed the top spot of our Top 10. Click here to see the full listing.

#2) Magnificent Waterfront Estate – $30,000,000

188 Long Neck Point Road, Darien, Connecticut, United States, 06820

In Darien, Connecticut you can purchase this spectacular 17-room waterfront mansion on 3.7 acres for $30 million.  Originally built in 1897, this 17,000 square foot manor offers 8 bedrooms, 9 full & 3 half bathrooms with spectacular views of Noroton Bay, the Long Island Sound, and the Manhattan skyline.  This historic residence has been totally renovated and in impeccable condition waiting for a new family.  Click here to see the full listing.

#3) Italian Palladian Villa – $17,000,000

1161 Virginia Road, San Marino, California, United States, 91108

Set in the exclusive Estate Area of San Marino, California is this magnificent Palladian Villa listed at $17 million.  Designed by architect Robert D. Farquhar in 1913, this 9,900 square foot architectural masterpiece is set on 2.11 acres with lovely grounds including a North/South tennis court, a swimming pool, and large motor court.  The mansion includes a formal foyer, paneled library, 35′ x 22′ formal dining room, and a grand circular staircase.  Click here to see the full listing.

#4) Lavish French Country Estate – $15,900,000

45 Lakeview Lane, Barrington, Illinois, United States, 60010

In Barrington, Illinois you can purchase this lovely French Country Estate for a little under $16 million.  This 20,000 square foot family mansion took 5 years to complete and is situated on 8+ manicured acres.  Expect only the best from this resort-styled residence with a european flavoured elegance.  Click here to see the full listing.

#5) Magnificent Conyers Farm Estate – $18,500,000

19 Lower Cross Road, Greenwich, Connecticut, United States, 06831

Originally built in 1990, this sprawling 17,000 square foot residence was masterfully renovated in 2011 and now offers only the best of luxury living.  You’re greeted in the breathtaking 30′ grand entry leading to the formal and informal living spaces.  The lower level of the mansion includes a resort-quality climate controlled indoor pool and sauna.  All of this for just $18.5 million only 50 minutes to NYC.  Click here to see the full listing.

#6) Sprawling Highland Park Mansion – $5,495,000

3608 Lexington Avenue, Highland Park, Texas, United States, 75205

Listed at just $5.495 million is this fabulous family home in Highland Park, Texas.  Offering over 13,000 square feet of tastefully designed & decorated space with 5 bedrooms, 6 full & 1 half bathrooms, and a 2,500 square foot playroom on the third floor – this home is sure to impress.  It is ideal for grand-scale entertaining, yet cozy for everyday living.  Plush landscaping give this property a resort-like feel.  Click here to see the full listing.

#7) The Artisan – $24,450,000

6 La Moraleja Madrid

Listed at $24,450,000 in Madrid is this lavish 32,000 square foot villa inspired by the classic Italian palaces.  The features are endless from the central atrium staircase, grand formal rooms, to the professional home theatre and indoor pool.  This 4.59 acre estate includes formal gardens designed by Fernando Caruncho.  Click here to see the full listing.

#8) Barrington Hills Masterpiece – $14,900,000

344 Old Sutton Road, Barrington Hills, Illinois, United States, 60010

Offering sweeping views of Goose Lake from 14 privately gated acres is this masterpiece in Barrington Hills, Illinois.  Listed at $14.9 million is this show-stopping 22,000 square foot residence with 7 bedrooms, 8 full & 4 half bathrooms.  The property is complete with a 6-car garage, outdoor pool, staff quarters, a multi-level home theatre.  Click here to see the full listing.

#9) Majestic Stone Mansion – $18,000,000

24 Old Forest Hill Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5P 2P7

In Toronto, Ontario you can purchase this lovely stone mansion on Forest Hill Road for $18 million.  Highlighted by exquisite appointments, superb construction and the finest of architectural details, this is clearly one of the most elegant homes in Forest Hill Village.  Inside you’ll notice the 18th-Century stone floors, the curved limestone staircase, and library with antique fireplace.  The exquisite formal grounds with fountains, statues, and manicured lawns with take your breath away.  Click here to see the full listing.

#10) Twin Ponds – $30,000,000

55 Springhurst Road, Bedford Hills, New York, United States, 10507

Twin Ponds, a stunning modernist structure of glass and concrete, is the masterpiece of the late Robin Roberts, founder and owner of Clarence House and architect Milton Klein in coordination with landscape architect, Armand Benedek. It has been published twice by Architectural Digest.  It can be yours for a cool $30 million.  Click here to see the full listing.