Jan. 1, 2026, 5:07 a.m. ET
With its beautiful waterfront homes and historic architecture, Rhode Island’s real estate market consistenly attracts celebrities.
Since all the way back in the Gilded Age, the rich and famous have flocked to Rhode Island for secondary or summer houses. Today, the state’s celebrity homeowners include big names like comedian Matt Rife, actor Christopher Walken and of course, Taylor Swift, who is known for hosting lavish parties at her Watch Hill estate.
Wondering if Rhode Island has claimed more or lost any celebrities this year? Here’s a recap of which celebrities own houses in Rhode Island at the end of 2025.
Judge Judy sells Newport estate
In September 2025, Judith Sheindlin – better known as Judge Judy – sold her Newport estate known as The Bird House. According to the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, the sale marks the most expensive home sale in Rhode Island for the entire year, going for $15.3 million. Sheindlin originally purchased the home ofr $9 million in 2018.
Located at 70 Beacon Hill Road, The Bird House sits on top of one of the highest points of Newport, overlooking panoramic coastline views and lush gardens below. The estate takes up a total of 14,912 sq. ft., complete with 18 rooms, state-of-the-art technology and historic design elements.
Other celebrities who live in Rhode Island
While no celebrities were reported to buy Rhode Island houses this year, here’s a list of a few celebrities who own homes in Rhode Island:
- Taylor Swift owns a mansion dubbed “Holiday House” in Westerly’s Watch Hill neighborhood.
- Christopher Walken has owned a home on Block Island since 1999.
- Conan O’Brien owns a vacation home in Westerly, which his family bought in 1997.
- Jay Leno has a mansion on Ocean Drive in Newport that dates back to the Gilded Age.
- Matt Rife owns an 80-acre property in North Smithfield, which he bought in 2024.
