Taupo, New Zealand

Price: $25 million
Location: Taupo, New Zealand

We might not have included Poronui Station in our list were it not for the estate home that anchors it. After all, it is so much more than a residence. The sporting retreat includes 16,000 acres of land crisscrossed by 25 miles of creeks and has wildlife, a fishing lodge, clays range and seven guest cabins. The activities complex features a gym, sauna, steam and massage area, billiards room, kitchen and equestrian facility. The main house was built in 2000 on a plateau overlooking the Taharua River. With five bedrooms and five baths, it is done in an elegant, rustic style, with hardwood beams, river rocks and slate floors. No need to worry about getting there—Poronui Station is equipped with a private airstrip and helipad. It is listed with John Goddard and Bill Leckie at Colliers International.

Batam, Indonesia

Price: $27.5 million
Location: Batam, Indonesia

This tropical private island has a house on it—which makes it a very pricey home, with a lot of land around it. Sultan's Island is in Indonesia's Riau archipelago, off the coast of the island of Batam and tantalizingly close to Singapore. Totaling 94 acres, the island is ringed with mangroves and small beaches. Listed with Cheyenne Morrison at Coldwell Banker Morrison's Private Islands.

Cape Town, South Africa

Price: $17.9 million
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Though it's far more than a residence, we couldn't overlook this wine estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa's version of Napa. The second-oldest town in the country, Stellenbosch has oak-lined streets and a mix of restored houses, which lend it a country charm. This estate totals nearly 500 acres and produces 400,000 bottles of wine each year. It features a large thatched manor home built in 1700 and set in extensive gardens. Then there is the game park, swimming pool, wine cellar and tasting room, and additional buildings such as offices, guest cottages and staff quarters. Listed with Patrick O'Shea at Engel & Voelkers.

Windlesham, England

Price: $122.2 million
Location: Windlesham, England

Your blood may not run blue, but with enough green you can still live near—and like—royalty. Updown Court is currently the most expensive residence in the world, costing about $50 million more than the priciest U.S. home. The brand-new property is totally over the top, with 103 rooms, five swimming pools and 24-carat-gold leafing on the study's mosaic floor. There's a squash court, bowling alley, tennis court, 50-seat screening room, heated marble driveway and helipad. All eight of your limousines will fit in the underground garage. Then there are the neighbors, who include the queen (at Windsor Castle) and Elton John. It is listed with Savills and Hamptons International.

Chubut, Argentina

Price: $12 million
Location: Chubut, Argentina

Although this property has a relatively modest home for the priciest in the continent, the estancia comes with plenty of extras. Nearly 59,000 acres of land with hills, canyons and ravines, for one. The property has been partly planted with wheat, barley and other grains. The Tecka River crosses the land, providing ample fishing opportunities. A 5,300-square-foot main house has four bedrooms, four baths and a study, plus a guesthouse, stables and staff houses. All the equipment is included, from trucks and tractors to lawn mowers and tools. For more information, visit www.patagonias.net.

Bridgehampton, N.Y.

Price: $75 million
Location: Bridgehampton, N.Y.

Palatial homes and high property prices are common in New York's favorite high-end resort area. This 25,000-square-foot house is done to the highest standards, but it's the extras that really pump up the price. Three Ponds encompasses 60 acres of rolling waterfront farmland, with a U.S. Golf Association-rated golf course (plus pro shop), 75-foot-long swimming pool, grass tennis court and orangery. The 14 gardens include a crabapple allée; vegetable garden; lily walk; and rose, hydrangea and butterfly gardens. Of course, there are also the three ponds stocked with fish. Three Ponds is listed with Susan Breitenbach at Allen M. Schneider Associates.

London

Price: $6,191 per sq. ft.
What you get for $1.5 million: Small studio apartment
Annual price change: 29%*

A housing boom began in Central London in September, 2005, and continued through 2007, as wealthy buyers flowed in from around the world. The annualized growth for prime real estate is slowing this year and is expected to weaken further. But the super-luxury segment remains incredibly strong. Sales for £10 million-plus homes in Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Mayfair increased by 190% in the six months ending January, 2008, compared with the same period a year earlier.

* The annual price change compares the fourth quarter of 2007 with the fourth quarter of 2006.

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