Celebrities who built underground bunkers beneath their homes

Some celebrities don’t stop at home theaters or infinity pools. They go underground—literally. Beneath those polished driveways and manicured lawns sit bunkers built for worst-case scenarios. These aren’t your average basements with a few storage bins. We’re talking reinforced concrete, hidden tunnels, and shelters stocked to keep life running even if the world outside doesn’t.

It’s part security, part survival plan, and all very real. Let’s look at the famous names who decided peace of mind meant digging deep—under their own homes.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Hawaii Shelter

Mark Zuckerberg didn’t settle for another beachfront mansion—he built a backup plan under it. Reports say his Kauai estate includes a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter designed to hold up against storms or bigger threats. Hidden behind trees and tight security, it fits right into his bigger picture of privacy and control.

He’s brushed it off as “a little shelter,” but given the scale of the project and his attention to detail, it’s clear this isn’t just a storm cellar. It’s a serious safeguard built into one of the most expensive properties in Hawaii.

Sam Altman’s Reinforced Basement

Sam Altman took a different route, reinforcing his basement instead of building a separate facility. It’s all about security—heavy walls, fortified structure, and a setup that could carry him through an emergency if things went south.

It may not sound as flashy as a hidden complex in the woods, but it shows you don’t need extra land to plan ahead. His version is practical, private, and part of a growing trend among tech leaders.

Kim Kardashian’s Safe Room Setup

Kim Kardashian has reportedly added a bunker-style safe room into her home design. Bulletproof doors, reinforced walls, and supplies to ride out emergencies make it a step above your average panic room.

It blends seamlessly into the house, so if something happens, she doesn’t have to run anywhere. She can disappear into safety without leaving her property—a real advantage when privacy and security are already daily concerns.

Tom Cruise’s Hidden Retreat

Tom Cruise has reportedly invested in an underground safety space of his own. While details are limited, reports suggest it’s equipped for both short-term security and longer-term living if needed.

For someone constantly in the spotlight, it makes sense. A retreat beneath his home offers both security from the outside world and control over his own environment.

Kanye West’s Malibu Shelter

Kanye West’s Malibu property became more bunker than beach house once he got to work on it. He stripped out the windows and gutted sections of the home to create what felt like a bomb-shelter-style hideaway.

It wasn’t about blending in—it was about isolation and control. His vision leaned toward a hardened space where he could retreat away from everything, even in the middle of California.

Bill Gates’ Prepared Properties

Bill Gates is another name tied to underground protection. Reports suggest he’s added secure, bunker-style areas to some of his estates as part of his bigger planning mindset.

It fits with how he approaches everything else: plan for every possible outcome. For Gates, that means having reinforced spaces ready beneath his homes.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Safe Haven

Shaquille O’Neal is said to have his own underground safe area beneath one of his residences. Reinforced walls, bullet-resistant materials, and secure access make it more than a typical panic room.

At his size and level of fame, it makes sense—safety isn’t just about comfort, it’s about control. Having a space to retreat underground gives him both.

Colin Furze’s DIY Bunker

YouTube’s Colin Furze isn’t Hollywood-famous, but he’s internet-famous for a reason. He dug his own underground bunker beneath his house in Stamford, England, complete with hidden tunnels and reinforced walls. The project was documented online and drew plenty of attention, even from local authorities.

It’s the DIY version of what billionaires pay contractors to do—and it works. Furze proves bunkers aren’t only for the ultra-rich.

Silvio Berlusconi’s Villa Bunker

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Sardinian villa wasn’t just lavish—it included a nuclear-grade bunker. Alongside a private volcano, heliport, and sea cave, the bunker was a key feature built for security and survival.

It shows how political power and personal security often overlap—especially in estates designed to feel untouchable.

Jeff Bezos’ Underground Protection

Jeff Bezos is among the tech moguls linked to underground shelters. While not much is shared publicly, reports suggest he’s invested in bunkers as part of a broader trend among Silicon Valley elites preparing for potential crises.

With resources at his level, it’s less about “if” and more about “where.” His version is likely sleek, fortified, and highly private.

The Vegas Underground House

Las Vegas is home to one of the most famous underground houses. Built in the 1970s, it sits 26 feet below the surface and includes a pool, murals, artificial sky lighting, and full systems for self-sufficient living.

It’s not celebrity-owned, but it’s a reminder of what these spaces can look like. And it’s easy to see why celebrities model their private bunkers with the same kind of hidden comfort.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.