Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison reportedly spent nearly $10 million on eight homes in a gated Boynton Beach community, creating housing for employees who help manage his family’s household. The purchases, made in 2023, are about a half-hour drive from his oceanfront estate in Manalapan and drew concern from some neighborhood residents.
Key takeaways
- An Ellison-linked LLC bought eight homes in Palm Meadows Estates in May and June 2023, according to property records.
- The houses were reportedly intended for household employees, including tutors for some of Ellison’s children.
- The concentrated purchases prompted objections from residents, and the homeowners association later adopted rules to prevent similar accumulation.
Eight homes near the Manalapan estate
The homes are in Palm Meadows Estates, a guarded community in West Boynton Beach with 288 homesites. Ellison bought his approximately 15-acre Manalapan property, known as Gemini, for $173 million in 2022. The two locations are roughly 30 minutes apart by car.
The purchases followed a search for about 10 houses that began in early 2023, according to the reporting. A local agent said the buyer’s representatives pursued some properties that had not been listed for sale. Ellison later toured homes, and an LLC connected to him completed the eight purchases over several weeks.
Housing for household employees
People familiar with the arrangement told the Wall Street Journal that the homes are used by members of the family’s household staff, including tutors. The properties are modest in comparison with Ellison’s estate, though some have private pools. County records also show permits for Tesla Powerwalls at all eight homes.
Providing separate nearby housing can help household employees avoid long commutes while allowing them to remain close to their work without living in the main residence. Private-staffing adviser Peter Mahler told the Journal that lodging can be a practical investment when quick access to employees is important.
Purchases stirred neighborhood concerns
The acquisition of eight homes in one community unsettled some Palm Meadows residents, according to the reporting. The homeowners association subsequently adopted restrictions intended to prevent one owner from accumulating a similar number of properties.
The episode reflects a broader pattern among wealthy homeowners: securing nearby housing for nannies, tutors, chefs and other staff. For Ellison, the reported purchases extend a South Florida property footprint anchored by Gemini, one of the region’s most prominent luxury estates.
Sources
- Larry Ellison quietly buys 8 homes in 1 neighborhood, New York Post.