It appears that Bill Gates does not have the title to the $60 million castle located in Northern Italy.

According to an article published in the Italian newspaper Il Secolo XIX last week, the co-founder of Microsoft allegedly acquired the renowned Villa San Giorgio in the Liguria region of Italy. As reported by the local newspaper, the historic property was purportedly acquired by Gates via his Four Seasons real estate firm to convert it into an opulent resort. Subsequently, his team has refuted these allegations.

“Bill Gates did not purchаse Villa San Giorgio, the sea-view structure in Portofino dubbed the ‘Castle,'” a representative of Gates’ wealth manager, Cascade Asset Management Company, told ANSA.

The fortress-like edifice in question served as a military stronghold during the Roman era due to its elevated location; nevertheless, it was subsequently deserted, as reported by The Daily Mail. Decades after a British diplomat acquired the property, it transformed the opulent villa that is presently admired. The ancient European structure, alternatively referred to as Portofino Castle, spans an area of 12,917 square feet and features an elevator that provides direct access to the shore.

The northwest coast of Italy’s Portofino has long been a popular retreat for celebrities, businesspeople, and jet-setters. The vibrant fishing village has played host to notable figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, Jennifer Lopez, fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, and Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian, who exchanged vows at Villa Olivetta.

Although the spokesperson refutes the “information,” had the transaction taken place, Gates’ $170 million real estate portfolio would have already included an Italian property, which would not be the first time he has done so. Saudi Prince al-Waleed bin Talal sold a majority stake in the Four Seasons Hotel chain to Gates’ private equity firm for $2.2 billiоn in 2021. Four Seasons was subsequently awarded a contract to construct the city’s first six-star hotel at a new resort in Rome, situated in a palazzo from the 17th century close to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Spanish Steps.