'My Baby Can't Sleep' – Bill Gates Demolished A $43 Million Mansion To Create A Bachelor Pad— Neighbors Were Annoyed And Called It A 'Nuisance'

Jeannine Mancini

Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 1:00 PM 3 min read

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Back in 2020, Bill and Melinda Gates purchased a $43 million oceanfront estate in Del Mar, California. The six-bedroom, 3.5-bath property was described in real estate listings as a "masterpiece" designed by architect Ken Ronchetti. But the view didn't last long.

Following their divorce announcement in 2021, Gates tore the property down. According to the New York Post, the Microsoft co-founder decided to rebuild the home from scratch, planning a modern "bachelor pad" loaded with custom tech upgrades. That decision didn't go over quietly—literally.

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Construction reportedly began in early 2022 and quickly became a source of frustration for the surrounding community. Neighbors reportedly told the Post that Gates' crew caused constant noise and disruption. "It's been a nuisance," one neighbor said. Another added, "They make a lot of noise; my baby can't sleep. It's become a real hindrance on the whole neighborhood."

The teardown surprised some in the high-end real estate world. The original house was only a decade old and had been lauded for its clean lines, open design, and prime location just steps from the sand. But Gates—who also owns an expansive smart estate in Medina, Washington worth an estimated $130 million—opted to build something entirely new on the Del Mar lot, this time reportedly tailored to his post-divorce lifestyle.

Del Mar's building regulations are notoriously strict, with environmental and zoning hurdles that often stall projects for years. Even so, Gates secured the necessary permits and, according to neighbors quoted by the Post, made at least two visits to the property during construction. They recalled him arriving with a full security detail and a pair of bulletproof Suburbans—part of a process that, they said, disrupted the quiet neighborhood from the moment demolition began.

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For real estate watchers, the episode raised questions about the tradeoff between modern redevelopment and community impact. Gates had the freedom—and budget—to start over. But for the neighbors, the construction was a four-letter word.