Bill Gates is recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals globally, yet he doesn’t intend to maintain that status indefinitely.
The former Microsoft co-founder has amassed a significant fortune, currently estimated at $153 billion (approximately £120 billion), ranking him as the fifth-richest person worldwide.
In 2022, Gates announced his intention to donate a substantial portion of his wealth to his charitable foundation. This decision implies that his children will inherit only a small fraction of his riches, leading to his eventual exit from the list of the wealthiest individuals.
Despite this philanthropic commitment, Gates has undeniably spent on luxurious items over the years. Known for his collection, he has acquired numerous impressive properties across the United States and sports cars.
With part of his wealth, Gates invested in an estate sprawling over 12 parcels of land valued at $183.5 million. This estate, known as Xanadu 2.0, is situated in Medina, Washington, and took seven years and $63 million to construct.
Xanadu 2.0 features six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, a home theater for 20 guests, a library, and multiple garages accommodating up to 23 cars. There is also a 60-foot pool in a separate building, equipped with an underwater sound system. Gates reportedly imported sand from St Lucia in the Caribbean for the house’s shoreline.
The mansion also contains high-tech display screens capable of showcasing various paintings or photographs. Additionally, it houses actual artworks, including a $36 million Winslow Homer painting and a rare 16th-century Leonardo da Vinci manuscript, which Gates acquired at a 1994 auction for $30 million.
Beyond Xanadu 2.0, Gates owns several other properties, making him one of the leading private landowners in the U.S. His real estate portfolio includes a $35 million estate in Wellington, Florida, an $18 million Rancho Paseana in California, a $43 million oceanfront home in Del Mar, California, and a six-bedroom residence at Indian Wells’ Vintage Club, among others.
He also holds a 71.25 percent stake in the Four Seasons hotel chain and has invested $161 million alongside unnamed buyers in the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco, as well as $95 million in Bud Light’s parent company.
Gates has not confined his spending to personal luxuries like vacations, several Porsches, and a private Bombardier BD-700 Global Express. Together with his ex-wife Melinda, he has invested significantly in philanthropy and healthcare, donating $5 million to Alzheimer’s research, $2 billion to combat malaria, and $50 million to fight Ebola, among other initiatives.
Regarding the future of his fortune, Gates has expressed that he plans to leave each of his three children “just” $10 million. The vast majority of his wealth is intended to support the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, his joint philanthropic venture with his ex-wife.