By Bloodhorse.com
RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2014) — Bill Gates has purchased Rancho Paseana from weight-loss guru and horse owner Jenny Craig for $18 million, according to a published report.
The deal on the 228-acre Thoroughbred farm about 20 minutes north of San Diego closed in mid-September, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing public records. The property, used for training and as a lay-up facility, includes a six-furlong training track, a guesthouse and office, an olive orchard, five barns, and a veterinarian’s suite.
The newspaper quoted a spokesman for Gates as saying the Microsoft co-founder wanted the property because the Gates family “has enjoyed visiting the San Diego area with friends and family for many years.”
The property has been on the market for several years, initially priced at about $30 million. It had recently been listed for nearly $25 million, but was later withdrawn.
Rancho Paseana was closed in 2013 and there are currently no horses there, a spokesman said.
Jason Berry of Barry Estates, which represented Craig, told the Journal the purchaser intends to keep Rancho Paseana as an equestrian facility, however.