arry Ellison Buys Eight Florida Homes for Kids’ Tutors, Staff

Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, 82, has quietly spent nearly $10 million on eight homes in Florida to house the tutors and staff who support his family. The properties sit in Palm Meadows Estates, a gated community in Boynton Beach, about 30 minutes from his $173 million oceanfront compound in Manalapan, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

A Purchase Wrapped in Secrecy

The homes were bought in 2023 through an LLC, which kept Ellison’s name out of the transactions. Curious neighbors speculated that the mystery buyer might be a tech figure such as Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk. Even the local agent who helped line up the deals reportedly learned the buyer’s identity only when Ellison arrived to tour the properties, accompanied by bodyguards.

The houses are meant for staff serving the family, including tutors for some of the five young children Ellison shares with his wife, Jolin. The distance appears deliberate: close enough that employees are available when needed, yet far enough to stay out of the family’s way.

A Growing Trend Among the Ultrarich

The purchase reflects a wider pattern among the ultrawealthy, who are increasingly buying housing for their employees. In expensive real estate markets, offering a place to live can help families attract top household talent who might otherwise face steep rents or long commutes. Peter Mahler of Mahler Private Staffing said investing in lodging can be a very smart decision for employers.

For Ellison, whose fortune is tied to Oracle, the Boynton Beach homes add to a property portfolio already anchored by his Manalapan estate. The move shows how the logistics of running a billionaire household, from education to security, now extend well beyond the walls of the main residence. As more wealthy families build in-house teams, staff housing may become a standard part of the luxury real estate landscape.