"Villa Taj" Mansion in Burr Ridge Up For Auction At $6.2M

By Anna Deem in News on Oct 17, 2009 9:00PM

A ridiculously massive mansion in Burr Ridge named "Villa Taj" is being put up for auction at a fraction of its cost, all because one-half of the couple that built the home decided that she wasn't a fan of Chicago's cold weather. "He was going to spend the rest of his life in this house," real estate broker and auctioneer Mike Berland told the Chicago Sun Times of homeowners Husam Aldairi and Rawaa Atta-Aldairi. "About halfway into the project, the wife decided she couldn't stand the Chicago winters anymore," Berland said. So the Aldairi's and their three children packed up and moved to Florida, leaving behind their $18 million and five years in the making mansion, that has never been lived in or appraised. Property taxes on the land alone, according to Berland, are $27,000 a year.

Although Mrs. Aldairi may not have enjoyed the Chicago winters, Villa Taj isn't exactly poor winter living, with 30,000 square feet of interior space and a 15,000 square foot covered outdoor terrace. The home, which sits at the busy intersection of County Line and Plainfield roads, was listed on the market at $25 million, but garnered no interest. On Nov. 4, the home will be auctioned off at the starting bid of $6,265,000. If it sells, the closing is due to take place by Dec. 15.

Due to its distinctive Spanish, Indian, Egyptian, and Moroccan design, Villa Taj is being marketed to buyers in India, Europe and the Middle East. "It's like walking through a piece of art," Berland told the Sun Times. "It's amazing. It's humongous." Berland is hoping for three to four serious bidders at the auction. The inspections will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. until Nov. 1. In the meantime, Villa Taj has a website (What? You mean your house doesn't have its own website?!) you can check out if you're interested.