Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates paid $18 million for a 229-acre horse ranch just north of San Diego. The ranch, known as Rancho Paseana, was previously owned by weight-loss guru Jenny Craig, with an original listing price of $30 million in 2010.
The transaction closed in September, and The Wall Street Journal reported on the sale this past week, noting that the property includes a three-quarter mile racetrack, a guesthouse, an olive orchard, five barns and a veterinarian’s suite.
“The family has enjoyed visiting the San Diego area with friends and family for many years and has purchased the Rancho Paseana property in Rancho Santa Fe, California,” a Gates family spokesperson confirmed in a statement to Forbes.
Gates’ daughter is a competitive horse jumper, and the family owns a home in nearby Del Mar Country Club.
Craig reportedly closed the ranch last year, but wanted to sell it to someone who would preserve the historic use for horses. Barry Estates represented the buyer and seller, according to Forbes.
