Fatshimetrie: A Reflection on Accession to Extravagance
Beyond the apparent brilliance of mega-houses lie spaces of surprising functionality. Designer Gavin Ambrose, a specialist in high-end residential architecture, emphasizes that these residences are not just huge, but pay special attention to creating spaces dedicated to specific needs.
A Room For Every Passion
Imagine having your own art studio, private movie theater, or even indoor sports complex. This reality exists for some. Tech billionaire Bill Gates, for example, has a trampoline gym at his Washington state home. These dedicated spaces allow residents to cultivate their passions without even having to leave their homes.
Family & Guests: A House within a House
Many mega-homes are designed with separate wings or floors for family and guests. This provides some privacy and recognizes the fact that even wealthy people do not constantly move alongside their families.
Staff Quarters: The Unsung Heroes
Let’s not forget the army of staff who help keep these imposing homes running smoothly. Resident housekeepers, chefs and security guards are often assigned dedicated quarters within the house itself.
The Reality of the Interview
Maintaining a mega-home is a full-time job in itself. Extensive landscaping, cleaning large areas, and ensuring complex systems such as home theaters and swimming pools operate impeccably require dedicated staff. This maintenance can represent a significant hidden cost.
Mega Mansion Experiences
Entertainment Spaces: One of the most common features of these homes is the presence of considerable entertainment spaces. This includes home theaters equipped with advanced sound systems and stadium-style seating, game rooms with billiards, ping pong tables and even arcade machines. For example, Jeff Bezos’ Warner Estate in Beverly Hills features lush gardens, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a golf course.
Fitness and Wellness: Many mega-houses offer state-of-the-art fitness centers, often rivaling commercial gyms. These facilities can include indoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and even full-size basketball courts. Larry Ellison’s Florida home, for example, includes extensive outdoor and indoor sports facilities.
Work and Study: Home offices in these areas are not just functional, but designed to impress. Spacious, often with luxurious finishes and equipped with the latest technology. Libraries decorated with books offer a haven of peace, adding an intellectual dimension to the home.
Leisure and Luxury: Billionaire mansions often feature unique leisure facilities such as wine cellars, art galleries and extravagant dressing rooms. Bill Gates’ estate, known as Xanadu 2.0, features a 60-foot swimming pool with an underwater music system, a 2,500-square-foot gym and a reception hall that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Exterior Spaces: The exteriors of these properties are as luxurious as the interiors. They often include beautifully landscaped gardens, outdoor kitchens, dining areas and sometimes even private docks or helipads. Properties are designed to provide privacy, often surrounded by high walls and security features to ensure the safety and privacy of residents.
Unique and Personalized Rooms: Each mega-home typically includes spaces designed according to the owner’s personal interests. This can range from music studios, to art rooms, or even grooming rooms specifically for pets. In some cases, there are more unusual additions such as bowling alleys, car showrooms, or even indoor waterfalls.
In short, these mega-homes are designed to be self-contained worlds, where the ultra-rich can pursue their hobbies and entertain their guests without ever having to leave their homes. This level of extravagance highlights not only wealth, but also a lifestyle that values privacy, convenience and personalized luxury.
Beyond the Demonstration
While the status symbolism of palaces remains undeniable, philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder MacKenzie Scott’s recent decision to downgrade to a relatively modest abode shows that even the ultra-wealthy sometimes prioritize practicality over convenience. ostentation.
Ultimately, whether a billionaire uses a mega-home depends on their lifestyle and priorities. But one thing is certain – it’s not just a big house; it is a carefully designed space catering to every need and whim.