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ill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, has no intention of parting with his sprawling Lake Washington estate, Xanadu 2.0, despite its massive size and hefty price tag of over $130 million. Originally purchased in 1988 for just $2 million, Gates spent an additional $63 million on renovations to create a 66,000-square-foot luxury compound featuring six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, and an indoor trampoline room.
Gates, who is single and an empty-nester at 69, has no plans to downsize from his estate. In fact, he's fond of it, saying "My house in Seattle, I admit, is gigantic." His sisters have downsized, but Gates can't imagine living anywhere else. He enjoys the luxury of having his kids visit and not having to worry about household chores.
Xanadu 2.0 is a testament to billionaire excess, with its private library, swimming pool equipped with an underwater music system, and six kitchens. Despite his ex-wife Melinda's initial reservations about moving in, Gates has grown attached to the estate, which he considers an investment that has skyrocketed in value over the years.
Gates isn't alone in his attachment to real estate. Warren Buffett, another billionaire investor, has held onto his Omaha home for over 65 years, despite its modest size and relatively low price tag of $31,500 when purchased in 1958. Now worth around $1.4 million, Buffett considers it one of the best investments he's ever made, citing the priceless memories it holds.
