A Mississippi Gulf Coast estate that has been 13 years in the making has once again returned to the market—this time with a substantial price increase.
Located on nearly 1 acre with 126 feet of water frontage in Ocean Springs, the unfinished five-bedroom residence, designed to emulate the Taj Mahal, originally hit the market for $2 million in 2016.
Now listed for $2.5 million, the 4,402-square-foot residence, in the making for more than a decade, is still seeking a buyer to finish what was started.
“The owner started building the home 13 years ago and had trouble finding a contractor to finish the vision the way he wanted,” says listing agent Rachel Allen of Coastal Realty Group. “Since then, it has been left as it was, and it fell to the wayside. The seller is ready to retire, move on, and let someone else finish the vision.”
Building permits were first filed in 2008 by Biloxi physician Dr. Pravin Saija, according to the Sun Herald.
The concrete-and-steel structure, built using insulated concrete forms, is currently being marketed with AI images showing the possibilities of what the house could become.
“The construction of it is magnificent, and it is 30 feet above sea level,” Allen says. “The most expensive parts have already been done. We wanted to show what the house could be. A lot of people appreciate seeing the potential.”
Highlights found throughout the “architectural statement” include a distinctive tower that could be transformed into guest suites with Gulf views, a top-floor primary suite, dining and entertaining spaces, and a rooftop lounge. (Buyers should note the roof does require some repairs.)
“What makes this listing so compelling is not simply its size or architecture,” she says. “It is the mystery, history, and enormous potential behind it. People want to see inside it, understand why it was never completed, and imagine what it could ultimately become.”
Expansive terraces, ideal for relaxing and entertaining, “offer endless possibilities” for private seating areas, gardens, and fire features.
“South-facing turrets have sweeping views,” she said. “It needs electric and plumbing completed, along with drywall, fixtures, countertops, and cabinets. To redo the interior and clean up the exterior, I would estimate it would be between $800,000 and $1.2 million, depending on what someone wants to do with it.”
With no short-term restrictions in place, the property could be used as a corporate destination, retreat, wedding or event space, or a boutique hotel, but “the uses, renovations, and development are subject to buyer due diligence and all applicable zoning, permitting, and governmental approvals,” according to Allen.
“It was going to be used as their primary residence,” she notes. “It could be completely done in about six months. The reason for the increase in price is the increased cost of additional materials that are also available.”
Allen says the seller has considered finishing it but is now “just tired.”
“He hopes someone makes it how they want it,” she adds. “Ocean Springs was featured by USA Today as one of the top 10 beach communities to live in. It’s only about 20 minutes from downtown, which has a huge golf cart community. It’s the secret coast and a beautiful place to live.”
Allen says she believes the next buyer will likely be from out of town.
“Most likely, it will not be someone already living in the local market,” she says. “This property will require a buyer with a unique vision, the resources to complete it, and the ability to recognize an opportunity unlike anything else currently available on the Gulf Coast.”
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