Judy Garland’s Former Cape Cod Escape Hits the Market for $6.8 Million—Just Across the Street From Iconic Kennedy Compound

A seaside estate in the heart of Hyannis Port has hit the market for $6.8 million—64 years after it served as a summer sanctuary for Hollywood icon Judy Garland.

The seven-bedroom estate, which was built in 1890, was rented by "The Wizard of Oz" star in 1961, when her daughter, actress Liza Minnelli, was performing and working at the nearby Cape Cod Melody Tent.

Known locally as "The Judy Garland House," the dwelling boasts all of the elements one might expect to find in a beach house, with listing agent Paul Grover, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties.

"The location in Hyannis Port is a sweet little village that people all over the world have heard of," he notes. "It is what people envision when they think of quintessential Cape Cod with its weathered, shingled homes, beautiful hydrangeas, and beaches."

While the home was made famous by one woman, Grover adds that it would serve as an ideal family home—not least because of its proximity to all manner of fun activities.

One highlight of the home is the expansive deck that greets guests the moment they arrive.

“It has this beautiful, covered front porch that is L-shaped that this family lived on in the summers,” Grover says. “When it comes to summertime on Cape Cod, the porch is the heart of the home.”

Designed for relaxing, entertaining, soaking in the views, and enjoying the sea breeze, the spacious estate offers spectacular views from nearly every room.

“Seven bedrooms for a Cape Cod house is also really nice,” Grover adds. “Chances are the next buyer will likely buy it as a second home or vacation property. It’s all about entertaining family and guests here.

"The home was a magnet for the seller’s family to gather. A lot of times, we find a buyer that looks like the seller: someone who wants a place for their children and grandchildren to come and enjoy its generational use.”

The historical home retains many period details, including preserved hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, built-in seating, arched doorways, and two fireplaces.

“The property has been well cared for over the years and thoughtfully modernized in such a way to preserve its charm,” he notes. "Regarding improvements, they recently did new cedar shingle siding and an asphalt roof."

An updated eat-in kitchen has stainless-steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and access to the back patio designed for alfresco dining.

“What makes it nice is it is located near Hyannis, which is a village in the town of Barnstable,” he explains. “It’s the hub of the Cape with an airport, ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and it has an incredible restaurant scene.

"Cape Cod Melody Tent is also nearby. It’s such a small venue with a revolving stage, so there is never a bad seat to watch a show. It’s almost a throwback sort of spot that reminds people of their childhood and summertime. Hyannis Port is a hidden gem and such a special little village.”

The primary bedroom features a separate sitting area. The wing above the attached two-car garage features three bedrooms along with a spacious bonus room.

“The buyer could also be someone in the community who is trading up or scaling down and wants a property with a water view,” Grover says. “Typically, on Cape Cod, when people put down their roots, they stay in the same community but often move within the community.

"They could also be coming from a much larger home in the community and just not want as large a property to maintain anymore.”

In addition to its famous former tenant, the home is also surrounded by history—sitting just a few feet across the street from the start of the Kennedy family's iconic Hyannis Port compound.

It was at this Cape Cod retreat that John F. Kennedy planned his presidential campaign in summer 1960, and it was where his wife, Jackie, fled after he was assassinated in 1963 at the age of 46.

Hyannis Port would be where Jackie crafted the image of Kennedy's presidency as Camelot in the wake of his death, taking inspiration from his favorite Broadway musical and telling the media in her first official interview after his passing, "Don’t let it be forgot, that for one brief, shining moment there was Camelot."

The home had been the site of many happy vacations for John and Jackie—and it went on to serve as a much-needed retreat for other family members over the years, becoming the site of an annual Fourth of July reunion for many of their descendants.