The Queen of Versailles

The Queen of Versailles depicts the lives of Florida billionaires David and Jackie Siegel and their family as they build a private residence called ‘Versailles’ — one of the largest and most expensive homes in America — against the backdrop of the global financial crisis.

David, 74, and his 43-year-old wife Jackie live a life of luxury. He is the owner of a timeshare resort business called Westgate Resorts and works with his eldest son from a previous marriage, Richard, who manages his latest venture in Las Vegas. Richard and David are portrayed as being more like business associates than father and son. The family consists of eight children, the youngest of whom is adopted, and they feel they have outgrown their 26,000-square-foot home.

The Siegels decide to build a 90,000-square-foot home on the outskirts of Orlando, named Versailles after the famous French palace. However, the Siegels’ business is severely affected by the economic crisis, which has a profound impact on the family. Construction is halted as David and Richard struggle to save their company, while household staff are laid off, pets are neglected, and Jackie attempts to curb her spending habits. Ultimately, The Queen of Versailles ends with many of the family’s problems unresolved.