Bill Gates Reveals How Much of His $152 Billion Fortune He’ll Leave His Kids—And What Happens to His $130 Million Home.
Billionaire Bill Gates recently opened up about his plans for inheritance, revealing exactly how much of his impressive $152 billion fortune he intends to leave to his three children. In a candid conversation on Raj Shamani's podcast, Figuring Out, Gates explained that he believes in giving his children a great upbringing and education, but he doesn’t think leaving them a huge fortune would do them any favors. Instead, he has decided to allocate less than 1% of his wealth to them.
“I decided it wouldn’t be a favor to them [to leave them more]. It’s not a dynasty. I’m not asking them to run Microsoft,” Gates explained during the interview. With his fortune being worth around $152 billion, leaving each of his three children—Jennifer (28), Rory (25), and Phoebe (22)—about $1.52 billion each is hardly a trivial amount. However, Gates is clear that he does not want his children to feel burdened by the expectations of carrying on a "dynasty."
Photo: Dan Callister/Newsmakers
Bill Gates’ $130 Million Home: Xanadu 2.0
At the center of Gates' significant wealth is his iconic residence—Xanadu 2.0, a sprawling compound located in Medina, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. Gates began building the property in 1988, long before his marriage to Melinda French Gates, with whom he shares his three children. Originally purchased for $2 million, Gates invested an additional $63 million in renovations, ultimately transforming the property into a technological marvel that is now valued at $130 million.
Xanadu 2.0 spans a staggering 66,000 square feet and features modern amenities fit for a tech titan. Among the impressive features are seven bedrooms, six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, six fireplaces, a 17-by-60-foot swimming pool complete with an underwater music system, and a private library. The estate also includes a theater room, sauna, steam room, party space, and even a trampoline room with a 20-foot ceiling.
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The mansion was built with cutting-edge technology, such as a sophisticated security system that can identify the weight of footsteps to detect who is in the house. The property also boasts an elaborate reception hall that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Although it is clear that the estate is more than enough space for Gates to enjoy his life, he has expressed that it feels too “gigantic” for him, especially now that his children no longer live with him.
Gates has admitted that he doesn’t mind the sprawling space. "My house in Seattle, I admit, is gigantic," he told The Times in January. "My sisters have downsized. I can’t. I like the houses I have. My kids like to come back—that is a luxury."
Despite the enormity of the home, Gates says that he enjoys the peace and luxury it provides. "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," he added. Although the house has changed from its original purpose as a family home, Gates continues to enjoy the benefits of his vast and meticulously designed space.
Photo: Ted Soqui/Corbis via Getty Images
Bill Gates’ Real Estate Portfolio
While Xanadu 2.0 is the crown jewel of Gates’ real estate collection, it is far from his only property. In addition to his Washington mansion, Gates and his former wife, Melinda, purchased a variety of properties during their marriage. These included a beach house in Del Mar, CA, for $43 million in 2020, and an equestrian ranch in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, which they bought in 2014 for $18 million.
Reports also indicate that Gates has made several other real estate investments, including two horse farms—one in Wellington, FL, and another in upstate New York. In 2023, he reportedly purchased a $51 million New York City penthouse for his daughter Jennifer, who works as a doctor at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.
It’s evident that Gates’ children are being well provided for, with Jennifer even receiving the horse farm in New York as part of her inheritance. Gates’ wealth also continues to support his charitable efforts through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which was established in 2000 and is expected to receive the majority of his wealth after his passing.
The Future of Bill Gates' Fortune
While Bill Gates’ fortune is truly vast, his approach to wealth is one rooted in a desire to leave a positive legacy beyond his family. He has made it clear that his wealth will be used to benefit global causes through the Gates Foundation. This organization has made a significant impact on global health, poverty alleviation, and education, among other sectors.
RELATED: Bill Gates' Secret Love for Coca-Cola: Why He's Always Seen With a Can of Coke.
Gates' decision to leave less than 1% of his wealth to his children aligns with his belief that wealth should not burden them but should be used to create meaningful change. Although his children will inherit a substantial fortune, it is clear that Gates is focused on ensuring that his legacy is tied more to philanthropy than to a financial dynasty.
Bill Gates’ Approach to Life
Throughout his life, Gates has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and grow, both personally and professionally. From founding Microsoft to becoming one of the wealthiest men in the world, his journey has been defined by grit, innovation, and a dedication to solving problems. However, Gates has also shown that he values a balanced life, one that includes family, charity, and personal happiness.
His wealth and properties reflect his extraordinary success, but they also underscore a deeper commitment to helping others. Gates has often talked about how he was raised in a middle-class family and how he never envisioned the lavish lifestyle that he now leads. In fact, he has admitted that he used to fly coach and thought private planes were a waste. Today, he has three homes, but he still holds onto a sense of humility that comes from his early life experiences.
Gates’ shift toward philanthropy and his continued focus on global health and well-being further illustrate the values that define his legacy. He understands that wealth should not only serve the individual but also the larger world, and he’s committed to ensuring that his wealth supports his charitable endeavors long after he’s gone.
Conclusion
Bill Gates’ decision to leave less than 1% of his wealth to his children and his focus on philanthropy speak volumes about his character. His children are well taken care of, and his vast fortune is likely to be used to benefit future generations, especially through the Gates Foundation.
Gates’ home in Medina, Washington, continues to be a symbol of his success, with its futuristic design and state-of-the-art features. As one of the world’s most influential figures, Gates has achieved more than just financial success. He has shaped the future of technology, led groundbreaking philanthropic work, and exemplified how wealth can be used for the greater good.
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Though his life has changed dramatically since his humble beginnings, Gates’ legacy is more than just his money—it’s about how he has used that wealth to leave a lasting positive impact on the world. His home, his fortune, and his life are all part of a larger story of innovation, generosity, and determination.
