No one ever said the recession isn't a great time to buy normally big-ticket items. In fact, on November 4th, real estate moguls and everyday millionaires alike will line up to bid for the real estate deal of the year - a Burr Ridge home so fabulous that it has a name; Villa Taj.

The prime piece of property will go on the auction block on November 4th after failing to fetch its original $25-million asking price. Its cumulative 45,000 square feet of opulent living and entertaining space (that includes the 15,000 square feet of outdoor space) include features such as a 2,400 sqaure foot ballroom, a 20-car garage, 30-foot ceilings, Brazilian and Cherry woods, gold Jerusalem limestone and 14-inch thick walls...all of which will go to the highest bidder.

Bidding will start at $6.265 million, but if you're not in the market for such a grand estate (because, you know, the upkeep must be a nightmare...) you can still get a peek inside every weekend through the end of the month at one of the scheduled open houses. For $30, real estate voyeurs can grab a "due diligence package" at the door and take a stroll around its palatial expanse; great for those looky-loos with no intention to buy.

But then again, who can resist a 75% off sale?

Open Houses:
12:00p - 3:00p every Saturday and Sunday through the end of October
$30 "due diligence package" available at the door

Auction:
2pm, Wednesday, November 4th
Hilton Lisle/Naperville Hotel
3003 Corporate West Drive