Zuckerberg's interesting approach to I can't be bothered to move

Zuckerberg reportedly paid $7 million two years ago for the 5,000-square-foot home in Palo Alto's Crescent Park neighborhood where he lives with his wife.
The home built in 1903 was listed for $5,850,000 and he paid $7,000,000 for it only a month later. The only problem is that it has less than half an acre.

For a man worth $19 billion, the sum was modest.

In order to protect his privacy he just paid $30 million for four homes surrounding him, and leased them back to their present owners. By massively overpaying for these homes (at least double their value) he was able to be assured that they wouldn't sell to a person who might buy the home just to live near Zuckerburg.

What a whacky guy! Why would anyone pay that amount of money when he could easily buy any home he wants?

He knows the neighbors are now full time privacy specialists protecting him from prying eyes.

Quote: Pacomartin

What a whacky guy! Why would anyone pay that amount of money when he could easily buy any home he wants?

Why would anybody want to live near him? He is as big a jerk as Jobs was but at least Steve could sound inspiring when he talked to you.

Although I do find it interesting he "wants his privacy" when he is one of the most outspoken advocates that there is no privacy.

Back in 1994 long before Steve Wynn was a billionaire his 27 year old daughter, Kevyn was grabbed in her kitchen by two masked men, blindfolded, posed and held for ransom. The $1.5 Million that he withdrew from the casino cage to pay the ransom was a minor glitch compared to the fear for his family. After that he moved into a custom built home in the center of a golf course that was owned by his hotels.

You can't be worth multiple billions of dollars and buy a home on a half acre lot. You give up the right to live like a millionaire, Even if it is just to protect your wife, friends and neighbors.

Does he think that buying the houses immediately next door will stop long range lenses?

I would think he wants a compound there eventually. Use
the houses he bought as guest homes and kick the present
people out. He has a long range plan I'm sure, maybe even
tear a couple of them down.

I don't envy his massive wealth. Every time he does anything
it has to be planned out with bodyguards. He can't take a
walk alone in his own neighborhood. When he has kids the
real fun begins. You don't realize how nice it is to go anywhere
you like anytime you like until you can't do it anymore.

Quote: Pacomartin

You can't be worth multiple billions of dollars and buy a home on a half acre lot.

It is quite plainly evident that you can.

Quote: Nareed

It is quite plainly evident that you can.

I meant that you can't do it safely without endangering your family.