Introduction
In December 2014, Markus “Notch” Persson, the Swedish developer behind the popular video game Minecraft , bought a luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills for $70 million. This purchase was not just a real estate investment but a symbol of his tremendous success after selling his company Mojang to Microsoft for $2.5 billion earlier that year. Located in the Trousdale area of Beverly Hills, the house features unique elements such as a large candy room, advanced home theaters, and high-end technology throughout. In this article, we will explore the details of the purchase, the design of the house, its interior features, and the impact of the deal on the luxury real estate market.
The Home Purchase Deal
Markus Persson finalized the purchase of the Beverly Hills mansion in December 2014 for $70 million. Originally listed at $85 million, the price was negotiated before the sale. The seller was Bruce Makowsky, a well-known developer specializing in ultra-luxury homes. The property attracted attention from high-profile buyers, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who toured the house multiple times.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Price | $70 million |
| Purchase Date | December 2014 |
| Seller | Bruce Makowsky |
| Location | 1108 North Hillcrest Drive, Beverly Hills |
Design and Size of the House
The mansion is designed in a modern style with large glass walls offering panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. It spans approximately 23,000 square feet, making it one of the largest private residences in the area. Its front entrance includes a 54-foot curved glass door that opens to an infinity pool with iPad-controlled fountains.
Interior Features
The home is packed with exclusive features combining technology and luxury. Some of the most notable include:
- Candy Room : Estimated at $200,000, featuring oversized M&M’s character sculptures.
- Entertainment Areas : An 18-seat tiered screening room and three 90-inch HD TVs.
- Dining Area : An 18-foot onyx dining table that seats 24 people, with Roberto Cavalli place settings costing $3,700 each.
- Bathrooms : Each bathroom has a Toto Neorest toilet priced at $5,600 per unit.
- Art Displays : Includes a replica of James Dean’s motorcycle and a chromed Ma Deuce machine gun.
- Garage : A black-tiled and mirrored garage with a lift system to display cars behind glass on a lower level.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Candy Room | $200,000 + M&M’S character sculptures |
| Toilet | Toto Neorest ($5,600) |
| Dining Table | 18-foot onyx table + expensive place settings |
| Garage | Car lift system + glass display |
Included Furnishings and Accessories
The house was sold fully furnished, including luxury items like Hermès chairs, Roberto Cavalli bed sheets, and cases of Dom Perignon in a wine room holding up to 2,500 bottles. Even everyday items were premium, such as eight Oral-B 3D Braun electric toothbrushes included in the deal.
Impact on the Real Estate Market
At the time, the $70 million sale set a record as the most expensive home ever sold in Beverly Hills. It also highlighted how tech entrepreneurs are becoming major players in the luxury housing market, competing with traditional celebrities from music and film.
ArchUp Opinion
Analysis and Personal View:
Buying a house for $70 million may seem excessive to some, especially when the buyer comes from a non-traditional background like game development. However, Markus Persson’s story shows how innovation and digital products can generate massive wealth that rivals traditional industries. That said, one might question whether this was a smart long-term investment or simply a symbolic gesture of financial success. The emphasis on extravagant details—like a candy room or ultra-expensive toilets—seems more about showing off than practical living.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Markus Persson still the owner of this house?
No, he later sold the house in 2017 for $50 million after finding it unsuitable for his lifestyle.
What made this house stand out from others?
Its smart technology, unique interior design, and unusual features like the candy room and automated car display system.
Was Persson the first tech billionaire to buy such a high-end home?
Not exactly, but this was the highest-priced home sale in Beverly Hills at the time, which made it significant.
Summary Table
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $70 million |
| Location | Beverly Hills, California |
| Total Area | 23,000 sq ft |
| Key Features | Candy room, smart fountains, car lift |
| Included Furnishings | Roberto Cavalli bedding, French wine, smart toothbrushes |
| Market Impact | Record-breaking sale in Beverly Hills |
| Resale | Sold later for $50 million |
Let me know if you’d like this translated into another language or formatted differently (e.g., PDF, blog post, etc.).
