Jay Z and Beyoncé recently splurged on a Malibu mansion for a staggering $200 million, but it appears that fans are less than impressed with their purchase. Both Beyoncé and Jay Z have established monumental careers in the music industry, amassing significant wealth that has enabled them to make such lavish investments. In 2023, they chose to expand their real estate portfolio by acquiring a residence designed by 81-year-old Tadao Ando, a revered Pritzker Prize-winning architect.
The couple’s decision to buy this particular property, despite its hefty price tag making it the most expensive private residence ever purchased in California, has sparked quite a debate among fans. Social media users have been vocal about their confusion over the couple’s choice, especially when comparing their new home to other celebrity residences.
One user on X, a social media platform, expressed their disappointment by commenting, “This is truly awful! No character no soul, cold n hard, not a home at all.” Another added, “Am I the only one who finds it quite tasteless? the other cheaper mansions so much nicer.” The criticisms didn’t stop there, with others questioning the property’s value, “Why tf does it cost that much it doesn’t look much bigger or nicer than the 20m ones.”
Even more harshly, some likened the mansion to a correctional facility. “200 MILLION FOR THAT??? S*** looks like a prison yard. I could drive to Home Depot and build ts myself with cement blocks,” a critic noted. Another suggested, “They could have just bought a prison since it looks identical. Saved money too!” while a third mocked, “They really spent $200 mill for Prison walls, lol.”
Despite the backlash, the property itself is expansive, covering eight acres in an elite beach enclave and boasts a 42,000 square foot area. It was previously owned by William Bell Jr, a major art collector. The rarity of Ando-designed homes in the U.S. — with fewer than 20 residences — might be a point of appeal for the Carters. But whether or not the public approves, this home provides ample space for Beyoncé and Jay Z to enjoy their privacy far from the critical eyes of the public.