The Most Ridiculously Expensive Things Bill Gates Actually Owns
Sure, Bill Gates is all about philanthropy these days, but even billionaires like a few indulgences. And considering that his fortune is brushing up against $160 billion, he’s made some pretty big purchases and assembled a portfolio that includes futuristic estates, rare manuscripts, private islands, and jets. Here’s a glimpse at what “money is no object” really looks like.
Xanadu 2.0, the Tech Billionaire’s Fortress
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You could call it a house, but that wouldn’t quite do it justice. Gates’ 66,000-square-foot Medina estate, nicknamed Xanadu 2.0, feels more like a Silicon Valley theme park. We’re talking six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, a swimming pool that plays music underwater, and a 2,100 sqft library. The walls adjust the lighting, and the temperature is based on who’s in the room. The property is reportedly worth over $130 million.
A $30.8 Million Notebook by Leonardo da Vinci
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Gates bought the Codex Leicester in 1994, a 16th-century manuscript by Leonardo da Vinci, for just over $30 million. This scientific notebook includes musings on water movement, fossils, and astronomy. Gates later digitized it so the public could view its contents online.
An Entire Private Island in Belize
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Gates reportedly bought Grand Bogue Caye, the largest private island in Belize, for around $25 million. At 314 acres, it’s bigger than some small towns. And as of now, it’s completely undeveloped. It’s one of Gates’ most low-profile but extravagant holdings.
Fleet of Private Jets Worth Tens of Millions
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In the Gates family planner, flying commercial is out of the question. Gates owns two Gulfstream G650ERs (each over $70 million) and two Bombardier Challenger 350s (in the $26–28 million range). It wouldn’t be wrong to call it an airborne entourage.
Horse-Focused Wellington Estate for $59 Million
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Gates assembled five adjacent properties in Wellington, Florida, over several years for a combined total of about $59 million. It includes equestrian training grounds for his daughter, Jennifer, an Olympic-level rider. The area caters to the global equestrian elite.
A Side Yacht That Supports a Superyacht
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While rumors of Gates owning a $600 million superyacht were overblown, he does own Wayfinder, a 224-foot “support yacht.” It carries helicopters, jet skis, and staff—everything the main yacht might need to shine. Its estimated price is anywhere from $25 to $60 million.
A San Diego Ranch with Racing History
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Rancho Paseana, purchased for $18 million, spans 228 acres in Rancho Santa Fe, California. It once belonged to Jenny Craig and came with its own racetrack, barns, and vet clinic. Today, it’s part of the Gates family’s equestrian-centered real estate.
$36 Million for a Winslow Homer Painting
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In the 1990s, Gates entered a bidding war over Winslow Homer’s “Lost on the Grand Banks” before ultimately winning it for $36 million. It’s one of the priciest American paintings ever sold at the time.
Massive Farmland Holdings Across the U.S.
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Through his investment firm, Cascade, Gates owns roughly 269,000 acres of farmland across 19 states, which technically makes him the largest private farmland owner in the U.S. Though it represents a small portion of U.S. farmland overall, the move has sparked everything from admiration to conspiracy theories, but Gates himself has mostly stayed mum.
$43 Million for a Beachfront Property in Del Mar
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In 2020, Gates shelled out $43 million for a beachfront home in Del Mar, California. It features a 10-person Jacuzzi, direct access to the sand, and panoramic Pacific views. The home’s been undergoing extensive renovations.
Rare Paintings Worth Tens of Millions
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Beyond Homer, Gates owns several high-value American artworks that rarely make headlines. Among them are “Polo Crowd” by George Bellows (~$28M), “Room of Flowers” by Childe Hassam (~$20M), “The Nursery” by William Merritt Chase (~$10M), and “Distant Thunder” by Andrew Wyeth (~$7M).They form a surprisingly thoughtful collection for someone better known for software than still lifes.
Vacationed on a $5 Million-a-Week Yacht
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In 2014, Gates rented the superyacht Serene for a Mediterranean vacation. The yacht itself looked like a floating palace with multiple pools, a helicopter pad, and room for 24 guests. The price tag for one week was around $5 million. This extravagant money placed it among the most expensive vacations on water.
Ownership in Four Seasons Hotels
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Gates, through Cascade, holds a controlling stake in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, estimated at 71%. The luxury hospitality group includes properties in high-end locations worldwide. His stake is part of a broader strategy combining investment and access to luxury.
Rare Porsche 959 (1988)
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Back in the ’80s, Gates imported a 1988 Porsche 959, one of just 337 ever made. The only problem was that U.S. safety laws didn’t allow it on the road. So it sat in storage for 13 years while Gates (and others) pushed for legislation to allow rare imports under the “Show or Display” rule. He got the law passed. He got the car. And now it’s worth nearly $470,000.
Bullet‑Proof Mercedes Wagon Custom Order
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Some billionaires buy Lamborghinis, but Gates reportedly ordered a custom-armored Mercedes E-Class wagon, built for family security. It’s said to be one of the slowest bulletproof vehicles ever made, which is kind of its own flex.