The house was one of the most expensive real estate buys in 2021
Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates is gutting his $43 million 5,800 square foot oceanfront mansion in San Diego and rebuilding from scratch in the wake of his divorce from Melinda.
Neighbours are not too happy about it.
The New York Post reports that the tech tycoon has completely renovated the six-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom palace, complete with glass tile pool, fire pit and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean that stretch the length of the property.
Gate’s fresh start comes at the expense of his neighbours’ peace and quiet though.
It’s been a nuisance, a neighbour told the Post.
They make a lot of noise, my baby can’t sleep, another local resident told the paper. It’s become a hindrance on the whole neighbourhood.
Gates has thrown his $134 billion net worth around the San Diego Department of Buildings, which appears to be fast-tracking his permitting for the renovations.
It was only a year ago that Gates bought the place for $43 million from oil magnate T. Boone Pickens’ ex-wife Madeleine Pickens, who added three adjacent parcels to the property when she owned it. Real estate photos from the time show the property in turn-key condition.
Three months later, he announced his divorce from Melinda after 27 years. In January, the demolition began on the place.
The home they purchased was in immaculate condition, not exactly sure why he would want to tear it down, a local realtor told The Post.
The house, which also has a two-bedroom guest house and open-concept living room, was one of the most expensive real estate buys in 2021.
The Post reports that insiders say that when it’s complete the Del Mar manse will be Gates’ summer bachelor pad.
He’s taken a keen interest in how it turns out.
When he comes, he checks the house, walks out in the front, inspects it, sources told the Post.
The expected completion date is set for August, but photos obtained by the paper show that it’s nearly levelled.
They are working around the clock to get it done, a source told the paper.
