Luxury Villa in Berlin Listed for EUR79 Million: Germany's Most Expensive Property

Berlin - A luxurious villa on Schwanenwerder Island, situated on the outskirts of Berlin, is now on the market for an astounding EUR78.8 million, making it the most expensive residential property in Germany. The villa, which has been the subject of numerous rumors and scandals, is featured by the luxury real estate network Christie's Real Estate under the title "Exclusive Architectural Icon on Schwanenwerder with a View for Eternity," with a listing price of $81.8 million (approximately EUR79 million).

This opulent property boasts a sprawling 10,724 square meters of parkland in a prime southwest location amidst pristine nature. The interconnected buildings offer a total living space of 1,490 square meters, including nine bedrooms and eight bathrooms, along with a sauna. Designed in 2009 by the renowned architectural firm Graft--associated with Hollywood actor Brad Pitt--the villa is described in its listing as providing a "nearly surreal backdrop" featuring a vast garden by the water, docks, a slipway, and a heated boathouse.

Among its many features, the villa includes a swimming pool. The listing emphasizes the breathtaking nature of the property, highlighting the unforgettable views from the main deck over the 20-meter pool and the lake at sunset.

Over the years, several legends have surrounded this luxury estate. Speculation arose that Brad Pitt was constructing this residence as a sanctuary for his then-partner Angelina Jolie and their children, fueled by his friendship with the architects at Graft. Reports suggested that Pitt had expressed intentions of relocating to Berlin and was designing a home near Potsdam; however, a spokesperson for his office later refuted these claims.

Upon reviewing the land registry, it was revealed that the actual owners of the property are two board members of Magix AG, a multimedia software company based in Berlin. Many local residents expressed discontent regarding the construction, referring to it as a "bunker-like structure" since it is only visible from the water.

The villa features lounges designed for both living and working, equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning views of the surrounding waterways. From the terrace, one can gaze across the Havel River towards Pfaueninsel and Kladow.

The property has also sparked controversy within local political circles. Concerns were raised about the actions of Uwe Stäglin, the district's building councilor at the time, who allegedly approved the project without proper oversight from the district assembly and other parliamentary processes. CDU faction leader Torsten Hippe noted that had they known about the approval, they would have moved to stop it.

According to local building regulations, only homes measuring a maximum of 30 meters in length and designed with a sloping roof to align with the historical architectural style are permitted on Schwanenwerder. Hippe criticized the development, stating that it has left a significant mark on the landscape. Stäglin defended the construction, asserting that it adhered to existing building regulations. Shortly after these events, he left Berlin and took a position as a building department head in Halle, Saxony-Anhalt. Furthermore, Magix Software GmbH filed for bankruptcy in 2024 but successfully completed its restructuring in January 2025.

As this iconic villa seeks new ownership, the question remains whether it will bring fortune and happiness to its future residents.