The Jimmy Buffett House in Key West provides fans with a unique glimpse into the places where Jimmy Buffett lived, created iconic songs, and embodied the laid-back island spirit he is known for defined his career. From his first residence at Ann Street to his well-known apartment on Waddell Street near Louie’s Backyard, each home tells a story of Buffett’s journey from local musician to global superstar. This guide walks you through these memorable locations and other notable spots tied to his time in Key West.
Who is Jimmy Buffett?
Jimmy Buffett (25 December 1946 – September 1, 2023) was an American singer-songwriter, author, and businessman best known for his tropical rock music, which celebrates “island escapism” and a laid-back lifestyle. Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in Mobile, Alabama, he developed a music style that blends folk, rock, pop, and jazz, famously captured in his 1977 hit “Margaritaville.” Buffett recorded over 30 albums, with many achieving gold or platinum certification, and built a devoted fan base known as “Parrotheads.”
Beyond music, Buffett created a vast Margaritaville business empire, including restaurants, hotels, casinos, and a record label, capitalizing on his beach-inspired persona. He was also a bestselling author and environmental advocate. Buffett’s career spanned more than five decades, intertwining storytelling with themes of adventure, escapism, and enjoyment of life. He passed away in 2023 but remains an iconic figure in American popular culture.
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Jimmy Buffett’s Net Worth Breakdown
Jimmy Buffett’s net worth at the time of his death in 2023 was approximately $1 billion. This wealth was built from multiple streams, including music, business ventures, and investments, reflecting his “island escapism” lifestyle brand.
Breakdown of Jimmy Buffett’s Net Worth:
Source of WealthEstimated Amount
Margaritaville Holdings (28% stake) About $180 million to $85 million (varies by source)*
Music royalties/catalog $50 million catalog; $20 million annually in royalties
Touring and recording earnings : Approximately $570 million
Real estate holdings $34.5 million in multiple homes across Florida, California, and New York
Planes, yachts, and automobiles $15 million in private aircraft; $5 million in vehicles
Stock investments include shares of Berkshire Hathaway (part of $140 million worth of assets)
Other business ventures include Restaurants (Margaritaville and previously Cheeseburger in Paradise), casinos, hotels, cruises, merchandise, and a sprawling global licensing operation (generated $2.2 billion in sales in 2022)
Estate and Inheritance:
Jimmy Buffett’s estate was carefully planned with a marital trust that benefits his widow, Jane, for life, and the remainder beneficiaries are their three children. The estate includes his business interests, real estate, investments, vehicles, and music rights, valued at approximately $275 million, as stated in documents related to the estate lawsuits. However, his total net worth, as reported at the time of his death, is roughly $1 billion.
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Where Does Jimmy Buffett Live
A five-bedroom, six-bathroom house in Sag Harbor, New York, was Jimmy Buffett’s final residence. He spent his last days in this 5,300-square-foot home located in Suffolk County before passing away in 2023.
Before that, Buffett owned and lived in multiple homes, including:
- A palatial estate in Palm Beach, Florida, which he used as a part-time residence while managing his business ventures. This home was sold in December 2020.
- His home on South Ocean Boulevard with his wife, Jane Slagsvol, sold in 2010.
- He also owned a private villa in St. Barts, where he was a part-time resident and drew much creative inspiration, although he later sold that home and built a larger one in Gustavia.
While Buffett had several residences during his life, his primary and last home was in Sag Harbor, New York.
Jimmy Buffett’s House, Specifications, Address, History, And Worth
Jimmy Buffett owned several notable properties, with three key homes located in Palm Beach, Florida, reflecting his laid-back, tropical lifestyle and affinity for coastal living.
Palm Beach Properties Overview
- 138 Root Trail Bungalow
- Specifications: A charming 3-bedroom, approximately 1,500-square-foot historic bungalow dating to 1925. It includes a detached studio used by Buffett for music and storing surfboards. The interior features white walls, light blue ceilings, pine flooring, French doors, large windows, a compact kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a wood-topped island. Outdoor amenities include off-street parking, outdoor showers, and a patio suited for entertaining.
- Address: 138 Root Trail, Palm Beach, FL.
- History: Buffett purchased this home in 2002 for $802,000, marking the third sale since its construction. The bungalow is situated on a highly desirable ocean block, but it is not directly waterfront. It was part of Buffett’s Palm Beach property collection.
- Worth: Listed for $7.25 million in 2024 after Buffett’s passing in 2023.
- This property was described as filled with unique charm and offered a serene, private retreat away from crowds.
- 135B Root Trail Residence
- Specifications: This two-story Key West-style home features two bedrooms and about 2,660 square feet of living space.
- Address: 135B Root Trail, Palm Beach, FL.
- History: Acquired in 2013 for approximately $1.95 million, it was one of three homes Buffett purchased on the same street through his firm, Sadeca Realty LLC. The home had been renovated to create a casual downstairs hangout space with entertainment amenities.Following Buffett’s death in 2025, the property was sold for $4.2 million.
- Buffett’s wife finalized the sale, marking the end of Buffett’s real estate ties in Palm Beach.
- Mansion in Eden Properties Neighborhood
- Specifications: A 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 4,039-square-foot luxury mansion featuring vaulted ceilings with skylights, mahogany-framed sliding glass doors overlooking a deep blue pool, a white kitchen, attached baths for each bedroom, a resort-style main bathroom, lush gardens, brick paths, and a two-car garage with a guest suite above.
- Address: Located in the exclusive Eden Properties neighborhood of Palm Beach, the exact address is not publicly disclosed.
- History: Purchased in 2011 for $4.95 million, this estate epitomized luxury coastal living with deeded beach access. Buffett sold it in 2020 for $6.9 million.
- This estate was celebrated for its resort-like features, perfect for “Cheeseburger in Paradise” vibes.
Inside Jimmy Buffett’s House: Interior And Exterior
Jimmy Buffett owned several stunning properties, with his most notable home being a luxurious mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.
Interior highlights of Buffett’s Palm Beach mansion:
- Approximately 4,039 square feet with three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.
- The main living space features a combined dining and living room with vaulted ceilings and skylights.
- A massive wall of mahogany-framed sliding glass doors opens up to the pool area, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces.
- The kitchen is crisp and modern in gleaming white.
- Each bedroom has an attached bathroom; the main suite features sliding doors that open to both the pool and a resort-style bathroom.
Exterior features:
- Centered around a deep blue, inviting pool with ample lounging areas.
- An open-air loggia outside the living room is designed for outdoor dining.
- Lush gardens with brick paths, elaborate pergolas, and a fountain.
- A two-car garage with a guest suite above.
- Deeded beach access nearby enhances the estate’s exclusivity and tropical ambiance.
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