Jimmy Buffett, the legendary musician known for his songs about beachside escapism, was not only a beloved performer but also a shrewd businessman. According to Forbes, Buffett’s music and various ventures solidified his billionaire status before his passing.
Buffett, who passed away on September 1, 2023, left behind a remarkable legacy. While he was famous for hits like “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” he also made a name for himself in the real estate industry.
Buffett’s empire was built on licensing his song titles, which extended to hotels, restaurants, and bars bearing the Margaritaville name. Consumers could also buy beverages, furniture, apparel, and even properties in the 55-and-older beach communities known as Latitude Margaritaville.
Aside from his large-scale themed communities, Buffett was active in residential real estate. His portfolio included private residences in Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, and Sag Harbor in New York.
We have delved into Buffett’s extensive real estate holdings, examining the properties where the singer-songwriter might have relaxed and enjoyed the beachside lifestyle he often sang about. Through our research of real estate records and news clips, we discovered that Buffett had gradually reduced his collection of homes in recent years.
Nevertheless, he still owned a range of properties, from multimillion-dollar mansions to quaint cottages. Some of these properties had been in his possession for decades, proving to be excellent investments. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them!
Beverly Hills, CA
Purchased in 2014 for $8,250,000
This midcentury modern home with four bedrooms was built in 1963. Buffett acquired the property after it underwent remodeling, preserving much of its original style.
The 4,300-square-foot, single-story residence boasts an open floor plan, featuring a living room, family room, kitchen, and dining room that seamlessly connect to the outdoor space through glass walls and floor-to-ceiling sliders.
The backyard is a haven with a saltwater pool, spa, and a spacious patio equipped with a four-stool wet bar.
Sag Harbor, NY
One of Buffett’s most private properties, this estate is located in the exclusive Actors Colony Road area, where properties command multimillion-dollar prices. Notably, his former neighbor Richard Gere sold his property to Matt Lauer for $36.5 million in 2016. Buffett was known to own two large adjacent lots.
Buffett chose this peaceful haven in the Hamptons as his final resting place. The official website states that he spent his last moments there, surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs.
Palm Beach, FL
Little is known about this modest residence in one of Florida’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Buffett purchased the property twenty years ago, and it boasted three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms over 2,007 square feet. It was previously used as a duplex.
We suspect that the house has undergone renovations and expansions over the years. A Google Maps street view image shows that the house is ensconced by a charming white picket fence and lush landscaping, offering ample privacy. Its location, just a few blocks north of The Breakers historic hotel, grants convenient access to the beach.
Daytona Beach, FL
Purchased in July 2018 for $427,850
Buffett also owned a small bungalow in Latitude Margaritaville, one of the 55-and-older communities dedicated to the laid-back tropical lifestyle he often sang about, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal. This tropical cottage spans 2,522 square feet and comprises two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a garage for three cars. The single-story home, made of concrete blocks and stucco, features an asphalt-shingle roof, a cozy front porch, and aqua shutters.
Neighbors within the community commemorated Buffett’s passing by creating a makeshift memorial outside his home, complete with surfboards, flip flops, a straw hat, bottles of tequila and beer, beach balls, and a shaker of salt.
303 Sunset Rd, West Palm Beach, FL
Purchased in March 2012 for $560,000
Currently estimated to be worth more than $3 million, this house has proven to be a solid investment for Buffett. The two-story, three-bedroom home spans 2,070 square feet and is located in the El Cid Historical District. Originally built in 1935, it underwent a complete renovation in 1995. The property is just a few blocks away from the beach and even closer to Palm Beach’s array of restaurants and shops.
Former homes:
Buffett was born in Pascagoula, MS, and obtained his BA from the University of Southern Mississippi. Palm Beach became a favorite location for him, and he bought and sold multiple homes in the area. His activity in the real estate market suggests a knack for buying when the market was low and selling at its peak.
Palm Beach, FL
Purchased in December 2011 for $4,950,000
Sold in November 2020 for $6,909,000
This contemporary home, spanning 4,783 square feet, features three bedrooms. Built in 2003, it underwent substantial updates, creating a “Zen-like retreat feeling,” as described in the listing. The house boasts high ceilings, grand mahogany-framed glass doors and windows, allowing natural light to flood every room and offering views of the garden and pool. It also provides deeded beach access and a guest suite above the two-car garage, making it ideal for entertaining.
Palm Beach, FL
Sold in 2010 for $18,500,000
This magnificent property on esteemed Ocean Avenue boasts an impressive 300 feet of ocean frontage. Buffett reportedly resided in this eight-bedroom mansion, which spans 12,241 square feet, for a period. After Buffett’s ownership, the house was sold in 2014 as part of a $43 million package deal, including two other Palm Beach properties.
Franklin, Tennessee
Although Buffett sold this historical gem back in the 1980s, it exemplifies his eye for extraordinary properties. Known as “Old Town,” this estate was constructed in 1846 and restored in 1991. It boasts two guesthouses, a spacious barn, and a three-bedroom main house. The property includes modern amenities, including a swimming pool, along with original log cabins. However, its most stunning feature is the 34-acre wooded lot, which encompasses a river. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property changed hands in 2015 for $3.1 million.
