Taylor Swift is undertaking a $1.7 million renovation of her historic Watch Hill estate in Westerly, Rhode Island. The project focuses on enhancing living spaces, updating the kitchen, adding a bedroom suite, and incorporating additional bathrooms, reflecting a blend of modern comfort and historical preservation.
- Property Overview
Name: High Watch (also known as Holiday House)
Location: 16 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill, Westerly, Rhode Island
Purchase Price: $17.75 million in 2013
Size: Approximately 12,000 sq. ft.
Features: Eight bedrooms, ten bathrooms, eight fireplaces, 700 feet of oceanfront, pool, gardens, and balconies
Historical Significance: Previously owned by Rebekah Harkness; inspired Swift’s song “The Last Great American Dynasty”
- Renovation Details
Bedroom Suite Addition: A new 16x24-foot bedroom suite is being added
Kitchen Remodel: Updates for functionality and design improvements
Living Space Enhancements: Renovations to the living room and front porch
Additional Bathrooms: Expansion of the home’s bathroom facilities
Estimated Cost: $1.7 million
Timeline: Permits filed in November–December 2024; construction ongoing, expected completion by December 2025
- Design and Aesthetic Vision
Swift aims to combine vintage charm with modern amenities, preserving the historic character of the estate while introducing contemporary comforts.
Renovations reflect her eclectic style, complementing the home’s existing architectural features.
- Cultural and Personal Significance
The estate is personally meaningful, serving as a retreat and a source of creative inspiration.
Renovation ensures that the property continues to be functional, luxurious, and culturally significant for Swift and future generations.
- Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s renovation represents a careful balance between historical preservation and modern luxury. The $1.7 million investment enhances the estate’s functionality, aesthetics, and long-term value, reinforcing its status as both a personal sanctuary and a culturally iconic property.