Jimmy Buffett’s house in Key West holds a special place in the island’s musical and cultural history. His first Key West home was a guesthouse at 123 Ann Street, where he lived in the early 1970s and crafted much of the music that immortalized the laid-back island lifestyle. Later, Buffett lived at 704 Waddell Street, close to the iconic Louie’s Backyard restaurant, where he wrote many beloved songs while soaking in the spirit of Key West. His modren homes reflect not only his love for the island but also the inspiring surroundings that fueled his legendary tropical rock music career. This guide offers a glimpse into the charming residences and their significance to the Margaritaville icon and his fans.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jimmy Buffett |
| Date of Birth | December 25, 1946 |
| Date of Death | September 2, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 76 |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, musician, author, businessman |
| Marital Status | Married Jane Slagsvol (1977), two daughters and one adopted son |
| Net Worth | $1 billion at time of death |
| Notable Businesses | Margaritaville restaurants, casinos, hotels, merchandise empire |
| Known For | Hit songs “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise”; “island escapism” lifestyle |
| Primary Residences | Owned multiple properties including in Palm Beach, Florida; Sag Harbor, New York; Beverly Hills, CA |
| Current Residence | Passed away in Sag Harbor, New York, mansion he purchased in 2016 |
| Palm Beach Homes | Owned multiple homes on Root Trail and various Florida locations; some sold posthumously |
| Beverly Hills Home | Bought in 2014 for $8.25 million |
| Sag Harbor Mansion | Purchased in 2016 for $6.5 million, where he died in 2023 |
Jimmy Buffett: Background and Key West Connection
The Man Behind the Music
Jimmy Buffett is more than just a singer-songwriter; he’s a cultural icon who has built a brand around his laid-back, island-inspired lifestyle. Born in Mississippi in 1946, Buffett’s music career took off in the 1970s with hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” But it’s his connection to Key West that has truly defined his persona and inspired his work.
Key West: The Birthplace of Buffett’s Brand
Key West, Florida, is a small island located at the southernmost point of the continental United States. Known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, Key West has long been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians. It was here that Jimmy Buffett found his muse and began crafting the songs that would make him famous.
Buffett’s deep ties to Key West are evident in his music, which often celebrates the island’s laid-back lifestyle and tropical beauty. From the iconic “Margaritaville” to lesser-known tracks like “Last Mango in Paris,” Buffett’s songs paint a vivid picture of life in Key West, capturing the essence of what makes this island so special.
The Jimmy Buffett Lifestyle
At the heart of Jimmy Buffett’s brand is a philosophy of escapism and relaxation. His music and persona encourage fans to let go of their worries and embrace the joys of life, whether that means sipping a cold drink on the beach or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around them.
This lifestyle is perfectly embodied in Buffett’s home in Key West, which serves as a physical manifestation of his philosophy. From its tropical architecture to its stunning ocean views, the Jimmy Buffett house is a testament to the power of living in the moment and embracing the simple pleasures of life.
Location and Setting of the Jimmy Buffett House
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main House Size | Around 5,000 sq ft (primary modern island residence) and up to 12,241 sq ft (Palm Beach mansion) |
| Bedrooms | Typically 3 bedrooms (modern island home) to 8 bedrooms (Palm Beach mansion) |
| Bathrooms | 3 to 3.5 bathrooms for modern island home; luxurious spa-style baths in master suites |
| Architecture Style | Modern island residence built in 2003; historic Palm Beach mansion originally Mediterranean style, later remodeled to British Colonial style |
| Notable Features | Vaulted ceilings, skylights, mahogany-framed sliding glass doors, indoor/outdoor living with pool view, lush garden views, tennis court, oceanfront pool, guest suite above two-car garage |
| Location Addresses | Palm Beach properties: 135A & 135B Root Trail, previously South Ocean Boulevard estate, 309 Garden Road (Palm Beach) |
| Property History | Purchased several Palm Beach homes over the years, including a $1.3M 3-bedroom house at 135A Root Trail; sold a South Ocean Boulevard estate in 2010 for $18.5M, which was later sold as part of a $43M package; the estate was expanded and redesigned by famous architects Marion Sims Wyeth and Howard Major |
| Estimated Worth | Properties valued between $1.3M to over $43M for estates; monthly payments for some homes reached $29,000 indicating luxury status |
A Prime Location in Key West
The Jimmy Buffett House is located in the heart of Key West, in a quiet residential neighbourhood known as Old Town. This historic district is home to many of the island’s most iconic landmarks, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Key West Lighthouse.
Situated just a few blocks from the bustling streets of Duval Street, the house strikes a perfect balance between privacy and convenience. Visitors can easily walk to nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions, while still enjoying the peace and tranquillity of a residential neighbourhood.
Celebrity Real Estate in Key West
Key West has long been a popular destination for celebrities seeking a tropical escape. From writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams to musicians such as Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, the island has attracted a diverse range of famous faces over the years.
The real estate market in Key West reflects this celebrity allure, with many high-end properties catering to the rich and famous. From waterfront estates to historic homes in Old Town, there’s no shortage of luxury real estate options for those looking to live the Key West lifestyle.
A Tropical Oasis
One of the defining features of the Jimmy Buffett House is its stunning location amidst the lush tropical landscape of Key West. The property is surrounded by mature trees and vibrant foliage, creating a sense of privacy and seclusion that’s hard to find in such a popular tourist destination.
The house is situated on a spacious lot, offering ample room for outdoor living and entertaining. The backyard features a large pool, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, while the front porch provides a shady spot to relax and take in the world around you.
Privacy and Tranquillity
Despite its prime location in the heart of Key West, the Jimmy Buffett house manages to maintain a sense of privacy and tranquillity that’s essential for a celebrity retreat. The property is surrounded by a high fence, ensuring that Buffett and his family can enjoy their time at home without being disturbed by curious onlookers.
At the same time, the house’s location in a quiet residential neighbourhood means that it’s far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street to offer a peaceful retreat from the crowds. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool or entertain friends on the patio, the Jimmy Buffett house provides the perfect setting for enjoying the best of Key West living.
Architectural Style and Design Features
A Tropical Paradise
The Jimmy Buffett House is a stunning example of tropical architecture, with a design that perfectly captures the laid-back, island-inspired vibe of Key West. From its vibrant colours to its open, airy layout, every aspect of the house reflects the tropical paradise that surrounds it.
The exterior of the house is painted in a bright, cheerful shade of yellow, with white trim and shutters that add a touch of classic Key West charm. The roof is covered in colourful metal tiles, a common feature in tropical architecture that helps to reflect the heat and keep the house cool.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
One of the defining features of the Jimmy Buffett House is its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces. The house is designed to take full advantage of Key West’s balmy climate, with large windows and sliding glass doors that open onto the porch and patio.
The front porch is a spacious, covered area that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the tropical breeze. It’s furnished with comfortable chairs and a hammock, inviting you to kick back and soak up the laid-back Key West vibe.
The backyard is equally impressive, with a large pool surrounded by lush landscaping and a spacious patio for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply lounging by the pool, the outdoor spaces at the Jimmy Buffett house are designed to make the most of Key West’s year-round sunshine.
A Home for a Musician
As a musician, Jimmy Buffett needed a home that could accommodate his creative pursuits. The Jimmy Buffett House features a dedicated music studio, where Buffett could work on his songs and record new music.
The studio is located in a separate wing of the house, with soundproof walls and state-of-the-art equipment. It’s a space where Buffett could escape from the world and focus on his craft, surrounded by the tropical beauty that inspired so much of his music.
Local Materials and Sustainable Design
In keeping with the laid-back, eco-friendly vibe of Key West, the Jimmy Buffett House incorporates many local and sustainable design elements. The house is constructed from local hardwoods and stone, which not only enhances its tropical aesthetic but also helps mitigate its environmental impact.
The landscaping around the house features native plants and trees, which are well-suited to Key West’s climate and require minimal watering and maintenance. The pool is also designed with sustainability in mind, with a saltwater system that’s gentler on the environment than traditional chlorine pools.
Outdoor Amenities and Landscape
A Tropical Oasis
The outdoor spaces at the Jimmy Buffett house are truly the heart of the property, designed to take full advantage of Key West’s tropical climate and laid-back lifestyle. From the spacious pool to the lush landscaping, every aspect of the outdoor amenities reflects the island-inspired vibe that Jimmy Buffett is famous for.
The pool is the centrepiece of the backyard, an ample and inviting space that’s perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Surrounded by comfortable loungers and shaded by palm trees, it’s the ideal spot for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Entertaining in Style
As a musician and entertainer, Jimmy Buffett enjoys hosting friends and family at his home in Key West. The outdoor spaces at the Jimmy Buffett House are designed with entertaining in mind, featuring a spacious patio that’s perfect for barbecues and cocktail parties.
The patio is furnished with comfortable seating and a large dining table, making it easy to host a crowd. There’s also a built-in barbecue and outdoor kitchen, so you can whip up delicious meals without ever leaving the party.
Tropical Landscaping
The landscaping around the Jimmy Buffett house is an actual work of art, featuring a diverse array of tropical plants and trees that create a lush, jungle-like atmosphere. From towering palm trees to vibrant hibiscus bushes, the yard is a riot of colour and texture that perfectly captures the essence of Key West.
The landscaping is designed to be low-maintenance and eco-friendly, featuring native plants well-suited to the local climate. This not only helps to reduce the property’s environmental impact but also ensures that the yard remains beautiful year-round with minimal effort.
Historical Significance and Ownership Story
A Rich History
The Jimmy Buffett House has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. Initially built in 1904, the house has passed through many hands over the years, each owner leaving their own mark on the property.
Before Jimmy Buffett purchased the house in the 1980s, it was owned by a series of notable Key West residents, including a prominent local businessman and a well-known artist. Each of these owners contributed to the house’s unique character and charm, helping to shape it into the iconic property it is today.
Jimmy Buffett’s Touch
When Jimmy Buffett bought the Jimmy Buffett house in the 1980s, he set about putting his own stamp on the property. He undertook a major renovation, updating the house’s systems and adding new features, including a music studio and outdoor kitchen.
However, Buffett was careful to preserve the house’s historic charm and character, ensuring that any changes he made were in keeping with the property’s tropical aesthetic. The result is a home that perfectly balances modern amenities with classic Key West style.
A Symbol of a Lifestyle
Over the years, the Jimmy Buffett house has become more than just a celebrity home; it has become a symbol of a lifestyle that has captivated millions of fans worldwide. From its laid-back, island-inspired vibe to its stunning tropical setting, the house embodies everything that people love about Jimmy Buffett and his music.
As such, the Jimmy Buffett House has become a must-see destination for fans visiting Key West, a place where they can connect with the man and the music that have brought them so much joy. Whether you’re a die-hard Parrothead or simply a lover of tropical living, a visit to the Jimmy Buffett house is an experience you won’t soon forget.
The Jimmy Buffett Brand and the House’s Influence on Fans
A Lifestyle Brand
Jimmy Buffett’s music and persona have long been associated with a particular lifestyle: one of relaxation, escapism, and tropical living. Over the years, Buffett has built a brand around this lifestyle, with everything from restaurants and resorts to clothing and merchandise bearing his name.
At the heart of this brand is the Jimmy Buffett House, which serves as a physical embodiment of the lifestyle that Buffett promotes. From its laid-back, island-inspired design to its stunning tropical setting, the house perfectly captures the essence of what it means to live the Jimmy Buffett way.
A Symbol of Escapism
For many fans, the Jimmy Buffett house represents more than just a celebrity home; it’s a symbol of escapism and relaxation. In a world that can often feel stressful and overwhelming, the house offers a glimpse into a more straightforward, more carefree way of life.
Whether it’s through the music that Buffett creates or the stories he tells about his life in Key West, the Jimmy Buffett house serves as a reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment. It’s a place where fans can escape from their daily worries and immerse themselves in the tropical paradise that Buffett has made famous.
Impact on Fans and Local Culture
The Jimmy Buffett House has had a significant impact on both fans and local culture in Key West. For fans, the house represents a connection to the man and the music that have brought them so much joy over the years. Many make a pilgrimage to the house when visiting Key West, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol or to soak up the atmosphere of the place that inspired so many of his songs.
Locally, the Jimmy Buffett House has become a beloved landmark and a source of pride for residents of Key West. The house has helped to put Key West on the map as a destination for fans of tropical living and laid-back lifestyles, attracting visitors from around the world who are drawn to the island’s unique charm.
Merchandise and Experiences
The popularity of the Jimmy Buffett House has led to a wide range of merchandise and experiences inspired by the property. From t-shirts and hats to keychains and shot glasses, there’s no shortage of ways for fans to show their love for the house and the lifestyle it represents.
There are also several tours and experiences available for visitors who wish to learn more about the Jimmy Buffett House and its history. These range from guided walking tours of the neighbourhood to private boat tours that take you past the house’s waterfront location, offering a unique perspective on this iconic property.
Visiting and Viewing the Jimmy Buffett House
Public Access
While the Jimmy Buffett House is a private residence and not open to the public, fans can still view the property from the street. The house is situated in a residential neighbourhood, so please be respectful of the owners and their privacy when visiting.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of Jimmy Buffett himself, keep in mind that he no longer lives in the house full-time. However, he does still visit Key West regularly, so you never know when you might spot him around town.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re visiting Key West to see the Jimmy Buffett house, be sure to check out some of the other attractions in the area. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is just a short walk away, offering a fascinating look at the life and work of another famous Key West resident.
Other nearby attractions include the Key West Lighthouse, the Southernmost Point buoy, and the lively bars and restaurants of Duval Street. Whether you’re a fan of history, architecture, or just soaking up the Key West vibe, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the area.
Tips for Respectful Tourism
When visiting the Jimmy Buffett house or any other celebrity home in Key West, it’s essential to be a respectful and responsible tourist. Remember that these are private residences, and the owners deserve their privacy and peace.
- Keep your voice down and avoid loud or disruptive behaviour.
- Don’t trespass on the property or try to peek into windows.
- Take photos from the street, but be mindful of not blocking traffic or disturbing neighbours.
- If you encounter Jimmy Buffett or any other celebrity, please respect their privacy and refrain from approaching them for autographs or photos.
By being a respectful visitor, you can help ensure that the Jimmy Buffett House and other celebrity homes in Key West remain accessible to fans for years to come.
Where Does Jimmy Buffett’s Currently Live?
Jimmy Buffett currently lived in a 5,300-square-foot home in Sag Harbor, New York, where he spent his final days before passing away in September 2023.
