The Bill Murray House stands as a private retreat where Hollywood’s most beloved comedian finds peace away from cameras and crowds. Murray purchased this stunning waterfront property in Martha’s Vineyard back in the 1990s, and it remains one of his most treasured hideaways. The house sits on several acres of pristine land with direct beach access, offering the perfect escape for someone who built a career on making people laugh. Unlike many celebrities who showcase their homes on social media, Murray keeps this property remarkably private. The residence reflects his laid-back personality and love for simple pleasures. He often spends summers here with family and close friends, away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Who is Bill Murray?
Bill Murray is an American actor and comedian who became a household name through his work on Saturday Night Live and his roles in classic films like Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Lost in Translation. Born on September 21, 1950, in Evanston, Illinois, Murray grew up in a large Irish Catholic family as the fifth of nine children. His career took off in the mid-1970s, and he’s been entertaining audiences for nearly five decades.
Murray’s net worth sits around $180 million, built through his successful film career and smart real estate investments. He owns multiple properties across the United States, including homes in Charleston, South Carolina, and his main residence in Martha’s Vineyard. Murray doesn’t own a yacht or private jet, preferring to keep things simple and travel commercially. He’s known for showing up at random parties and bars, taking the subway, and living a surprisingly normal life despite his fame.
His car collection stays modest compared to other celebrities. Murray drives practical vehicles and isn’t flashy about his wealth. He owns the Charleston RiverDogs minor league baseball team and has invested in several restaurants and bars. The actor splits his time between his various properties, spending winters in Charleston and summers in Martha’s Vineyard.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William James Murray |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Evanston, Illinois, USA |
| Age | 74 years old |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Producer |
| Net Worth | $180 million |
| Main Residence | Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts |
| Other Properties | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Awards | BAFTA Award, Golden Globe, Emmy Award |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | 6 sons |
Where Does Bill Murray Live Now?
Bill Murray splits his time between two main locations. His primary summer residence sits in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, where he’s owned property since the 1990s. During the colder months, he moves to Charleston, South Carolina, where he owns another beautiful home and his minor league baseball team.
Martha’s Vineyard serves as his main escape. The island has long been a favorite retreat for celebrities and wealthy families seeking privacy. Murray chose this location specifically because locals respect privacy and don’t bother famous residents. He can walk around town, grab coffee, and live normally without constant attention.
His Charleston property keeps him connected to the baseball team he co-owns. Murray regularly attends games and participates in team activities. He’s become a beloved figure in Charleston’s community. The city offers a more relaxed pace compared to major entertainment hubs like Los Angeles or New York.
Murray doesn’t maintain a home in Los Angeles, unlike most actors. He travels to California for work but prefers to return to his East Coast properties. This choice reflects his desire for privacy and a normal life outside the entertainment industry.
Bill Murray House
The Bill Murray House in Martha’s Vineyard represents everything the actor values: privacy, natural beauty, and comfort without excess. The property sprawls across several waterfront acres on the island’s more secluded side. Murray purchased the estate in the mid-1990s for approximately $4.5 million, and current estimates place its value around $6.4 million.
The main house features traditional New England architecture with cedar shingles and white trim. Large windows face the ocean, bringing natural light into every room. The interior design stays comfortable and unpretentious, with wood floors, exposed beams, and a stone fireplace. Murray decorated the space with personal items and art collected over his career.
The property includes a private beach where Murray can swim and relax without interruption. He’s known to walk the shoreline early in the morning, often alone with his thoughts. The grounds feature mature trees and landscaping that provides additional privacy from neighboring properties.
Multiple outbuildings dot the property, including a guest house for visitors and a workshop where Murray pursues various hobbies. The guest house lets his six sons and their families visit during summer vacations. Family gatherings happen regularly, with Murray playing the role of host and patriarch.
The kitchen was updated in recent years but maintains a classic feel. Murray enjoys cooking and often prepares meals for guests. The dining room can seat twelve people comfortably, perfect for the large family dinners he loves to host. An outdoor patio extends from the main living area, equipped with a grill and seating for warm weather meals.
1. Where Is Bill Murray House?
The Bill Murray House sits on Martha’s Vineyard, an island located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Specifically, the property lies in the more private western section of the island, away from the busier towns of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. This location provides maximum privacy while still allowing access to the island’s amenities.
Martha’s Vineyard spans about 100 square miles and attracts wealthy families and celebrities who value discretion. The island has strict building codes that preserve its natural character. Getting there requires either a ferry from Woods Hole or a small plane to the local airport. This limited access helps maintain the exclusive atmosphere.
Murray’s property sits on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The elevated position provides stunning water views and protection from coastal flooding. A private road leads to the house, with gates ensuring unwanted visitors can’t access the property. The nearest neighbors sit far enough away to provide complete privacy.
The location offers quick access to several beaches, hiking trails, and local restaurants. Murray can bike into town when he wants to interact with the community. He’s been spotted at local coffee shops, bookstores, and the farmers market. Residents appreciate that he lives there full-time during summers rather than treating it as just another vacation home.
The property’s exact address remains private, as Murray values his ability to live without constant intrusion. Local real estate agents and residents respect this privacy. The island has an unwritten rule about leaving celebrities alone, which is why so many choose to live there.
2. Features of Bill Murray House
The Bill Murray House showcases classic New England coastal architecture. The main structure spans approximately 4,500 square feet across two floors. The design emphasizes comfort and functionality over showiness. Cedar shake shingles cover the exterior, weathering naturally to a silvery gray color that blends with the coastal environment.
The house includes four bedrooms and five bathrooms. The master suite takes up much of the second floor, featuring ocean views, a sitting area, and a renovated bathroom. The other bedrooms were designed with Murray’s sons in mind, each offering enough space for families to stay comfortably.
Large windows throughout the house maximize natural light and ocean views. The living room features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water. A stone fireplace serves as the room’s focal point, providing warmth during cooler months. The design keeps sight lines open, creating a sense of space and connection to the outdoors.
The property sits on roughly 5 acres of land. Mature oak and pine trees provide shade and privacy. A well-maintained lawn extends from the house to the private beach. Stone pathways wind through the property, connecting different structures and outdoor spaces.
The architectural style follows the traditional Cape Cod vernacular. This means simple forms, steep roofs, and minimal ornamentation. The house was built to withstand harsh coastal weather, with quality materials and solid construction. Murray has maintained the property well, making updates when necessary while preserving its character.
A detached garage holds space for three vehicles. The guest house adds another 1,200 square feet of living space. Both structures match the main house’s design, creating a cohesive estate. The workshop building lets Murray pursue woodworking and other hands-on projects.
Modern amenities hide behind the traditional exterior. The house includes updated electrical and plumbing systems, central heating and cooling, and a security system. Murray installed solar panels several years ago, reducing the property’s environmental impact. These updates were done carefully to maintain the home’s aesthetic integrity.
The kitchen features white cabinets, marble countertops, and professional-grade appliances. A large island provides workspace and casual seating. The design supports serious cooking while keeping the space welcoming and unpretentious. Windows above the sink offer views of the gardens.
Bill Murray Real Estate Portfolio
Bill Murray’s real estate holdings reflect his preference for quality over quantity. His portfolio includes just a few carefully chosen properties, each serving a specific purpose in his life. Beyond the Martha’s Vineyard estate, Murray owns significant property in Charleston, South Carolina.
His Charleston home sits in the historic district, a beautiful brick townhouse built in the 1800s. Murray purchased this property in the early 2000s for around $2.1 million. The house features classic Charleston architecture with piazzas, high ceilings, and original hardwood floors. He lives here during baseball season and throughout the winter months.
The Charleston property spans approximately 3,800 square feet across three floors. It includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a private courtyard garden. The location puts Murray within walking distance of restaurants he co-owns and the baseball stadium. He’s become a fixture in the neighborhood, often seen walking his dog or chatting with neighbors.
Murray sold a home in Palisades, New York, after his divorce. That property served as his family home for many years. The sale marked a transition point in his life. He chose not to replace it with another New York area property, preferring to focus on his Martha’s Vineyard and Charleston homes.
He never owned property in Los Angeles, despite working there frequently. Murray prefers hotels when he’s on the West Coast for film projects. This choice lets him avoid the LA lifestyle and return to his preferred locations when work finishes.
Murray grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. His childhood home was a modest house where nine children shared space. He doesn’t own property in the Chicago area now, though he visits regularly to see family. His humble beginnings influenced his practical approach to real estate.
The actor’s restaurant investments include part ownership in several Charleston establishments. While not residential property, these represent significant real estate holdings. Murray takes an active interest in these businesses, sometimes tending bar or serving customers himself.
His real estate strategy focuses on places where he wants to spend time rather than investment properties. Each home serves his lifestyle and connects him to communities he values. This approach differs from many celebrities who collect homes as status symbols or investment vehicles.
Murray has no interest in mega-mansions or flashy properties. His homes average between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet, modest by celebrity standards. He prioritizes location, character, and privacy over size and luxury. This philosophy extends to how he lives in these spaces, keeping them comfortable rather than ostentatious.
The total value of Murray’s real estate portfolio sits around $10-12 million. This represents a small portion of his overall net worth. He could easily afford more expensive properties but chooses not to. His real estate decisions reflect the same down-to-earth personality that made him famous.
Conclusion
The Bill Murray House in Martha’s Vineyard perfectly captures the actor’s personality and values. The $6.4 million waterfront estate provides privacy, comfort, and connection to nature. Murray has created a true home there, not just another celebrity showcase property. The house lets him be himself, away from the pressures of fame.
He splits his year between this island retreat and his Charleston residence, avoiding the typical celebrity lifestyle. His real estate choices show someone who knows what matters: family, community, and simple pleasures. The Bill Murray House stands as proof that true happiness doesn’t require excess.