Unfinished Taj Mahal-Inspired Mansion in Mississippi Re-Lists for $2.5 Million
A grand, but incomplete, five-bedroom estate designed after the Taj Mahal in Ocean Springs has returned to the market with a higher price tag.
An ambitious construction project on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, designed to emulate the iconic Taj Mahal, is once again available for purchase. The unfinished five-bedroom residence, located in Ocean Springs, is now listed at $2.5 million, an increase from its initial $2 million asking price in 2016.
The 4,402-square-foot home, situated on nearly an acre with 126 feet of waterfront, has been under construction for 13 years. The original developer, Biloxi physician Dr. Pravin Saija, filed building permits in 2008, but encountered difficulties finding contractors to complete his vision.
"The owner started building the home 13 years ago and had trouble finding a contractor to finish the vision the way he wanted," said 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."
The structure, built with insulated concrete forms, is marketed with AI-generated images showcasing its potential. Allen emphasized that the most costly aspects of the construction are complete, with the home elevated 30 feet above sea level.
Key features of the design include a tower intended for guest suites with Gulf views, a primary suite on the top floor, expansive entertaining areas, and a rooftop lounge. However, the roof currently requires repairs. The interior requires completion of electrical and plumbing systems, drywall, fixtures, countertops, and cabinets.
Allen estimates that completing the interior and refurbishing the exterior could cost between $800,000 and $1.2 million, depending on the buyer's specifications. The seller has indicated that with the necessary work, the home could be finished in approximately six months.
The property's waterfront location and unique design present potential for various uses, including a corporate retreat, event space, or boutique hotel, subject to buyer due diligence and necessary approvals. The increased price reflects the rising cost of building materials, some of which are available on-site.
Allen anticipates the next owner will likely be an out-of-town buyer with a distinct vision and the financial means to undertake the project. "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," she stated.