Billionaire Elon Musk, known for his visionary ventures and unconventional personal life, has reportedly acquired a $35 million family compound in Austin, Texas. The sprawling property aims to house some of his 11 children and two of their mothers in an unusual living arrangement designed to keep the family connected. Here’s everything we know about this enigmatic move
One Big Happy Family?
At the heart of the reported compound is a 14,400-square-foot mansion designed to mimic the charm of a Tuscan villa. This luxurious property sits in a serene, leafy neighborhood and has been described as the cornerstone of Musk’s vision for a family hub. Directly behind the villa is a six-bedroom mansion, which Musk is said to have helped purchase, bringing the total cost of the properties to $35 million.×
Musk has reportedly expressed a desire to create a cohesive environment for his younger children, envisioning adjoining properties for their mothers, Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis and musician Claire Boucher, known professionally as Grimes. This setup, Musk reportedly believes, would allow his children to spend time together and simplify his efforts to “schedule time” with them.
Shivon Zilis, the mother of Musk’s twins Strider and Azure, is said to have already moved into one of the homes on the compound. Meanwhile, Grimes, who shares three children with Musk, has “so far steered clear” of the property, reportedly due to ongoing custody disputes with the tech mogul. Their relationship has been characterized by tension, including disagreements over naming their children.
Family Planning
Musk’s family dynamics are far from harmonious. Grimes is currently in a legal battle with Musk over custody of their three children, while his first wife, Justine, remains in Los Angeles with their five adult children. Musk is reportedly estranged from at least one of them, Vivian, who has publicly criticized her father for his actions and beliefs.
The family compound aligns with Elon’s broader belief in addressing declining global birthrates. As a self-proclaimed pronatalist, Musk has often encouraged others to have more children, citing population collapse as a major threat to civilization. His compound could be seen as a reflection of this ideology, though some have criticized his approach as impractical.
Rumor or Reality?
Despite multiple reports about the compound, Musk has denied its existence, stating, “I don’t own, nor am I building a compound in Austin.” He clarified that his children’s mothers live in separate homes, purchased independently, and that the reported $35 million figure is exaggerated.
The Austin neighborhood hosting these properties is known for its lack of privacy, which has left some questioning Musk’s choice of location. Neighbors have noted increased security and occasional visits from service providers, but remain puzzled about Musk’s long-term plans.
What Lies Ahead
While the compound rumors swirl, Musk has announced a separate futuristic art project in the Austin area, which he hopes will be open to the public. His relocation of business operations, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), to Texas underscores his growing ties to the state.
Whether or not Musk’s $35 million family compound is real, his unorthodox family arrangements and his push for population growth continue to capture public attention. The blending of personal and ideological goals makes this story quintessentially Musk: part strategy, part spectacle, and entirely unconventional.