Think about the last thing you bought just because you wanted it. Now imagine that moment with no financial ceiling. For billionaires, that simple act can lead to objects that range from extravagant to head-scratching. And their ownership decisions stretch far beyond luxury and into the extraordinary. Coming up next, you’ll see 20 such examples that highlight how unimaginable resources can turn everyday purchases into something far more unusual.
Jeff Bezos’s Superyacht “Koru”
Built by Oceanco, the 127-meter Koru is the longest yacht in the Netherlands and the largest sailing vessel in the world. Its three 85-meter masts give it a dramatic and distinctive profile. Those same masts also create bridge clearance problems that require careful planning and operational workarounds.
Lanai (98% Of The Hawaiian Island Owned By Larry Ellison)
Lanai, once called “Pineapple Island” for its vast Dole plantations, covers 90,000 acres. Larry Ellison now owns 98% of it, shaping the island’s future with luxury resorts and sustainable farming projects. It is also Hawaii’s sixth-largest island and is nearly entirely in Ellison’s hands.
Blue Origin (Jeff Bezos’s Personal Space Program)
Jeff Bezos founded Blue Origin to make space travel possible for private citizens. Based in Kent, Washington, the company’s motto is “Gradatim Ferociter” (Step by Step, Ferociously). That steady approach led to its New Shepard rocket taking civilian passengers to the edge of space.
Gulfstream G650ER Jet
The Gulfstream G650ER is a $65 million private jet built for speed and range. It can fly 7,500 nautical miles and reach nearly the speed of sound at Mach 0.925. Inside, owners can also add features like private beds and even showers.
Private Art Storage Facility
Some billionaires store millions of dollars’ worth of art in ultra-secure Geneva freeports. These hidden vaults keep priceless pieces out of public view, with access restricted even for customs officials. More secure than many museums, these storage facilities let collectors maintain massive private collections in secrecy.
LA Clippers (Steve Ballmer’s Sports Team)
Steve Ballmer purchased the LA Clippers in 2014 for $2 billion, a move that reshaped the franchise’s future. Over time, the team’s value soared, placing it among the NBA’s most prized organizations. In 2024, Ballmer’s vision expands further with the opening of the Intuit Dome.
MiG-29 Fighter Jet (Jared Isaacman)
The MiG-29 was built for Soviet air combat, capable of speeds over Mach 2. Entrepreneur Jared Isaacman owns one today and uses it in civilian airshows. As both a businessman and trained pilot, Isaacman showcases the Cold War jet’s power outside military settings.
Ken Griffin’s $238 Million Manhattan Penthouse
In 2019, hedge fund manager Ken Griffin paid $238 million for a Manhattan penthouse at 220 Central Park South. The apartment covers four floors and features sweeping views of Central Park. It’s one of the most expensive homes ever purchased in the U.S.
Custom-Built Submarine (Concept By U.S. Submarines)
Ultra-wealthy individuals can own private submarines designed for comfort and style. U.S. Submarines created fully customized models priced up to $80 million, featuring underwater lounges, private theaters, and lavish interiors. These submarines turn exploration into a high-end experience, combining cutting-edge technology with unmatched exclusivity.
Historic Watch Collection (Sultan Of Brunei)
The Sultan of Brunei owns one of the world’s most valuable watch collections. It includes rare Patek Philippe and Rolex pieces, along with custom designs created specifically for him. The collection’s exact size and worth remain secret, which adds to its mystique.
Virgin Galactic’s Private Space Jet (Richard Branson)
Virgin Galactic uses WhiteKnightTwo, a mothership that carries the smaller SpaceShipTwo high into the atmosphere before release. This system also allows the craft to achieve suborbital flight. In 2021, Richard Branson flew aboard the spaceplane himself. That marks a milestone in private space travel.
Paul Allen’s Fleet Of Historic Fighter Aircraft
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen collected and restored WWII fighter planes, including the famous P-51 Mustang. His fleet is preserved at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum in Washington. Many of these aircraft are still flown at airshows to keep aviation history alive for new generations.
The Yellowstone Club (Private Ski Resort)
Montana’s Yellowstone Club is a private ski resort open only to billionaires and financial elites. Membership comes with strict requirements, giving access to luxury amenities and even a golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf. It’s one of the world’s most exclusive winter destinations.
NASA-Flown Space Artifacts (Jeff Bezos)
Jeff Bezos owns artifacts that were once flown by NASA, linking him directly to space exploration’s history. These pieces reflect his enduring fascination with space. That same passion eventually led to the creation of his private aerospace company, Blue Origin.
Steve Cohen’s Preserved Tiger Shark Art Piece
Most collectors seek beauty or rarity, but Steve Cohen chose something different: a 14-foot tiger shark floating in formaldehyde. His $8–12 million purchase of Damien Hirst’s creation stands out not for comfort but for provocation. And it remains a lightning rod in modern art.
Jay-Z’s Private Recording Studio
While many artists rely on rented studio time, Jay-Z works in his own high-tech recording space. The setup ensures complete privacy and independence. It’s where he creates music that reflects his career’s evolution and continues to impact the industry at large.
Mukesh Ambani’s Skyscraper Mansion ‘Antilia’
In Mumbai, Mukesh Ambani’s 27-story home, Antilia, stands as one of the world’s most expensive private residences. It was designed to withstand earthquakes and includes a garage for 168 cars along with multiple residential floors. At the top, three rooftop helipads emphasize its place as a symbol of modern luxury.
Sultan Of Brunei’s Car Collection
The Sultan of Brunei is said to own one of the largest car collections in the world, with around 7,000 vehicles. It includes rare Ferraris, custom Rolls-Royces, and unique luxury models. Many cars, however, sit unused in non-climate-controlled garages.
Ken Griffin’s Art Acquisitions
If you’ve ever stood in front of a Pollock or de Kooning and wondered who owns such masterpieces, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin might be the answer. His collection includes $500 million worth of acquisitions from 2016. Some of which are occasionally loaned to public museums.
Bill Gates’s “Codex Leicester”
In 1994, Bill Gates bought Leonardo da Vinci’s “Codex Leicester” for $30.8 million. The manuscript contains da Vinci’s scientific notes and sketches. Gates continues to share it with the public by sending it on exhibition tours, bringing Renaissance ideas into today’s museums worldwide.
