Let’s be clear. There are expensive homes. And then there are astronomically priced palaces that rise head and shoulders—and multiple zeroes—above the rest.

We were curious about the current status of the priciest pads in the country. So we dove into the 10 most expensive listings in America to ogle some big and beautiful homes.

To qualify for a nine-digit price tag, a number of luxe factors converge, including size, amenities, and, of course, location.

The sellers' emotional attachment to their property can also add zeroes to the price.

“Sometimes owners just have a hard time letting go,” says Joel Goodrich, a San Francisco–based luxury real estate specialist.

And there's another hush-hush factor: playing to a well-heeled buyer's ego.

"Sometimes some of these buyers will want bragging rights. They want to feel they bought the most expensive home around," says Goodrich.

We won't brag about the size of our meager wallet, but we do think this list of the 10 priciest properties is worth crowing about.

1. Spelling Manor

Price: $200 million
Deluxe details: Take Hollywood royalty Aaron and Candy Spelling; add a 56,500-square-foot mansion; stir in a top-to-bottom renovation by current owner, Petra Stunt; and you’ve got the most expensive listing in the country.

The 5-acre grounds, an exclusive neighborhood, and the Italianate-style estate with storied history combine to demand the nation's largest price tag. The famous property itself has 14 bedrooms, 27 baths, and deluxe extras such as a bowling alley, nightclub, beauty salon and tanning rooms, and parking for 100 cars. Yep, 100 cars. Who will step up with checkbook in hand?

2. Great Island, Darien, CT

Price: $175 million
Deluxe details: The most expensive home in the Nutmeg State is also an island. Simply called Great Island, the place was built by a baking powder king in 1902 and has been in the family ever since. It includes a main house, cove, guesthouses, and stables. We covered this luxe listing when it came on the market last fall, and it’s still waiting for a buyer to dock.

3. Gemini, Manalapan, FL

Price: $165 million
Deluxe details: If you’re a fan of Palm Beach, you’ll find this South Florida compound a showstopper. The 15-acre, ocean-to-lake property features a 62,200-square-foot house, which has 33 beds, 38 baths, and 14 half-baths. Entertainment options include a pool, putting green, tennis court, and docks for boating and water spots. There's also a 1,500-species botanical garden featuring a “walk through the Caribbean.” Best of all? This place just had a $30 million price cut.

4. West Creek Ranch, Gateway, CO

Price: $149 million
Deluxe details: Known as West Creek Ranch, this sprawling property belonging to Discovery Communications founder John Hendricks covers nearly 7,000 acres. It features a 22,000-square-foot main house with four levels, an elevator, airstrip, helipad, observatory, and stables.

5. Briar Patch, East Hampton, NY

Price: $140 million
Deluxe details: Built in 1931, this beach house is located in the uber-exclusive area of Georgica Pond. The “world-class” estate naturally includes water views and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. The home was fully renovated in 1990 and offers 10 beds, 10 baths, and a sundeck with pool. The enormous grounds feature a tennis court and private pond.

6. Palazzo di Amore, Beverly Hills, CA

Price: $129 million
Deluxe details: There’s lots to love in this Palazzo di Amore, with its 25 acres and vineyard. The Mediterranean-style mansion came back on the market this spring after a $66 million price chop. It has 12 bedrooms, 16 baths, seven half-baths, a chef’s kitchen, and wine room. The manicured landscape includes a waterfall, terraced acreage, pool, spa, and ballroom.

7. 834 Fifth Ave, New York City

Price: $96 million
Deluxe details: For a buyer who prefers an urban setting, this 1931 corner duplex with seven beds and 10 baths in New York City is just the ticket. Occupying the seventh and eighth floors of the building, it claims to be “the largest existing original apartment on Fifth Avenue.” There are palatial rooms, a grand entry, and Central Park views on the main floor. A grand staircase leads to the second level, which includes the master suite with marbled fireplace and bathroom.

8. Pumpkin Key, Key Largo FL

Price: $95 million
Deluxe details: Buy it for the view. Stay for the bragging rights. Owning a private island in the Keys would be a key to paradise as far as we're concerned. It comes with 26 acres of undeveloped island, which might appeal to enterprising types who want to build additional houses. There’s also a 20-slip marina and a hammock to keep you occupied.

9. Woodland Manor, Chestnut Hill MA

Price: $90 million
Deluxe details: Reebok founder Paul Fireman is looking for a buyer for this 14-acre estate in an upscale Boston suburb. The estate was designed for privacy, while providing easy city access. Built in 1999, the 26,000-square-foot home includes eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The unique property is surrounded by a landscape of rolling hills, ponds, and pathways.

10. 2727 Benedict Canyon Dr, Beverly Hills CA

Price: $85 million
Deluxe details: This incongruous rural setting comes with a 90210 ZIP code, and it's just minutes from ritzy Rodeo Drive. The 16 acres in Beverly Hills (really!) include stables, a tennis court with seating area, and “lavish” landscaped grounds. There’s a “re-envisioned” 20,000-square-foot main house and a Moroccan-style, 7,000-square-foot guesthouse.