Taylor Swift is expanding her famous 'High Watch' waterfront home in Westerly's Watch Hill neighborhood, according to building permits and zoning certificates.
The historic estate, known as a subject in her song The Last Great American Dynasty, has served as Swift's home since 2013. However, she has started renovation work following the end of her Era's tour (in which she became a certified billionaire). The mansion, perched on over 5 acres of gardens, with a pool and private 700-foot stretch beach, is already a jewel in Taylor Swift's property portfolio – but it's expected to get even better.
As per a building permit issued by the town of Westerly last month, contractors plan to construct a 400-square-foot expansion extension that will include a new bedroom and bathrooms. Her existing kitchen is also set to be upgraded as part of the renovation work, the Providence Journal says. The labor and materials for the renovation are expected to cost around $1.7 million, the permit suggests.
Reportedly, some fans have spotted the beginning stages of construction, including a crane and wood framing off the side of the house.
High Watch home, also known locally as the Harkness House, has stood as a landmark since its construction between 1929 and 1930 for the Snowden family, owners of an oil company, who named it Holiday House. In 1948, businessman William Harkness (who had spent the prior summer with his family in the house) bought the property for himself and his wife, Rebekah, for $80,000.
Rebekah is characterized by Swift in The Last Great American Dynasty – referencing how she filled the pool with champagne and gambled with Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. Rebekah also added a temporary ballet stage on the grounds before facing objections from neighbors and the state Supreme Court.
Interest in the property has inevitably increased further following Taylor Swift's ownership. From 2013 to 2016, she received press coverage for hosting her annual American Independence Day parties on the estate, in which celebrities, including Gigi Hadid and the Haim sisters, visited the decorated estate. The parties were not held from 2017 to 2022 but resumed in 2023, with Selena Gomez in attendance.
Last Independence Day, Swift was in Amsterdam performing on her Era's Tour, but she still spent time in Holiday House in August. She was seen with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, his Kansas City Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes, and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, on the terrace.
Folklore is Swift's eighth studio album, featuring The Last Great American Dynasty, the story of High Watch home. It was awarded the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2021.
