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He's a billionaire with ownership in everything from real estate to airlines to record labels, and it looks like Sir Richard Branson isn't stopping there.
The entrepreneur is worth nearly $5 billion, getting his start at just 16-years-old when he founded a magazine called Student. Though the magazine is no longer published, Branson has made a name for himself with his keen eye on a business deal and the lavish purchases he's made over the years.
According to Market Realist, the Virgin Group brings in $21 billion annually, revenue for Branson's many business ventures, and allows the man to rub elbows with some A-list celebrities, presidents, and royalty, to name a few.
Check out some of the most expensive things Branson has purchased to date.
Necker Belle Yacht
First launched as Lady Barbaretta in 2003, the Necker Belle underwent renovations for more than two years. It's one of the few luxury catamarans in the world and includes a beautiful interior and exterior. With four suite bedrooms and a capacity to invite ten guests with a crew of seven, Branson has opened the yacht for charter. Guests can rent the boat for $88,000 per week.
Necker Island
Perhaps Branson's most well-known property is the once uninhabited island he purchased and created into a luxury haven and resort. He bought the island in 1978, and not only has Branson called the island home for decades, but he's also invited the likes of Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro, and Orlando Bloom to enjoy the spoils. The ten-bedroom Balinese style villa includes a second-floor jacuzzi, airy and spacious dining, and a kitchen full of the scents of ingredients flown in daily from Miami. Aside from the main home, three other homes provide guest accommodations. An evening on Necker Island will cost approximately $54,000.
Necker Nymph
A luxury stay at Necker Island wouldn't be complete without an adventure on the Necker Nymph. The one-of-a-kind underwater aircraft was built specifically for Branson. The three-person submarine with an open cockpit is 15-feet long and can last up to two hours underwater—the special aircraft compliments other recreational activities like sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and more.
The Roof Gardens
Branson owns several Virgin Limited-Edition properties, including a unique retreat in Central London called The Roof Gardens. Sitting 100 feet above Kensington, the private club includes themed gardens, more than 70 full-sized trees, fountains, and flamingos. According to List Hogs, guests are treated to several VIP areas, two bars, and a staff of 100 professionals to tend to guests.
Falcon 900 EX
The private corporate jet is a mobile advertisement for the Virgin Galactic, the space travel arm of Branson's Virgin empire, and can carry 14 passengers with luxury seating, a business center, and an onboard bedroom. Branson paid roughly $36 million for the plane that dons the named 'Galactic Girl'.
VSS Enterprise & VSS Unity
The competition to Elon Musk's SpaceX, Branson created a 60-foot-long spaceship designed for six passengers and two pilots. Passengers can buy a ticket for $200,000 for a two-hour flight in suborbital space. Unfortunately, in 2014, the ship crashed during a routine test flight over California's Mojave Desert, and Branson commissioned a new version of the ship, VSS Unity, which Branson launched in the summer of 2021.
Ulusaba Safari Lodge
The private game reserve and lodge in South Africa is located in the Sabi Sand Reserve near Johannesburg. Branson owns two properties in the region. The Rock Lodge, featuring 21 luxury suites with spa treatments, aromatherapy, and a full gym. The second property, the Safari Lodge, is a rustic treehouse-style accommodation in which the guests in 21 rooms can live among the jungle with views of natural habitats and wild animals.
Makepeace Island
According to Born Rich, Branson has opened the island doors for guests to rent the 25-acre world off of the Australian coast. He purchased the island in 2003, planning an eco-retreat space with complete privacy. For just $8,000 per night, guests can enjoy a lagoon pool, bar, beach areas, tennis court, spa facilities, and nature walks.
Morris Mini-Minor
The economy car launched in 1848 was a two-door convertible, later upgraded to a four-door in the 1950s. Branson is the owner of the classic car with fixed rear windows and rubber floor mats. The car tops the list for auto collectors, and in his typical fashion, Branson has added one to his collection.
Moskito Island
The mega-rich businessman has a clear devotion to privacy and remote resorts. In 2007, he bought Moskito Island for $10 million. Branson's plan for the 120 acres is to develop the island as a showcase for biodiversity and exotic species. Once again, he plans to build a home for his family, plus a few luxury homes for families that want to live environmentally friendly. Plans for the island include carbon-neutral, Balinese-style villas built with ecologically sound cement. Solar, wind, and wave sources will be used for power, and Branson hopes to include a butterfly park on the property.
Sources: Market Realist, List Hogs, Born Rich