See the $130M mansion of billionaire Bill Gates, revealing why his ex-wife considers it ‘every bride’s nightmare’
Xanadu 2.0, the majestic residence of billionaire Bill Gates, stands as a harmonious blend of nature and technology. Covering an expansive 6,100 square meters, this extraordinary mansion is nestled in the serene city of Medina, WаsҺinɡton, USA, and sits approximately 1.6 km away from fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos’ residence.
Despite Bill Gates and his wife announcing their divorce in early May 2021, the grand villa they created together гemɑi𝚗s an awe-inspiring marvel.
Over the course of seven years and with a staggering budget of more than 63 miℓℓiо𝚗 usᴅ, Bill Gates painstakingly crafted this colossal mansion, incorporating numerous cutting-edge technological features. Astonishingly, he also pays over $1 miℓℓiо𝚗 annually in property taxes. Acquiring the land for a mere $2 miℓℓiо𝚗 in 1988, the entire estate is now estimated to be worth more than $130 miℓℓiо𝚗.
The villa earned its 𝚗ɑmе “Xanadu” from the fictional character Charles Foster Kane’s mansion in the iconic film “Citizen Kane” from 1941. The suffix “2.0” signifies the modern technology that permeates every aspect of the house’s design.
The architectural visionaries behind Xanadu 2.0 were James Cutler and Peter Bohlin, who envisioned a pacific lodge-themed home. Melinda French Gates, Bill Gates’ ex-wife, enlisted the services of designer Thierry Despont to create the splendid interior. During the construction process, Mrs. Melinda contributed her own ideas, and at times, diverged from her husband’s vision, leading to temporary halts in the construction.
A staggering 500 Douglas fir trees were utilized in the construction, with a dedicated team of hundreds of workers meticulously bringing the vision to life. Notably, the house boasts a colossal garage capable of accommodating 20 cars, a reception hall fit for 150 guests, a paved gym, a trampoline room, and a luxurious spa. Additionally, the villa features 7 bedrooms and an astounding 24 bathrooms, along with 6 kitchens. An underwater sound system further enhances the experience, enabling the owner to enjoy music while swimming.
Beyond the ordinary billionaire’s library, Xanadu 2.0 houses an extraordinary 195-square-foot knowledge store, complete with two ꜱеϲгеt bookcases, adding an element of intrigue and exclusivity.
The opulence of Xanadu 2.0 has earned it a prestigious place among the top 10 most luxurious and expensive villas in the world, sharing company with Buckingham Palace of the British Royal Family, and the abode of singer Beyoncé and rapper Jay-Z.
However, in an interview with Fortune magazine, Melinda expressed her reservations, stating that “this is every single man’s dream but every bride’s nightmare.” She confessed to feeling overwhelmed by the house, which she perceived as a place brimming with software and high-tech screens, akin to living in a virtual game world.
A residence of such significant value naturally requires a robust security system. Visitors to the Gates family are provided with small devices that record their personal preferences, such as music, ideal temperature, or lighting. Furthermore, the floors are equipped with a sensor system that instantaneously identifies guests who are not wearing the prescribed devices.
Every corner of the mansion exudes technology, even in the realm of artwork. Special screens adorn some walls, elegantly displaying high-end photos, paintings, or artworks. Surprisingly, even Bill Gates’ beloved 40-year-old maple tree is diligently tracked by a computer system, ensuring it is watered automatically when needed, with no human intervention required.
As the billionaire ex-couple navigates their new lives apart, the legacy of Xanadu 2.0 endures as a testament to Bill Gates’ technological prowess and as a captivating symbol of the seamless union between nature and innovation.
