'Versailles' home documentary premieres Friday

Featured couple defend business

ORLANDO, Fla. – The largest home in America, called "Versailles," located in Central Florida is the focus of a new documentary set to be released Friday.

"The Queen of Versailles," was originally supposed to feature the construction of the mansion, but when the recession hit, that was put on hold.

Now, the owners of Versailles, timeshare mogul David and Jackie Siegel, are not happy with the movie.

The Siegel's say the film is incomplete. It ends as their company, Westgate Resorts, is still trying to overcome the banking crisis making it appear they're about to lose everything, including Versailles.

When Local 6 met with Jackie Siegel, she pulled up to Versailles in her silver Rolls Royce with her kids, her dog "Bear" and an African turtle in tow.

"I think it's the length of at least half a football field," said Jackie Siegel, describing the size of her home.

The 90,000 square foot home boasts 9 kitchens, 30 bathrooms, an indoor ice skating rink and two movie theaters, complete with a balcony.

"It is kind of mind-boggling actually," Jackie said.

Jackie Siegel also gave Local 6 a tour of their current house—a mere 26,000 square foot Isleworth mansion—but it still has her dream closet, a birthday gift from her husband.

Their home is full of nannies, kids and animals, including six peacocks. It's that surreal lifestyle that makes the documentary "The Queen of Versailles," fascinating to watch.

"Well, first of all, it's not a documentary," said David Siegel. "It's a reality show."

The Westgate timeshare tycoon says it may be entertaining, but it's not entirely true. He disputes several of the scenes from the film.

"She [Jackie] doesn't wear fur coats when she goes out on the boat," said David Siegel. "She doesn't take a limousine to McDonald's to get hamburgers."

In fact, his company is now suing the filmmaker for defamation. Siegel says the movie made it look like they were going out of business, when in fact, he says, Westgate is now more profitable than ever before.

"It wasn't fair to me and it wasn't fair to my 500,000 owners," said David Siegel. "It wasn't fair to my 5,000 plus employees."

As far as Versailles is concerned, the Siegel's are resuming construction.

"We're going to finish it, whether we decide to move in there or someone makes us an offer we can't refuse, I'm happy with whatever my husband decides," said Jackie Siegel.


About the Author

Lisa Bell has been in Central Florida since 2007, covering the big stories that impact our community. Lisa was promoted to News 6 evening news co-anchor in May 2014.

Recommended Videos