This California Underground Mansion Is Almost As Big As The White House

Just as you would never dare to judge a book by its cover, you really shouldn't judge a mansion by its aerial view. Because yes, at first glance, Hacienda de la Paz looks like your typical one-story Rolling Hills, California estate located on a casual 7.4 acres of land, but to most people’s surprise, a majority of the home is hidden underground.

Aside from its chameleon-like ability to blend in with the other homes in its guarded gate community, this place is truly unlike anything I've ever seen. In total, this mega mansion spans 51,000 square feet, a measly 4,000 square feet smaller than the White House (which clocks in at approximately 55,000 sq ft).

But why hide such extravagance below the terrain? Because John Z. Blazevich, a wealthy importer, faced many restrictive building codes in the neighborhood that prevented him from "building up." With the help of Spanish architect Rafael Manzano Martos, Blazevich's previously single story home gained five more stories - all but the first are located below the surface.

Previously, Hacienda de la Paz was listed for $53 million in 2013, but it is now set to go to no-reserve auction on July 26. Here are some of the coolest parts of the place (the list is endless):