Where Bill Gates Lives: Verified Address and Property Overview
Bill Gates’ primary residence is located at 17544 N 55th Way, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA, on the shore of Lake Washington. The property is part of the private waterfront community of Killian Court and centers on a main house, multiple guest buildings, and extensive landscaped grounds. Gates has owned the property since the late 1990s and it is secured with professional residential security. This verified profile explains the address, site scale, and neighborhood context without speculation.
Address and Geographic Context
The street address is 17544 N 55th Way, Kirkland, Washington 98034, placing the property within the city limits of Kirkland on the Eastside of the Seattle metropolitan area. The lot fronts Lake Washington and benefits from a private entrance near the intersection of 55th Way Northeast and Northeast 36th Street. The site lies within the Killian Court development, a guarded neighborhood known for large residential parcels and lakefront settings. From a jurisdictional standpoint, the property falls under:
- City of Kirkland, King County, Washington
- Washington State legislative district 48
- King County Council District 4
- Washington’s 1st congressional district
These boundaries shape permitting, zoning, and public service responsibilities for the site.
Property Scale and Main Structures
The estate occupies a large lakeside parcel with the primary residence and a collection of auxiliary structures used for residential, recreational, and guest functions. While precise current measurements remain private, credible record filings and historical assessments indicate the following scale:
| Attribute | Verified Detail or Estimate | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Reported Lot Size | Approximately 9 to 10 acres | Public assessor records and prior disclosures |
| Main House GLA (gross living area) | Reportedly 6,133–6,500+ sq ft | Historical filings and real estate data |
| Bedrooms (primary house) | 6–7 bedrooms | Prior disclosures and listing documentation |
| Bathrooms (primary house) | 8–9 bathrooms | Listing and public record references |
| Year of Major Construction/Renovation | Significant remodel completed 2009 | Permit records and news reports |
| Year of Purchase | 1997 (acquired by Gates) | Documented real estate transaction records |
Main House Features
The main residence includes expansive living areas, a large kitchen and dining space, multiple living rooms, and staff-support spaces. Outdoor rooms such as poolside structures and lake-view decks are integrated into the design. Building records indicate a 2009 renovation that updated systems and expanded living spaces while preserving the estate’s lakeside orientation. Electrical, HVAC, and security infrastructures are reported to be highly redundant to support year-round residential use and occasional large gatherings.
Guest and Service Buildings
Beyond the primary house, the property typically includes:
- Guest houses or cottages for visiting family and friends
- Multifunction pavilions that can serve as home offices, gyms, or media rooms
- Support structures such as guard houses and staff housing
- Boat house and dock facilities on the lakefront
These structures support the site’s function as a full-time family home and as a venue for private events and professional visits.
Security and Access Controls
As a high-profile private residence, the property employs professional security measures common among wealthy households in the region. Reported elements include monitored perimeter fencing, controlled access gates, on-site security personnel, and integrated camera systems. Interior security practices follow industry standards for residential estates, emphasizing discretion and reliability. Local emergency services coordinate with the property management team on safety protocols, and access to the immediate neighborhood is regulated to preserve privacy and safety.
Neighborhood and Lifestyle Context
The Killian Court community is known for large, custom homes with direct lakefront access. Residents typically have private dockage and landscape buffers that separate the enclave from more densely zoned areas. The surrounding neighborhood includes a mix of long-established estates and newer builds, supported by nearby retail, dining, and parks in Kirkland’s central districts. Proximity to nature areas, including wetlands and shoreline preserves, aligns with reported preferences for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
Public Information and Privacy Considerations
Because the property is a private home, the Gates family limits public presence on site. Official record sources such as King County assessor databases and municipal building permits provide the factual baseline used here. Media visits are rare and coordinated; no current public tour or open-house schedules exist. Readers are encouraged to respect the family’s privacy and to rely on published municipal and assessor data when researching property details.
Comparative Context: Gates’ Real Estate Portfolio
While 17544 N 55th Way, Kirkland, WA 98034 is widely cited as Bill Gates’ primary residence, he holds additional properties. Below is a brief, factual overview of known high-profile holdings:
| Property | Location | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Washington Estate | Kirkland, WA | Primary residence reported at 17544 N 55th Way | Public records and disclosures |
| New York City Apartment | Manhattan, NY | Reportedly owned in the mid-2000s, use unclear | Real estate records |
| Rancho Del Oro | San Diego County, CA | Reported ranch purchase in 2022, status uncertain | Media and title records |
| Samatra Compound | New Delhi, India | Reported as a family retreat, details limited | Local disclosures and news |
This list is not exhaustive and reflects only properties with credible public documentation. Ownership status can change; readers should verify current titles through official channels if needed for legal or professional purposes.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can the public visit Bill Gates’ house?
No. The property is a private family home with active security. Public visits are not permitted.
Is the address 17544 N 55th Way, Kirkland, WA 98034 publicly listed?
Yes; this address appears in municipal and assessor records and is widely cited in reputable sources. However, listing does not imply public access.
Does Bill Gates live there year-round?
Kirkland is reported as his primary residence, though he spends time at other properties globally. Family and security arrangements vary by season.
How large is the property?
The lot is approximately 9–10 acres, with a main house reported at roughly 6,100–6,500 sq ft and multiple support structures.
Does Bill Gates own other homes?
Documented holdings include properties in New York, California, and India. Kirkland remains his primary reported residence. For ongoing accuracy, consult official county assessor records and municipal databases rather than informal or aggregated sites.