Inside Elon Musk’s Secret $12 Million Lakefront Mansion in Austin
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is reportedly spending a lot of time at a lavish waterfront mansion in Austin, Texas—despite publicly claiming to live in a modest $50,000 prefab home near SpaceX’s Boca Chica site. The mansion, owned by his longtime friend and fellow PayPal co-founder Ken Howery, sits in the exclusive Watersedge community on Lake Austin.
This 8,000-square-foot estate boasts high-end features that fit the extravagant lifestyle of billionaires. With a private boat dock, a resort-style pool, and a jacuzzi overlooking the water, the property offers both luxury and seclusion. Howery purchased the home for over $12 million in 2018, setting a record in Austin’s real estate market at the time. Given the city’s skyrocketing property values, the estate is likely worth even more today.
Musk previously sold off all of his California properties—nine mansions in total—for a combined $144 million, following his public vow to “own no house.” Many believe this move was part of his financial strategy, allowing him to free up cash for Tesla stock options set to expire.
Although Howery insists that Musk is merely an occasional guest, reports suggest the billionaire is actively searching for a permanent home in Austin. According to The Wall Street Journal, Musk is on the hunt for a trophy property that suits his status as one of the richest men in the world.
Beyond luxury, the Austin mansion also offers a strategic advantage. Tesla’s headquarters recently moved to the city, making this an ideal base for Musk while he settles on a long-term residence.
