Bill Gates Refuses to Downsize – He’s Keeping ALL 24 Bathrooms for His Own Pleasure!

Bill Gates has more wealth than he could ever spend, but there’s one thing he refuses to part with: his extravagant Lake Washington estate, Xanadu 2.0.

Even though the Microsoft co-founder is now single and his children have moved out, he has no intention of downsizing from his massive 66,000-square-foot mansion. Originally purchased in 1988 for $2 million, the property is now worth over $130 million.

The home sits right on Lake Washington near Seattle. Bloomberg via Getty Images

“My house in Seattle, I admit, is gigantic,” Gates told The UK Times. “My sisters have downsized. I can’t. I like the houses I have.”

Xanadu 2.0 is not just a home—it’s a symbol of high-tech luxury. Designed to Gates’ exact preferences, the mansion features six kitchens, a private library, a swimming pool with an underwater music system, and even a trampoline room. The estate took seven years and $63 million to renovate, transforming it into a personal retreat that Gates has no plans to leave.

For Gates, this isn’t just about comfort—it’s about family. “My kids like to come back—that is a luxury,” he said. The house serves as a gathering place, ensuring that even though his children have their own lives, they always have a reason to return home.

He originally purchased the property for $2 million in 1988 and invested $63 million over seven years to transform it into a 66,000-square-foot luxury estate featuring six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, a trampoline room, an indoor pool, and a private library. Pictured is the Gates family: Phoebe, Bill, Jennifer, Melinda and Rory. Instagram

He also doesn’t stress about the daily upkeep. “I don’t cook, I don’t make my own bed, but I don’t mind if no one has made it—I wouldn’t notice.”

The mansion, named after the 1941 classic film Citizen Kane, has been a key part of Gates’ life for decades. His ex-wife, Melinda, once described it as “a bachelor’s dream and a bride’s nightmare.” She even admitted in a 2008 interview that she had second thoughts about moving in.

While the home was originally designed as an ultra-modern tech paradise, it has also proven to be a solid financial investment. Gates’ real estate holdings have only appreciated over time, reinforcing the idea that property is a powerful asset.

Gates isn’t the only billionaire with a deep attachment to his home. Warren Buffett has lived in the same Omaha house for over 65 years. Purchased in 1958 for just $31,500, the five-bedroom home is now valued at about $1.4 million. Yet, despite his immense wealth, Buffett sees no reason to upgrade.

Buffett has lived in his Omaha home since 1958, originally purchased for $31,500 and now worth about $1.4 million. REUTERS

“All things considered, the third best investment I ever made was the purchase of my home,” Buffett wrote to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. “For the $31,500 I paid for our house, my family and I gained 52 years of terrific memories with more to come.”

Gates and Buffett, two of the world’s wealthiest men, may have different tastes in real estate, but they share one thing in common—their homes are more than just places to live. Whether it’s a tech-fueled mega-mansion or a modest family house, both serve as treasured spaces filled with memories and history.

For Gates, the decision to stay in Xanadu 2.0 isn’t about excess—it’s about comfort, nostalgia, and the value of home, no matter its size.