Bill Gates $16 million gift to his daughter that went against Melinda Gates' middle class upbringing for kids

In what was termed as a display of parental generosity, Microsoft co-founder and former CEO Bill Gates reportedly purchased a $15.82 million horse farm in North Salem, Westchester, for his daughter Jennifer Gates as a graduation gift. The lavish 124-acre estate, complete with top-tier equestrian facilities, was acquired in 2018 following Jennifer’s graduation from the Stanford University, according to the New York Post and The Journal News.
The off-market deal, brokered by Muffin Dowdle of Ginnel Real Estate, was finalized through Robert Buote, trustee of Wellington Trust—a vehicle previously used for Gates family property purchases in Florida. The estate, formerly owned by Duncan Dayton, a real estate developer and heir to the Dayton-Hudson Corporation (now Target), boasts sprawling grounds and a rich history tied to one of America’s retail dynasties.
Jennifer, who moved to New York to pursue her studies at New York University, is a passionate equestrian with ambitions in competitive horse riding. The North Salem property is tailored to support her passion, featuring state-of-the-art stables and training facilities. This gift complements another significant purchase by Bill Gates: a $38 million equestrian estate in Wellington, Florida, a celebrity enclave frequented by the likes of Michael Bloomberg and Bruce Springsteen. The Florida property also includes a luxurious home and expansive grounds ideal for equestrian pursuits.

However, the extravagant gift has raised eyebrows, given Melinda Gates’ public statements about raising their three children—Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe—with modesty and financial discipline similar to that of a middle class family. In a 2024 interview with The New York Times, Melinda described their household as “very middle-class,” emphasizing that money was never a defining factor in their upbringing. “We absolutely did not just buy them things,” she said, noting that the Gates children received allowances but were taught to save and avoid excessive spending. Reflecting on her time at Duke University, Melinda added, “I vowed that if I ever had resources, those were not the kind of children I wanted to raise.”
The North Salem purchase, while a grand gesture, underscores the Gates family’s support for Jennifer’s equestrian dreams. Yet, it contrasts with Melinda’s narrative of frugality, sparking discussion about the balance between wealth and values in one of the world’s most prominent families.
In related news, Bill Gates appears pleased that he doesn't have to fund his daughter Phoebe Gates’s new shopping app. In a recent interview, the billionaire philanthropist opened up about being wary of investing in his and ex-wife Melinda Gates' youngest child’s new business venture. Gates admitted he deliberately chose not to fund his daughter Phoebe’s AI-powered shopping app, Phia, explaining that otherwise he’d have ended up supervising the business too closely.