Markus “Notch” Persson, the Swedish creator of the video game Minecraft, has put his sprawling Beverly Hills mansion on the market for $70 million. The listing marks the latest instance of a high-profile tech figure reducing ties to California, a trend that has seen several billionaires establish residences in other states, particularly Florida.
Persson acquired the estate in 2014 for $70 million, outbidding high-profile figures like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Despite investing millions in upgrades, he is asking for the same price he paid over a decade ago, according to The Wall Street Journal. His listing agent, Aaron Kirman of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, stated that Persson is selling because he no longer spends significant time in Los Angeles, noting that the billionaire is “committed to selling.”
The nearly 22,300-square-foot mansion is situated on almost an acre in the exclusive Trousdale Estates neighborhood of Beverly Hills. The property features eight bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and two swimming pools. Originally developed by Bruce Makowsky, the home was known for its extravagant amenities even before Persson’s ownership.
When Persson purchased the estate, it reportedly included a $200,000 candy room, a 2,500-bottle wine cellar, an 18-seat movie theater, and a car lift. Since then, Persson has added a recording studio and a private nightclub, complete with a DJ booth, bar, and dance floor. Prominent artists have utilized the recording studio, according to co-listing agent Branden Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates. The estate also boasts panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, with a separate pool for the primary suite.
Persson’s decision to sell coincides with a broader movement of wealthy tech entrepreneurs away from California. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg recently purchased a $170 million mansion in Florida, while Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have also acquired properties in South Florida. This migration is occurring amid discussions of a proposed one-time 5% wealth tax in California, a measure that has prompted concerns among some of the state’s wealthiest residents. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has publicly considered leaving California due to the proposed tax.
The luxury real estate market in areas like Beverly Hills has seen shifts, with some properties experiencing significant price reductions. However, the median price for a single-family home in Beverly Hills has remained robust. Notably, homes within Beverly Hills are exempt from Los Angeles city's "mansion tax".