The Kathy Warden House is a luxury waterfront home. On the shores of Highland Beach, Florida, this property shows what high-end beach living looks like. With ocean views, custom details, and upscale amenities, this home shows luxury at its best. Its design and prime oceanfront spot make it one of the most sought-after addresses on Florida’s Gold Coast.
Kathy Warden House
Spanning over 11,000 square feet, the Kathy Warden House sits on a rare 1.2-acre oceanfront lot in Highland Beach. It has 120 feet of private beach, even for a luxury home. The property has a main house, a guest house, and well-kept gardens. The estate features six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, multiple living areas, and an array of entertainment spaces both indoors and out.
This home balances quiet private spaces with plenty of room for guests. The floor plan opens each room toward the Atlantic, using wall-to-wall windows that flood every room with ocean light and views between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty.
Architectural Design and Style
This home blends modern coastal style with touches of Mediterranean design. Built in 2017 by acclaimed architect Robert Graham, the home’s exterior features clean lines, natural stone elements, and expansive glass walls. Graham, known for his work on several high-profile South Florida estates, created a design that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The facade combines warm limestone, coral-inspired accents, and hurricane-rated glass – materials picked for both their look and their strength against sea weather. The roof’s gentle slopes and extended eaves provide shade while complementing the overall design aesthetic.
Perhaps most striking is how the architect designed the structure to work with, rather than against, its natural surroundings. The home seems to rise organically from the landscape, with outdoor spaces that flow seamlessly from the interior rooms. The result is a house that feels like a natural extension of its beautiful beachfront setting.
Interior Features and Layout
Open the mahogany doors to an elegant, light-filled entry. The foyer sets the tone with its 20-foot ceilings, marble flooring, and a statement chandelier that draws the eye upward. The foyer leads to a living room whose glass walls slide open, blending indoor and outdoor space.
The main level features an open-concept design with distinct zones for living, dining, and entertainment. The gourmet kitchen serves as both a chef’s workspace and social hub, equipped with custom cabinetry, a massive center island, and professional-grade appliances. Adjacent to the kitchen sits a comfortable breakfast nook with panoramic water views.
The main suite is a peaceful spot with two baths, walk-in closets, and a private terrace. Four additional bedrooms occupy the second level, each with its bathroom and unique view of either the ocean or the lush property grounds.
The lower level houses entertainment spaces, including a home theater, wine cellar, and game room. A private elevator connects all three floors, making the home accessible and convenient for residents and guests alike.
Every room mixes comfort with high-end finishes. High-end finishes like Italian marble, white oak flooring, and custom millwork create a setting for comfortable, elegant living. Smart home technology controls lighting, climate, security, and entertainment systems with the touch of a button.
History and Ownership
This site used to hold a smaller beach home from the 1970s. Previously, it was the site of a more modest beach home built in the 1970s. That structure was purchased and demolished in 2015 to make way for the current estate.
Construction began in late 2015 and finished in 2017, with Robert Graham working alongside interior designer Sarah Mitchell to create a cohesive vision. The property changed hands once before Kathy Warden, CEO of Northrop Grumman, acquired it in 2021. In 2021, similar homes sold for $18–$22 million, putting this one at the high end.
Warden, who rose to prominence in the aerospace and defense industry, selected this home not just for its beauty but for its great spot, convenient to both Palm Beach International Airport and the Northrop Grumman facilities in West Palm Beach. The purchase represented both a personal milestone and a practical decision for someone balancing leadership responsibilities with quality of life.
The estate has undergone minor renovations since Warden’s acquisition, primarily to update technology systems and personalize certain spaces while maintaining the architectural integrity of the original design.
Location and Neighborhood
Highland Beach feels private but is still close to big towns. This narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway is home to just over 4,000 residents, creating an intimate community feel despite its proximity to larger cities.
The Kathy J. Warden House sits in the heart of this coastal haven, just five minutes from Delray Beach to the north and Boca Raton to the south. It’s quiet by the ocean but just minutes from shops, restaurants, and culture.
For families, the area boasts excellent educational options. Pine Crest School and Saint Andrew’s School, two of South Florida’s premier private institutions, lie within a 15-minute drive. The community also offers proximity to public beaches, golf courses, tennis facilities, and parks.
Healthcare needs are well-served by Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Delray Medical Center, both less than 10 minutes away. The neighborhood’s safety record ranks among the best in Palm Beach County, with low crime rates and responsive emergency services.
Unlike more developed coastal areas, Highland Beach maintains strict building codes that limit commercial development, protecting both property values and the community’s peaceful character. This commitment to preservation makes it particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals seeking privacy without isolation.
Living in the Kathy Warden House
Daily life in this remarkable home offers countless small luxuries. Morning coffee on the terrace often includes dolphin shows and bright sunrises. The primary bathroom’s soaking tub sits before a window framing perfect ocean views. The chef’s kitchen makes everyday meal preparation feel special, while the formal dining room easily hosts elegant dinner parties.
The study is both practical and inspiring for work from home. Its custom desk faces the ocean, while built-in cabinetry houses technology and files behind beautiful wooden doors. Nearby, a small conference room accommodates meetings when needed.
The home gym eliminates excuses to skip workouts, with professional-grade equipment and the motivational boost of ocean views. Afterward, the spa bathroom with a steam shower and sauna offers the perfect recovery space.
For entertaining, options abound. Casual gatherings might center around the outdoor kitchen and pool deck, while formal events can flow between the great room, dining room, and covered terraces. The wine cellar includes a tasting area for intimate gatherings, while the theater room handles movie nights for larger groups.
Even practical needs receive elegant solutions. The three-car garage includes climate control and custom storage. A mudroom with individual lockers keeps beach gear organized. The catering kitchen allows event staff to work without disturbing the main living areas.
Conclusion
The Kathy Warden House represents the top of luxury by the water. Its thoughtful design balances grandeur with comfort, creating spaces that feel both impressive and welcoming. The property’s Highland Beach location offers the perfect mix of privacy and accessibility – a retreat from the world that remains connected to it.
For those fortunate enough to experience this exceptional home, it offers more than just shelter. It provides a place to make memories against a setting of natural beauty and architectural excellence. From morning coffee watching dolphins play to evenings entertaining under the stars, life here unfolds in extraordinary ways.
While few will have the opportunity to call such a place home, the Kathy Warden House stands as an inspiring example of what’s possible when vision, craftsmanship, and location come together perfectly. It’s not just a house – it’s a masterpiece of coastal living.
