Rupert Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corp in November 2023, assuming the honorary title of chairman emeritus. The media titan, who has turned a small Australian paper into a multi-billion-dollar empire, is also known for where that money ends up—on ranches, real estate, jets, and more headline-worthy purchases. Here are some of the wildest things he spends on.
Montana Ranch That Could Swallow a City
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In 2021, Murdoch and his then-wife, Jerry Hall, bought a $200 million cattle ranch in Montana spanning 340,000 acres. That’s more land than New York City. The property, near Yellowstone National Park, made headlines for being one of the priciest private land deals in the state’s history.
A Vineyard in Los Angeles That Nearly Burned Down
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Murdoch purchased the 16-acre Moraga Estate in Bel Air in 2013 for $29.5 million. Besides a sprawling home, it includes a working winery. In 2017, wildfires threatened the property, but it was able to survive. His name ended up on bottles of wine from grapes grown just minutes from Hollywood.
The $84 Million Private Jet
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A Gulfstream G650 doesn’t come cheap—Murdoch’s goes up to about $84 million. This long-range private aircraft is designed for speed and comfort, cruising at nearly 700 mph. It’s a favorite among billionaires for a reason: it can fly nonstop from Los Angeles to London without refueling.
One Madison Condos That Redefined “Room With a View”
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Murdoch spent a combined $57 million in 2014 on two posh apartments at New York’s One Madison. The skyscraper overlooks Madison Square Park and offers floor-to-ceiling views of Manhattan. He listed both in 2023 for a hefty $80 million. That’s $23 million more than he paid.
The Historic Great Tew Manor in the English Countryside
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In 2016, Murdoch and Hall bought Great Tew Manor in Oxfordshire, England, for $15 million. The 11-bedroom estate is surrounded by some of Britain’s most exclusive farmland. Renovations were estimated at $30 million more.
Massive Stakes Still in the Family
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Murdoch holds $3.2 billion in Fox stock, another $1.3 billion in News Corp. shares, and $142 million in a Fox Corp. pension plan. Bloomberg pegs the family’s combined wealth at over $17 billion. The Murdoch kids—including Elisabeth, James, and Lachlan—stand to inherit a giant slice of that.
A Billionaire’s Central Park View
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According to The Wall Street Journal, Murdoch was eyeing a penthouse at Hampshire House overlooking Central Park as of February 2024. The historic building has housed stars like Luciano Pavarotti, Sammy Davis Jr., and Greta Garbo. While the price wasn’t disclosed, similar units have sold for over $40 million.
Divorce That Costs More Than Most Companies Are Worth
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Murdoch’s 1999 split from Anna Torv, his wife of 32 years, may have cost him around $1.7 billion. That settlement ranks among the most expensive in history. Though some assets went to their children, the payout still carved a noticeable slice out of his empire.
New York Post Headquarters and Nostalgic Headlines
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When Murdoch bought the New York Post in 1976, it wasn’t just business. He’d later be photographed at its printing presses reading a front page declaring, “Schultz Going to Moscow.” He merged old-school newspaper grit with a global strategy that was ahead of its time.
The Yacht That Followed the Disney Windfall
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After the $71 billion Disney sale, rumors swirled that Murdoch upgraded to a custom-built superyacht. While details remain private, yacht-tracking data suggested he spent stretches at sea in the Mediterranean aboard a vessel matching his known travel patterns. The yacht, reportedly worth $150 million, remains unconfirmed but fits his luxury preferences.
A $29.7 Million Sailing Yacht Built Just for Him
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Speaking of yachts, in 2006, Rupert Murdoch commissioned the Rosehearty, a 56‑meter sailing superyacht built by Italian yard Perini Navi. It featured five guest cabins, a gym, a media room, a jacuzzi, and custom naval design. He sold it in 2014 for about $29.7 million.
The Wall Street Journal Buyout That Went Sideways
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Murdoch’s $5.6 billion acquisition of Dow Jones in 2007 gave him control of The Wall Street Journal. But just over a year later, News Corp. wrote down the deal by $2.8 billion. It was a rare financial stumble in a career defined by bold media moves.
Real Estate Portfolio That Spans Continents
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Aside from One Madison and Great Tew, Murdoch owns luxury properties in Los Angeles, New York, and across the Land Down Under. These estates include everything from modern high-rises to sprawling countryside mansions. Some are used as residences, others as retreats—or simply investments waiting to appreciate.
Rupert’s Print Empire Started With a Single Aussie Paper
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In 1952, after his father died, a 21-year-old Murdoch took control of a small Adelaide newspaper. He dove into editing and printing onto expanding. It marked the beginning of a media empire that now spans Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Global Newspaper Titles He Still Owns
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Murdoch’s News Corp. still publishes titles like The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The Sun, and The Times of London. His empire also includes multiple Australian papers. These aren’t museum pieces—they shape public discourse on three continents, and he’s still calling shots from the boardroom.
