America's wealthiest residents, accustomed to luxurious California estates and New York penthouses, are increasingly turning their attention to historic properties across the Atlantic. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has now added a 196-year-old Irish Gothic castle to his ever-growing real estate holdings.
Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, recently acquired Strancally Castle in Waterford, Ireland—a 19th-century Gothic-style residence perched above the Blackwater River in the country's southeast. The three-story home, originally built in 1830 and extensively renovated in 2003, reportedly features 11 primary bedrooms, a Gothic Revival facade crafted from cut stone, 16,000 square feet of interior living space, and sits on a sprawling 440-acre estate with expansive green lawns.
The transaction was not recorded in Ireland's national property price register, with The Irish Times estimating the billionaire couple paid somewhere between 20 million euros (approximately $23.3 million) and 30 million euros (around $35 million) for the property.
Beyond the luxury amenities and historic charm, Zuckerberg's latest acquisition may also serve a practical purpose. Meta's international headquarters are located in Dublin, Ireland's capital, roughly 125 miles from Strancally Castle. While the Zuckerberg family won't take up permanent residence in Ireland, the estate will serve as a European foothold for the influential family. Waterford City and County Council, when asked about the billionaire's castle purchase, also highlighted the region's rugged coastline and picturesque towns.
"Mark and his family are very happy to continue caring for this historic building and look forward to spending time in Ireland, where Meta's international headquarters is located," said Brian Baker, a spokesperson for Zuckerberg.
Zuckerberg is just one of many American billionaires acquiring premium properties overseas. In 2019, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin purchased a Georgian-style mansion near Buckingham Palace in London for $122 million—at the time, the most expensive property transaction in the British capital in over a decade. The 16,000-square-foot residence at 3 Carlton Gardens features a spa, indoor pool, and a storied history, having once served as Charles de Gaulle's wartime headquarters.
Other ultra-wealthy figures, including George Clooney, Tom Ford, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, have also added European properties to their portfolios. And a growing number of affluent but lesser-known Americans are eyeing British real estate as a hedge, seeking stability amid rising living costs, intensifying political polarization, and economic uncertainty back home.