This Qatari royal bought an European villa for $395 million, bigger than Vatican City. The Sardinian estate features 126 rooms, remote-controlled erupting volcano, secret cave to hide from drones and more

One of Europe's most extraordinary private estates has found a new owner. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, better known as HBJ, has purchased Villa Certosa, the sprawling Sardinian estate once owned by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

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The deal, reportedly worth €350 million (around $395 million), has drawn global attention not only because of the property's staggering price tag but also because of its remarkable and stunning features. The estate boasts an artificial volcano, an underground sea cave, seven swimming pools, 126 rooms, botanical gardens larger than Vatican City and also has a secret cave to hide from drones.


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Here's everything to know about the billionaire buyer and the Mediterranean's most talked-about mansion.

Who is Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani?

Known worldwide by his initials HBJ, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani is one of the wealthiest members of Qatar's royal family.

The 66-year-old billionaire previously served as Prime Minister of Qatar and also held the position of Foreign Minister. He later became the head of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country's sovereign wealth fund responsible for investing billions of dollars around the world.

According to Forbes, Sheikh Hamad's personal fortune is estimated at nearly $5 billion, making him one of the richest royal figures in the Middle East. Over the years, he has built an impressive portfolio of luxury real estate, hotels and international investments.

HBJ buys Villa Certosa for $395 million

According to Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, Sheikh Hamad purchased Villa Certosa for approximately €350 million ($395 million). The estate had originally been listed for €500 million ($571 million) before its asking price was reduced.

Even after negotiating a lower purchase price, the property remains among the most expensive private homes in Europe.

A luxury estate that costs millions every year

Buying Villa Certosa is only part of the expense. The estate reportedly requires around €8 million annually simply to operate and maintain.

Among the ongoing expenses are:

• Around €1.3 million in yearly electricity bills
• A €94 million mortgage
• Maintenance of a private desalination plant that supplies water to the estate
• Staff responsible for maintaining buildings, gardens and guest villas

Larger than Vatican City

Located on Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, Villa Certosa stretches across approximately 120 hectares, making it larger than Vatican City. The estate is roughly equal to 83 football pitches.

Its main mansion alone covers 4,500 square metres and features 126 rooms. Designed by renowned Italian architect Gianni Gamondi, the estate also includes guest houses, greenhouses and multiple private villas spread across the enormous grounds.

Inside Villa Certosa: Seven pools, secret cave and artificial volcano

Villa Certosa became internationally famous during Silvio Berlusconi's ownership because of its extraordinary luxury.

The property includes:

• Five swimming pools
• A football pitch
• Tennis courts
• Bocce courts
• Private golf course
• Luxury spa
• Greek-style amphitheatre
• Helipad

One of its standout attractions is a thalassotherapy complex, featuring five interconnected seawater pools designed for wellness and relaxation.

The estate also contains two artificial lakes—Palm Lake and Bio Lake—complete with floating islands, swans and even a floating tiki bar.

The estate even has a hidden underground cave

Among Villa Certosa's most unusual features is a secret grotto carved into the coastline.

Guests can reportedly arrive by boat through an underground tunnel, allowing them to enter the estate without attracting photographers or unwanted attention.

During Berlusconi's ownership, the property also gained an anti-nuclear bunker, designed as a secure shelter beneath the estate.

Adding to its uniqueness is an artificial volcano, equipped with mechanical effects capable of simulating realistic volcanic eruptions.

A botanical paradise with thousands of rare plants

Villa Certosa is more than a luxury mansion.

It also functions as one of Italy's most impressive private botanical gardens.

The estate features:

• Around 2,100 succulents across 500 species
• Nearly 1,200 palm trees
• Around 5,000 hibiscus plants representing 850 varieties
• Approximately 800 citrus trees from 160 species
• Around 150 ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane

Maintaining the landscape requires a permanent workforce dedicated to caring for thousands of rare plants throughout the property.

What will Sheikh Hamad do with Villa Certosa?

Unlike its previous owner, Sheikh Hamad does not intend to use Villa Certosa solely as a private residence.

His hospitality company, Constellation Hotels, owns several luxury hotels and landmark properties across Europe.

Current plans reportedly involve transforming Villa Certosa into a high-end luxury resort, allowing wealthy travelers to experience one of Europe's most iconic estates.

If completed, the project would open a property once reserved for political leaders, celebrities and royalty to paying guests.