What Happened To The Queen Of Versailles

Remember the movie *The Queen of Versailles*? It showed Jackie Siegel and her husband, David Siegel, building the biggest house in America, modeled after the Palace of Versailles. It was going to be HUGE. It was going to be opulent.

Then the 2008 financial crisis hit. Suddenly, their timeshare empire wasn't so stable anymore. Building stopped. The movie became a portrait of excess facing reality.

The Unfinished Dream (House)

So, what happened to that mega-mansion? Well, it's still there! Sort of. It's not quite the completed masterpiece Jackie envisioned.

For a long time, it sat unfinished, a symbol of the boom and bust. Think of it as a really, REALLY big fixer-upper. Imagine the Home Depot trips!

From For Sale to Family Home

At one point, the Siegels even put the house up for sale. Can you imagine buying that? Talk about a project!

But then, something interesting happened. The economy recovered, and David Siegel's business bounced back. And more importantly, the Siegels decided they wanted to finish their dream.

Instead of selling it, they recommitted to making it their family home. Talk about a change of heart!

More Than Just Bricks and Mortar

The story of the Queen of Versailles isn’t just about a house. It’s about a family, and the ups and downs they faced.

The movie showed the family dealing with real issues. There was the extravagance, sure, but also the challenges of raising a large family and navigating personal struggles.

It gave a glimpse into a world of extreme wealth, but also showed the humanity beneath it.

Life After the Film

The Siegels have been busy since the documentary. They've faced personal tragedies, most notably the loss of their daughter, Victoria.

Following Victoria's passing, the Siegels became advocates for preventing drug-related deaths. They established the Victoria Siegel Foundation to raise awareness and offer support.

This tragic event shifted the family's focus, adding a new layer to their public image. They channeled their grief into something positive, showing resilience and a desire to help others.

The (Slow) Road to Completion

As for the house itself? It's still under construction. But, it's reportedly getting closer to completion.

There have been setbacks and delays, as you might expect with a project of this scale. Imagine coordinating all those contractors!

However, the dream of Versailles in Florida is still alive. Keep an eye out, you might just see the finished product sometime soon.

A New Chapter?

The story of the Queen of Versailles is a reminder that life is full of surprises. It shows us that even the grandest plans can be disrupted, and that even in the face of adversity, families can find strength and purpose.

Will the house ever truly be "finished"? Maybe. But perhaps the real story isn't about the bricks and mortar, but about the family who calls it home.

And who knows, maybe there will be a sequel!