Nestled in Medina, Washington, Bill Gates’ residence, Xanadu 2.0, stands as a testament to architectural and technological sophistication, with its Pacific lodge design and a state-of-the-art server system that personalizes the environment for its visitors.
This 66,000-square-foot mansion, designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Cutler-Anderson Architects, boasts features like an underwater music system in its 60-foot swimming pool and a private library housing the rare Codex Leicester manuscript.
Pacific Lodge Style Architectural Design
The mansion’s design, inspired by the Pacific Lodge style, thoughtfully employs natural wood and stone to achieve a harmonious blend with its surrounding environment.
Technological Integration
The estate is a tech enthusiast’s dream, boasting a state-wide server system and unparalleled security measures to ensure privacy and comfort.
Personalized Environment
Visitors receive devices that automatically tailor the environment to their preferences, adjusting elements such as temperature, lighting, and music to ensure optimal comfort.
Labor of Love
Constructing Xanadu 2.0 was a monumental task, with 300 laborers dedicating seven years to bring Gates’ vision into reality.
Unique Name Origin
The name “Xanadu 2.0” is a reference to the fictional home of Charles Foster Kane from the movie “Citizen Kane,” which was inspired by the opening lines of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “Kubla Khan”.
Fitness Facilities
The estate includes a 2,500-square-foot gym catering to a wide range of fitness activities.
Privacy Investments
Bill Gates actively enhanced his estate’s privacy by investing $14 million in adjacent properties.
This strategic purchase created a secluded buffer around his mansion, ensuring its isolation from external visibility and intrusion.
Private Mountain Tunnel Entrance
A private tunnel was constructed to provide access to the compound from Highway 106.
Parking Facility
The estate boasts a hillside garage ingeniously integrated into the landscape, designed to comfortably hold 20 cars.
This expansive parking area complements the estate’s lavish scale, providing generous vehicle space for both the family and visitors during events.
With the mansion’s focus on cutting-edge technology and opulence, the garage likely features advanced systems for vehicle maintenance and security.
Culinary Delights
With six kitchens scattered throughout, the mansion is well-prepared to host gatherings of any size, from intimate dinners to grand banquets.
Underwater Music
Among its luxurious amenities is a 60-foot swimming pool equipped with an underwater music system, allowing for a unique aquatic listening experience.
Expansive Scale
Covering 66,000 square feet, Xanadu 2.0 is more akin to a small village than a single-family home, providing ample space for every conceivable amenity.
Extensive Library
The library in the mansion, with its domed ceiling and central oculus, offers a peaceful reading sanctuary, blending traditional design with the treasure of Leonardo da Vinci’s 16th-century Codex Leicester.
Enhancing its allure, the library features two hidden bookcases and a discreet bar, weaving an element of mystery into this scholarly retreat.
Artistic Displays
The walls of Xanadu 2.0 serve as a digital canvas, showcasing an array of photographs, paintings, and high-end art, reflecting Gates’ interest in both technology and arts.
Ceiling Inscription
A quote from “The Great Gatsby” adorns the library ceiling, enhancing its literary ambiance.
Green Thumb Technology
Gates’ favorite 40-year-old maple tree is monitored by a computer system that automatically waters it when necessary, showcasing the home’s blend of luxury and environmental consciousness.
Beachfront Import
In a testament to luxury, the mansion imports sand from St. Lucia annually for its lakefront shore, ensuring the perfect beach experience.
Recreational Oasis
The mansion includes a room dedicated to a trampoline, complete with a 20-foot ceiling, offering a unique indoor recreational activity.
Entertainment Hub
Xanadu 2.0 can comfortably host a sit-down dinner for 150 guests, making it an ideal venue for large-scale events and gatherings.
Luxury Amenities
The home features six kitchens, a steam room, a sauna, and a 25,000-square-foot gym, underscoring the estate’s opulence.
Bathroom Galore
Despite having only seven bedrooms, the mansion boasts 24 bathrooms, ensuring that guests never have to wait in line.
Property Value
Reflecting its grandeur, the property’s 2009 taxes were reported at over $1 million, based on an assessed value of $147.5 million.
Popular Culture Feature
Xanadu 2.0 has been featured in “Dilbert” and other popular culture references.
These facts highlight the unique blend of luxury, technology, and privacy that define Bill Gates’ iconic home.
