<p>You can never have enough sponges in your home. </p><p>Even if you don't like washing dishes with it, the absorbent sponge has ample uses that go beyond cleaning. From makeup to car maintenance, the sponge can be used in ways you've never imagined.</p><p><strong>Here are 43 things you can do with a sponge:</strong></p><h2>BEAUTY</h2><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/410109109794302425/">Get gradient or ombré nail art</a>:</strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Trim a sponge to the size of your fingernail and paint your nail the lightest color of the ombré (or white). Then spread your nail polish colors on the sponge, letting them overlap and being generous with the amount polish. Next, sponge the nail polish onto the nail, patting up and down to blend it into a gradient.</span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.hungrygirlporvida.com/blog/2011/07/20/diy-nail-art-sponged-glitter-tips/">Add a glitter tip to your nail polish</a>: </strong>After painting a base color and letting it dry, take a makeup sponge and dap glitter polish on the tips of nails. Apply a heavier coat at the very tip and a lighter coat going towards the center of the nail for an ombre sparkle effect.<a href="http://www.hungrygirlporvida.com/blog/2011/07/20/diy-nail-art-sponged-glitter-tips/"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/10/diy-nail-polish-remover-in-a-jar.html">Make a DIY nail polish remover</a>: </strong>Instead of using a million cotton balls, stuff a sponge into a mason jar and soak it in acetone to make an easy DIY nail polish remover. Keep it sealed in a jar when not in use and when it gets too dirty, replace the sponge and add more nail polish remover. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-beauty/sponge-as-toe-separator">Get an easier pedicure</a>: </strong>Put pieces of cut up sponges between your toes so you don't smudge nail polish while painting your toe nails. It's like a salon toe separator, but cheaper.<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-beauty/sponge-as-toe-separator"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=RPJUp3CWutYC&amp;pg=PA129&amp;lpg=PA129&amp;dq=damp+sponge+lint&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=OxgkB3o3Ry&amp;sig=J9g93i7Pxm6wU46ru3hI7Y64qes&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=5R84Ve6NI5CeyATY7YHYBA&amp;ved=0CCkQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&amp;q=damp%20sponge%20lint&amp;f=false">Remove lint from clothes</a>: </strong>Just like with pet hair, a damp sponge wiped on your clothes will also remove any unwanted lint - just wipe off the fuzz with your fingers. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/10-marvelous-uses-for-makeup-sponges">Blister-proof shoes</a>: </strong>Cut up a circular makeup sponge and insert it between your heel and the back of your shoe. If you love the positioning of the sponge, you can even use a hot glue gun to secure it permanently.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/10-marvelous-uses-for-makeup-sponges">Keep earrings together</a>: </strong>Poke earring pairs through a small piece of sponge, securing them in the back. This will keep them together as a pair and will also clean the spokes after each wear. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/10-marvelous-uses-for-makeup-sponges">De-puff eyes</a>: </strong>Soak makeup sponges in rubbing alcohol and water, and then store in the freezer covered in plastic wrap. The rubbing alcohol will keep the sponges from freezing completely, making them extremely cold and pliable - perfect to place over tired eyes in the morning.</p><h2>CRAFTS</h2><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></strong><strong><a href="http://www.auntannie.com/SurfaceDesign/SpongeStamps/">Make stamps for painting crafts</a>:</strong> Sponge stamps are easy to make (just cut the sponge into your desired shape) and use (dip the sponge in paint and press into the fabric of your choice). This is perfect for everything from kids' projects to <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-a-b-138526">grown-up DIYs</a>. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.wilton.com/technique/Sponge-Painting-Fondant">Paint fondant</a>:</strong> Create a dappled color effect by dipping a clean sponge into icing or food coloring and sponging the color onto cake fondant. You can also do the same thing with a paper towel, waxed paper, or plastic wrap.<a href="http://www.wilton.com/technique/Sponge-Painting-Fondant"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/06/tool-time-tuesdaykitchen-sponge.html">Use as a pincushion</a>:</strong> If you don't want to buy a pincushion, make your own with fabric covering a kitchen sponge. You can also use two sponges if you prefer your pincushion thicker. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.happycardfactory.com/2012/01/make-your-own-ink-daubers.html">Make an ink dauber</a>: </strong>Crafty people love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tsukineko-STDAB025-Sponge-Dauber-25-Pack/dp/B0044MNJM6">ink daubers</a>, but shelling out for the real thing can be expensive when you do it over and over again. Instead, make your own by stuffing makeup sponges inside PVC pipe and then <a href="http://www.angelasargeant.com/blog/sponge-daubers-tips-ideas/">craft to your heart's content</a>. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/items/tips-for-making-trees-with-watercolor.html">Paint watercolor trees</a>: </strong>Mix a few watercolors together and dip your sponge into the paint. Then simply dab the sponge where you want to have the leaves. The sponge's texture will create the leafy details for you and all that's left to do is paint a trunk and add a light wash over the leaves once everything has dried.</p><h2>OUTDOORS </h2><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20474647_20925896,00.html%20">Absorb oil leaks</a>:</strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> Instead of letting oil leaks ruin your garage, place a sponge and a plastic bag below the leak to catch the oil until it's been fixed.</span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20474647_20925897,00.html">Use as a cushion while raking</a>: </strong>Make a shovel or rake more comfortable by wrapping the handle in a sponge and securing with a rubber band. It'll save your hands from blisters while you're working outside.<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20474647_20925897,00.html"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Natural-Outdoor-Fly-Repellent-with-Essential-Oils%20">Make a fly repellent</a>:</strong> Make a DIY natural fly repellent with essential oils, witch hazel, and vegetable oil. Dip the sponge in the mixture and place in a coffee can or other pot.<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Natural-Outdoor-Fly-Repellent-with-Essential-Oils"><br /></a></p><h2>HOME IMPROVEMENT</h2><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div><a href="http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/other-areas/modern-fireplace-makeover/project#.USgqtp2ozYk.pinterest">Re-paint brick</a>:</strong> If you don't love the color of your brick, you can easily paint over it with the help of a sponge. Paint the entire wall or fireplace in a base color and then cut a sponge into the brick shape and press a darker color on top. The spong<span>e will keep the brick texture and look natural.</span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/q-and-a/a2481/remove-wallpaper-oct01/">Remove old wallpaper</a>: </strong>Mix hot water and laundry starch to create a paste. Rub the mixture all over the wallpaper with a sponge and let it stand and dry until the wallpaper can be peeled away. <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/q-and-a/a2481/remove-wallpaper-oct01/"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/techniques/how-to-sponge-paint-a-wall/view-all">Sponge paint a wall</a>: </strong>Nothing is easier than sponge painting. Combine paints with glaze and then cover a base coat by daubing on different colors of paint to create a cloud-like effect in your home. <a href="http://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/techniques/how-to-sponge-paint-a-wall/view-all">See more instructions here</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="http://216.151.213.115/umbrella-stand/48492-10-things-you-didn-t-know-a-sponge-can-do/slideshows?s=8">Dry umbrellas</a>: </strong>Place dry sponges in umbrella stands to soak up extra water and keep puddles from forming on your floors.</p><p><strong><a href="http://216.151.213.115/umbrella-stand/48492-10-things-you-didn-t-know-a-sponge-can-do/slideshows?s=8#!9">Create your own scratch guard protectors</a>:</strong> Cut up little bits of sponge pieces and glue them to the underside of heavy frames, vases, or tchotchkes that could scratch your tables. They're cheaper than the <a href="http://www.gorillaofficesupplies.com/Master-Scratch-Guard-88493-Heavy-Duty-Felt-Pads-MAS88493.aspx?pid=11964610&amp;gclid=CLHMibqajcUCFdgJgQodZgsAyw#.VTlOD61VhHw">professional alternative</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20513767_20994203,00.html">Keep potted plants hydrated</a>: </strong>Place wet sponges into the bottom of potted plants to help plants retain moisture.<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20513767_20994203,00.html"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=skdBpBAmTlUC&amp;pg=PA94&amp;lpg=PA94&amp;dq=vegetable+crisper+sponges&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=HN6r7yAZ30&amp;sig=K1ZWz3ooKTARII6cH5Wl-ndlCxA&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=Zh84VbygJMGZyATo1IC4Bw&amp;ved=0CEQQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&amp;q=vegetable%20crisper%20sponges&amp;f=false">Keep your vegetable crisper dry</a>:</strong> Vegetables will stay fresher for longer if there's no moisture collecting in your crisper. Line the drawer with dry sponges to absorb excess water. If a sponge gets wet or dirty, take it out and let it soak in hot water with a splash of bleach before drying and returning to the crisper. </p><h2>CLEANING </h2><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></strong><strong><a href="http://dogtime.com/get-pet-hair-off-and-out-of-your-home.html">Remove unwanted pet hair</a>:</strong><span> Use a damp sponge to wipe off any unwanted pet fur, whether it's on your clothes or the carpet. It'll work better than a lint brush, and will easily come off the sponge with a swipe of the hand.</span></p><p><strong>Prevent soap build up:</strong> Instead of putting your wet bar soap on the counter or in the shower and letting it develop scum, set the soap on a sponge. The sponge will absorb the moisture and allow the soap to dry completely without any build up. Plus, once the soap is gone, you can use the already-soapy sponge later for cleaning. </p><p><strong><a href="https://onourweightohealth.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/never-buy-dryer-sheets-again/">Make DIY dryer sheets</a>:</strong> Fill a container with two cups of fabric softener and four or five cups of water. Stir together, add sponges, and place a lid on the container for storage.</p><p>When you're ready to use, squeeze out a sponge and put it in the dryer with a load of wet clothes. When clothes are dry, simply put the sponge back in the fabric softener container. The effect will be the same as dryer sheets, and you only have to refill the container twice a year. </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20474647_20925904,00.html">Deodorize fridge</a>:</strong> Keep your fridge smelling fresh by placing a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda inside.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf/Green_Living/Reusing/Reusing-Mesh-Produce-Bags.html">DIY a scrubby sponge</a>: </strong>For tough grime or food stuck on dishes, make a DIY scrubby sponge by placing the plastic mesh that onions or oranges come in around the sponge, and secure with a bread or twist tie. It'll add some extra oomph to your scrubbing.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/things-you-can-do-with-baking-soda-2015-4">Polish silver</a>:</strong> Use a damp sponge and some baking soda to polish silver utensils in a snap.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20474647_20925901,00.html%20">Dry a tall vase</a>:</strong> After washing, dry the inside of a vase (or any other tall vessel) with a dry sponge wrapped around a ruler or stick and secure with a rubber band. It will reach farther than your hand could.<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20474647_20925901,00.html"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/10-marvelous-uses-for-makeup-sponges">Freshen the room</a>:</strong> Dampen a sponge with water and your favorite perfume or essential oil and place it in a vacuum bag or canister. While you vacuum, the smell will be gently released.<a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/10-marvelous-uses-for-makeup-sponges"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.ribbonsandrotorblades.com/2013/04/cleaning-micro-suede-couches.html">Clean micro-suede furniture</a>:</strong> Saturate your couch with rubbing alcohol (no water) and rub and scrub your couch with a white sponge. You'll see the sponge getting dirtier, so make sure to buy multiple sponges and toss when it becomes too dirty to use. Let dry.</p><h2>KIDS</h2><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://endlesslyinspired.com/2014/06/11/sponge-water-bombs/%20">Make a "sponge water bomb"</a>: </strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">During the summer or just for fun, make an easy DIY "water bomb" that kids can play with. Start by cutting up sponges into fourths, then tie four pieces together with rubber bands and let the kids play with them (more detailed directions in the link). They're better than water balloons since they're reusable and don't make as much of a mess.</span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.housingaforest.com/shamrock-sprouts">Grow plants for a science project</a>:</strong> Cut sponges into desired shapes (trees, leaves, etc.). Soak the sponge and squeeze out excess water before adding seeds on top. Place the sponge in a sunny window and mist daily with water. The sprouts will grow on the sponge, and this works with lettuce, spinach, and broccoli seeds.</p><p><strong><a href="http://premeditatedleftovers.com/gardening/make-butterfly-nectar/#_a5y_p=1581219">Attract butterflies</a>:</strong> You can create a butterfly feeder by tying a sponge dipped in sugar water to a tree with a bit of twine. You'll be surprised how many butterflies come.<a href="http://premeditatedleftovers.com/gardening/make-butterfly-nectar/#_a5y_p=1581219"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://innerchildfun.com/2012/08/make-your-own-sponge-blocks.html%20">Create blocks</a>: </strong>Cut sponges into different shapes like rectangles, triangles, and circles, and then let your kids go wild.<a href="http://innerchildfun.com/2012/08/make-your-own-sponge-blocks.html"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://chemistry.about.com/od/crystalrecipes/a/saltvinegar.htm">Grow salt and vinegar crystals</a>:</strong> Another easy science project for kids is to grow salt and vinegar crystals on a sponge. Combine the water, salt, and vinegar and boil before pouring over the sponge. Dot the sponge with food coloring and set the dish is a sunny, warm area to watch the crystals grow. <a href="http://chemistry.about.com/od/crystalrecipes/a/saltvinegar.htm"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://tjartroom.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/introducing-glue-sponge.html?showComment=1351801425340">Make a glue sponge</a>:</strong> For little kids, instead of allowing them to make a mess with glue, make a glue sponge that they can just tap their projects on for an even coat of glue. The best part is it stays ready to use for over a year in any airtight container.  </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/diy-sponge-boat/">DIY bath toys</a>: </strong>By cutting up sponges, you can glue the pieces together and make your own toys for your child's bath time. For inspiration, check out this <a href="http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/diy-sponge-boat/">sponge boat with cork sailors</a>.</p><h2>MISCELLANEOUS</h2><p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div><a href="http://www.howtodothings.com/travel/how-to-cheaply-pack-fragile-items-so-they-wont-break-in-the-mail">Pack fragile, smaller items</a></strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>:</strong> </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Dampen a sponge and place it around a delicate item (like a figurine). Use multiple sponges if it's a larger item (like a vase), and secure everything with a rubber band. The sponge will conform to the breakable item and will go back to its original shape after it gets wet again.</span></p><p><strong><a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/54365/lunch-box-tips">Create an ice pack</a>:</strong> DIY an ice pack that won't leak by freezing a damp sponge and placing in a Ziploc bag. Just be sure to disinfect the sponge every so often.<a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/54365/lunch-box-tips"><br /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/1862/how-to-seal-envelopes-without-licking%20">Seal envelopes and wet stamps</a>: </strong>Instead of licking your envelopes or stamps, dab a damp sponge on them for the same effect. <a href="http://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/1862/how-to-seal-envelopes-without-licking"><br /></a></p><p class="p2"><strong><a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/thrifty-tip-slice-your-sponges-scrubbers-in-half-to-save-money/">Make two sponges from one</a>: </strong>Cut your sponge in half. It's a money-saving hack that's super simple.<a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/thrifty-tip-slice-your-sponges-scrubbers-in-half-to-save-money/"><br /></a></p><p class="p2"><em>Did we miss your favorite thing to do with sponges? Let us know in the comments!</em></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/right-way-load-dishwasher-clean-dishes-2015-2">You've been loading your dishwasher all wrong</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="E5NjJtczqVOrH6r2473rN6AaouWSKTxC" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

43 genius things you can do with a sponge 

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>With a <a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/bill-gates/">net worth of $81.5 billion</a>, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates is the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-fabulous-life-of-bill-gates-2014-9">richest man</a> in America. </p>
<p>It shouldn't be too surprising that one of the wealthiest people in the world also has an insanely extravagant home. </p>
<p>It took Gates seven years and $63 million to build his Medina, Washington estate, <a href="http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/lifestyle/article/4/home-feature-bill-gates-mansion">named Xanadu 2.0</a> after the fictional home of "Citizen Kane"'s Charles Foster Kane. </p>
<p>At 66,000 square feet, the home is absolutely massive, and it's filled with high-tech details.</p>
<p>W<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">e've rounded up some of Xanadu 2.0's most over-the-top features here.  </span></p>
<h3>1. It's worth at least $123 million.</h3>
<p>According to the <a href="http://info.kingcounty.gov/Assessor/eRealProperty/Dashboard.aspx?ParcelNbr=9208900079">King County public assessor's office</a>, the property is worth $123.54 million as of this year. Gates <a href="http://seattle.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/bill-gates-medina-mansion-value-cost-pool.php">purchased the lot</a> for $2 million in 1988.</p>
<p>He reportedly pays around $1 million in property taxes each year.</p>
<h3>2. Half a million board-feet of lumber was needed to complete the project.</h3>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">The house <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/1997/11/23/xanadu-20">was built</a> with 500-year-old Douglas fir trees. 300 construction workers labored on the home - 100 of whom were electricians.</span></p>
<h3>3. A high-tech sensor system helps guests monitor a room's climate and lighting.</h3>
<p>When guests arrive, they're <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/most-expensive-homes-in-tech-2014-8">given a pin</a> that interacts with sensors located all over the house. Guests enter their temperature and lighting preferences so that the settings change as they move throughout the home. Speakers hidden behind wallpaper allows music to follow you from room to room.</p>
<h3>4. The house uses its natural surroundings to reduce heat loss. </h3>
<p>Xanadu 2.0 is an "earth-sheltered" house, meaning that it's built into its surroundings to regulate temperature more efficiently.</p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3>5. You can change the artwork on the walls with just the touch of a button. </h3>
<p><a href="http://seattle.curbed.com/archives/2013/01/bill-gates-medina-mansion.php">$80,000 worth</a> of computer screens are situated around the house. Anyone can make the screens display their favorite paintings or photographs, which are stored on storage devices worth $150,000.</p>
<h3>6. The pool also has its own underwater music system.</h3>
<p>The 60-foot pool is located in its own separate, 3,900-square-foot building. People in the pool could swim underneath a glass wall to come up to a terrace area on the outside.</p>
<p>There's also a locker room with four showers and two baths.</p>
<h3>7. There's a trampoline room with a 20-foot ceiling.</h3>
<p>No word on how big the trampoline itself is, but we can imagine it would be a fun alternative to your standard exercise routine.</p>
<p>The exercise facilities <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/1997/11/23/xanadu-20">total 2,500 square feet</a> and also include a sauna, steam room, and separate men's and women's locker rooms.</p>
<h3>8. An enormous reception hall could accommodate up to 200 guests. </h3>
<p>The 2,300-square-foot hall <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/1997/11/23/xanadu-20">could seat</a> up to 150 people for a dinner party, or 200 people standing up at a cocktail event. A six-foot-wide limestone fireplace dominates one wall, while another wall has a 22-foot-wide video screen. </p>
<h3>9. The house has 24 bathrooms, 10 of which are full baths. </h3>
<p>Those bathrooms would definitely be useful if Gates were throwing such a big party. Otherwise, it seems a little over-the-top. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_left"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<h3>10. There's a total of six kitchens. </h3>
<p>They're situated at different parts of the house so staff can be ready for any event. </p>
<h3>11. An enormous library houses a manuscript Gates paid more than $30 million for.</h3>
<p>The <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/1997/11/23/xanadu-20">2,100-square-foot library</a> has a domed roof and two secret bookcases, including one that reveals a hidden bar. On the ceiling you'll find a quote from "The Great Gatsby" that reads: "He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it."</p>
<p>The library is home to the Codex Leicester, a 16-century Leonardo da Vinci manuscript that Gates <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3009718/bottom-line/why-bill-gates-bought-da-vincis-notebooks">bought at auction</a> for $30.8 million in 1994.</p>
<h3>12. The home theatre can accommodate 20 guests in plush seats.</h3>
<p>It's designed in an Art Deco style, with comfortable arm chairs, couches, and even a popcorn machine for snacking. </p>
<h3>13. An existing home was removed by barge to make room for a separate activities building.</h3>
<p>The <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/1997/11/23/xanadu-20">900-square-foot</a> building sits next to Gates' sport court, putting green, and boat docks. </p>
<h3>14. The guest house is just as high-tech as the main house.</h3>
<p>According to <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/1997/11/23/xanadu-20?page=2">US News</a>, the 1,900-square-foot guest house was the first building to be completed on the property. The house - which has its own bedroom and bathroom - was meant to be a test of the technology that would eventually be used in the main house. </p>
<p>Gates wrote much of "The Road Ahead" here. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<h3>15. All together, Gates' garages can accommodate up to 23 cars. </h3>
<p>There are <a href="http://seattle.curbed.com/archives/2013/01/bill-gates-medina-mansion.php">several different garages</a> located at different points around the property. The most interesting one, however, is an underground cave made out of concrete and stainless steel. That garage <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/1997/11/23/xanadu-20?page=2">alone can park</a> 10 cars. Some of the concrete was purposely broken to give it a rough, "deconstructivist" look. </p>
<h3>16. Gates has a favorite tree, and it's monitored electronically 24 hours a day. </h3>
<p>He reportedly became fond of a 40-year-old maple tree that grew close to the home's driveway. It's monitored by computer, and if at any point it becomes too dry, water is automatically pumped into it.</p>
<h3>17. An artificial stream is kept stocked with fish.</h3>
<p>The stream and wetland estuary were created to solve any problems with runoff that the property's large walls might have created. The <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/business-economy/articles/1997/11/23/xanadu-20">water is kept stocked</a> with salmon and sea-run cutthroat trout. </p>
<h3>18. The sand on Gates' beach is imported from the Caribbean.</h3>
<p>The lakefront shore contains sand <a href="http://seattle.curbed.com/archives/2013/01/bill-gates-medina-mansion.php">that's delivered</a> in large quantities by a barge from St. Lucia each year.</p>
<h3>19. Someone once paid $35,000 just to tour it.</h3>
<p>Microsoft holds an auction each year, where employees donate products and services to be bid on. Proceeds go to the company's charitable fund.</p>
<p>Gates has donated private tours of Xanadu 2.0 in the past. <span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">According to the </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"></span><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2009/11/35000_to_tour_bill_gates_house.html">Puget Sound Business Journal</a><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">, a Microsoft employee once won the tour with a bid of $35,000. </span></p>

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