Inside Washington’s Largest Private Home and What 66,000 Square Feet Really Looks Like

Washington State is home to some incredible properties, but none are quite as large or as well-known as the massive lakefront estate often referred to as Xanadu 2.0. Located on the shores of Lake Washington, this sprawling home is owned by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and spans an astonishing 66,000 square feet. Designed with advanced technology and built to blend into its natural surroundings, the property is considered one of the most unique private residences in the United States.

In this slideshow, we take a closer look at what makes this home so remarkable, from its sheer size and custom design features to its location in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most desirable areas. We also break down what 66,000 square feet really means in practical terms, offering a clearer sense of just how massive this property is compared to a typical home.

The Largest House in Washington State

• Bill and Melinda Gates built the Pacific Lodge-style home, which is Washington’s biggest house, in 1995 using natural materials from the region.
• Gates purchased the land for $2 million in 1988, then spent the next seven years building his dream home.
• The house in Medina blends into its natural environment and is also a technological marvel with state-of-the-art features.

Artificial Stream

• An artificial stream stocked with salmon and trout was installed to handle runoff issues caused by the mansion’s high walls.

Constructed With 500-Year-Old Fir Trees

• Gates rescued trees from an old lumber mill rather than cutting them down himself.
• The sanded logs were used in construction to help the King County house blend into the natural background.

Earth-Sheltered

• The house is considered earth-sheltered, meaning parts of it are underground and covered with earth for insulation.
• This design helps reduce energy use for heating and cooling.

What Animals Live Near Washington’s Largest House?

• Medina’s parks and natural spaces provide habitat for otters, muskrats, and bobcats.
• Lake Washington is home to trout, ducks, bass, perch, sockeye salmon, and crappie.

Lots of Space

• The house features seven bedrooms, six kitchens, more than 20 bathrooms, and a reception hall for up to 200 guests.
• It also includes a home theater with 20 plush seats, plus an exercise room with a steam room, sauna, lockers, and a trampoline room with 20-foot ceilings.

A Beloved Maple Tree

• A 40-year-old maple tree near the driveway is monitored by sensors and a computer.
• When the tree is dry, water is automatically pumped to it.

Where Is the Largest House in Washington Located?

• The biggest house in Washington is located at 1835 73rd Ave NE in Medina.
• Medina sits on a peninsula in Lake Washington, opposite Seattle, and is home to other billionaires and tech leaders.

The Perfect Smart Home

• The estate has a server system that manages the home.
• Guests wear a GPS-tracking pin and can set preferences for lighting, temperature, and music.
• Hidden wall speakers and oversized display screens make the home feel futuristic.

Other Large Homes in Washington

• A 11,271-square-foot Seattle house is on the market for $26.5 million and overlooks Lake Washington.
• Halftide Farms on San Juan Island spans 87 acres with five residences and a guest cottage.

Secret Pivoting Bookcases in the Library

• The 2,100-square-foot library includes a domed reading room and an oculus.
• It also houses Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester, worth more than $30 million, and a pivoting bookcase that reveals a secret bar.

A Caribbean Island-Style Beach

• A nearly 60-foot-long pool includes an underwater sound system and a glass wall you can swim under to reach the private beach.
• Each year, Gates has soft powdery sand from the Caribbean flown in to stock the beach.