When it comes to grandness, Armenians do it best. Here is a collection of the homes of Armenia's Richest! Oh, and be sure to click on each picture for a larger version.
Let's start with a house that is still under construction. This house dwarfs everything nearby! It's easy to see a future circular driveway in front of the house, as well as other structures. And look at that land!
This may or may not be a house, as the land that it sits on is just massive. The house seems pretty large and there is a pool visible behind it. In the front, there appears to be a courtyard. Oh, there's also a tennis court and a long tree-lined driveway. Very secluded. Beautiful, isn't it?
This is also a very large house, but it sits on a smaller lot. Appears to be inspired by American mansions of similar size and design. Note the circular driveway and the pool, with what appears to be either gazebos or spas on either end.
The left house is rumored to be that of "Lfik Samo," otherwise known as Samvel Alexanyan, the monopolist importer of sugar, butter, and other goodies. The main house appears to be the lower structure, while the upper structure near the big pool is most likely a covered patio-like area, judging from the shadow. There is some sort of a fountain in the middle of the circular driveway. The house on the right is a smaller copy of the main house. Oh, and notice the garden-like area to the left. Does he like cards? Also note new construction taking place on top.
It's not clear to me whether this is a house, but it is massive. We see a huge house with a circular driveway, fountains, a tennis court, and lots of trees. I wish I knew more!
This is the home of Gagik Tsarukian, known to everyone as Dodi Gago. He is the richest person in Armenia. You can't tell from the picture, but it's located on top of a hill, so you can't see much from the ground. As you can see, there is a house - recall the design of Lfik Samo's house - and a second structure, probably a covered area. There are plenty of trees on the property, and many still on the driveway to the house. There's also a tennis court and a running path, perhaps. Oh, and towards the bottom if the picture you can see his Church and his Zoo. Yes, you read that correctly.
And finally, one of the grandest estates anywhere. Still unfinished and four years in the making, this is an incredible estate that Armenia Blog's sources believe belongs to the sole importer of building materials. Look at the details! While you may not like the style, one has to admit that it is a grand house, perhaps the grandest!
These pictures are very large, so please be patient!
Amazing, isn't it? Considering the country is smaller than Maryland, has had capitalism for a little over a decade and a half, and has a population of just under three million, these homes are world class. Of course, one can argue that these people accumulated millions due to illegal means, whether artificial monopolies or otherwise. Instead, let's just enjoy looking at really nice houses and save that discussion for some other time!
You might also be interested in learning about
Armenia's Richest Men!
Sources:
Rhyne via Google Earth for Overhead Shots,
Flickr, and Source unknown for last two pictures.
