Bill Gates Owns This $43 Million Del Mar Beach House
Bill Gates’ $43 million Del Mar beach house is one of the most expensive residential purchases in San Diego County. The Microsoft founder, who acquired the beachfront property with his ex-wife Melinda in 2020, gutted the entire home, outfitting it with solar panels and a slew of luxury upgrades, which were completed in 2023.
The 5,800-square-foot coastal estate, originally designed by renowned architect Ken Ronchetti, sits on a rare 120 feet of pristine ocean frontage, making it a standout along California’s sought-after coastline.
Property Highlights
Price: $43 million
Location: Del Mar, California
Size: 5,800 square feet
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 4
Notable Features: 120 feet of ocean frontage, 2-bedroom guest house, 10-person oceanfront jacuzzi, disappearing glass walls, imported limestone, radiant heating, and pool designed with glass tile
Bill Gates, The Noisy Neighbor
During the early stages of rebuilding his Del Mar home, Gates didn’t exactly win over his neighbors. The prolonged construction stirred complaints over constant noise, drawing enough attention for CBS 8 San Diego to cover the situation in a segment at the time.
Most Notable Spots
It’s hard to feel like you’re indoors at Bill Gates’ Del Mar home, with so many open-air rooms framed by full-wall sliding glass doors that lead straight to the ocean. No matter where you are, the water is always in view, but here are a few of the best spots to take it all in.
Double Living Room
The double living room offers two indoor communal spaces to entertain people with the ocean as the backdrop, where the entire space is wrapped in warm wood tones, exposed beams, and wide glass walls.
In the first sitting area, lounge chairs and deep sofas are strategically positioned around a sculptural set of round tables, all softened by coastal textures and a palette of sand, seafoam, and ivory.
Just beyond the central lounge, a secondary sitting area offers a more intimate or solo space to unwind right outside the jacuzzi.
Corner Guest Bedroom
This guest bedroom has one of the best spots in the house, positioned at the corner, making it feel like you have your own private patio for sunrise reading or late-night stargazing as you sit on the chaise, basking in the warmth of the fire.
Pool Area
While swimming in the pool, it feels more like you’re floating in the ocean itself, with nothing but water stretching out in front of you, blurring the line between home and horizon.
Just off the water, a shaded lounge and dining area features suspended rattan chairs and custom white furnishings, creating a breezy setting for meals accompanied by the sound of the ocean.
Final Thoughts
Following his 2021 divorce from Melinda Gates, Bill Gates retained several notable properties from their shared real estate portfolio, including this $43 million Del Mar beach house and the well-known Seattle estate dubbed Xanadu 2.0.
While Xanadu 2.0 remains his primary residence, the Del Mar property offers a relaxed, coastal atmosphere more suited for downtime than business.
Quiet and private, it offers a rare look into the more laid-back side of one of the world’s most high-profile figures.
