A Seaside Manor Renovated in Record Time
It all began in Maine in 1991, when John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston discovered an extraordinary property on Islesboro Island, thanks to their mutual friend Kirstie Alley. The estate was a genuine manor dating back to 1903, featuring 42 rooms and 22 bedrooms, elegantly blending Tudor style with an atmosphere reminiscent of a Victorian novel.
They soon faced a daunting challenge: just months after purchasing the property, they needed to accommodate 55 family members for Christmas. A seemingly impossible task. Yet, in barely sixty days, they managed to transform the house completely. The kitchen was fully renovated, an advanced heating system similar to what you would find in a luxury hotel was installed, and the attic was converted into a playful children’s area, featuring a game room, a stage, and themed rooms — including a Princess room, an Airplane room, and a Peter Pan room.
Kelly fondly recalled those nights without electricity, when they compared fabric samples in the fading sunlight: “It was completely crazy, but so much fun.” Meanwhile, John sometimes worked until dawn, surviving on only three hours of sleep and hanging paintings at 4 a.m.
A Warm, English-Inspired Decor Full of Charm
With the help of designer Christopher B. Boshears, the house was transformed into a true British countryside retreat. Linen, velvet, damask, and antiques created a welcoming ambiance, far from anything flashy but rich in character. Kelly personally took charge of all the Christmas decorations, starting up to nine days in advance and placing a tree in every room.
After Kelly’s passing in 2020, John put this gem on the market for $5 million. The house was taken off the market and relisted multiple times, adding a layer of mystery about its future.
In Florida, an “Airport” House Born From a Childhood Dream
Further south, near Ocala in Florida, John Travolta fulfilled a childhood dream. A skilled pilot qualified to fly a Boeing 747, he wanted to be able to park his airplanes right in his own backyard.
He purchased land in the private community of Jumbolair Aviation Estates, which boasts a 2,300-meter runway. A taxiway was extended directly to his residence, located just about thirty meters from his planes, including a 1964 Boeing 707 over 41 meters long.
His home, approximately 826 square meters, was designed so that the airplanes are an integral part of the setting. Large windows over five meters tall provide breathtaking views of his jets from both the bedroom and the dining room. The architecture draws inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s style and from major airports of the 1950s and 1960s. To complete the ensemble, John himself designed the floor pattern at the entrance.
Online opinions range between genuine admiration and critiques of certain decorative choices, which some find too colorful or eclectic. But one thing remains clear: no one remains indifferent to this extraordinary creation.
And perhaps living amidst all this simply makes you want to stay forever… You can hardly blame Ella for that.
