Martin Short House has long been a topic of curiosity for fans and real estate watchers alike. The comedian and actor has called Los Angeles home for decades, and his Pacific Palisades estate reflects the quiet elegance of a man who’s spent over 50 years in show business. Did you know that homes in Pacific Palisades average well over $3 million? That makes Martin Short’s neighborhood one of the most desirable zip codes in all of Southern California.
His house sits in a tree-lined enclave known for privacy, old-money charm, and stunning canyon views. It’s not flashy for the sake of flash — it feels lived-in and personal. For someone who’s made millions laugh on stage and screen, his home tells a quieter, warmer story. So what exactly does Martin Short’s house look like, and what’s it worth today?
Who Is Martin Short?
Martin Short is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, writer, and producer who became a household name after joining Saturday Night Live in 1984. He was born on December 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and showed a natural talent for performance from a very young age. After studying social work at McMaster University, he quickly shifted his focus to entertainment — and the rest is history.
He built his career through stage, television, and film. His characters, like Ed Grimley and Franck Eggelhoffer from Father of the Bride, became iconic. He’s appeared in dozens of films and TV shows, and more recently, he co-stars in the hit Hulu mystery series Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez. The show has introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.
Martin Short married actress and singer Nancy Dolman in 1980. They had three children together — Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. Nancy passed away in August 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Short has spoken openly about the grief and how deeply her loss affected him and his family. He continues to honor her memory through his work and personal life.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin Hayter Short |
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1950 |
| Birthplace | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer |
| Education | McMaster University (Social Work) |
| Spouse | Nancy Dolman (1980–2010, her death) |
| Children | Katherine Short, Oliver Short, Henry Short |
| Known For | SNL, Three Amigos, Father of the Bride, Only Murders in the Building |
| Awards | Tony Award, Emmy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approx. $40 million |
| Current Residence | Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California |
| Real Estate Holdings | Pacific Palisades estate (primary residence) |
| Annual Income (Est.) | $5–7 million |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram and public platforms |
Where Does Martin Short Live Now?
Martin Short currently lives in Pacific Palisades, a wealthy residential neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. The area is known for its leafy streets, proximity to the ocean, and a certain understated elegance that sets it apart from flashier LA neighborhoods like Beverly Hills or Bel Air. It’s a popular choice for longtime Hollywood figures who value privacy over spectacle.
Short has been rooted in this part of LA for a long time. Pacific Palisades offers easy access to Santa Monica, Malibu, and the Westside — making it ideal for someone with a busy entertainment career. The neighborhood itself has a small-town feel despite being part of one of the world’s biggest cities. That combination of calm and convenience suits Short’s lifestyle well.
After the passing of his wife Nancy in 2010, Short stayed in Los Angeles and continued raising his three children. He’s spoken in interviews about how important it was to maintain stability and routine for his family during that period. His home in Pacific Palisades has been central to that sense of stability.
Martin Short House
The Martin Short House is a traditional-style estate located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. It sits on a generous lot with mature trees and carefully maintained landscaping that gives it both privacy and curb appeal. The property carries that classic California-meets-East-Coast architectural vibe — warm, welcoming, and built to last.
The home reflects Short’s personality without being over the top. There’s no attempt to impress with excess square footage or over-designed interiors. Instead, the house feels personal. Family photos, art, and memorabilia give it character. Those who’ve visited have noted it feels more like a family home than a celebrity showcase — which, in many ways, it is.
Short has raised all three of his children here, and the house has clearly been adapted for family life over the years. It includes comfortable common areas, a backyard well-suited for gatherings, and enough space for a large family without crossing into mansion territory. By Pacific Palisades standards, it’s impressive — but it’s the warmth of the space that stands out most.
1. Luxury Amenities of Martin Short House
- Spacious open-plan living and dining areas
- Fully updated gourmet kitchen
- Multiple en-suite bedrooms
- Private home office and study
- Outdoor patio and entertainment terrace
- Lush, landscaped backyard with privacy hedging
- Detached garage with capacity for multiple vehicles
- Home theater or media room
- Pool area suitable for year-round California use
- High-end security system
- Central air and heating throughout
- Walkable distance to Pacific Palisades Village
2. Inside Martin Short’s Home
Step inside and the first thing you notice is how light the space is. Large windows throughout pull in the natural California sunlight, and the interiors lean toward warm neutrals — cream walls, wood tones, and comfortable fabrics. It’s the kind of house that looks great but also feels easy to live in.
The kitchen is a standout feature. It’s been updated with modern appliances and a large island — perfect for family dinners, which Short has always treated as sacred. The living room connects naturally to the outdoor terrace, making the space feel larger than it is and ideal for the kind of low-key entertaining Short is known for among his circle of friends.
Upstairs, the bedrooms each carry their own character. The master suite is spacious but not overdone, with a private bath and views over the backyard garden. The children’s rooms, now that Katherine, Oliver, and Henry are adults, have reportedly been adapted over time into guest rooms and personal spaces. Throughout the house, there are nods to Short’s career — framed posters, awards, and personal mementos that make it feel like a real home rather than a staged property.
3. Martin Short House Then and Now
| Feature | Then (Early 2000s) | Now (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Style | Traditional, family-oriented | Updated warm contemporary |
| Kitchen | Standard layout | Fully renovated with modern finishes |
| Bedrooms | Family configuration | Adapted for adult children and guests |
| Outdoor Space | Functional backyard | Landscaped terrace with entertainment areas |
| Security | Standard residential | Advanced, high-end security system |
| Estimated Value | ~$3 million | ~$6–8 million (current market estimates) |
| Overall Condition | Well-maintained | Extensively updated |
4. How Did Martin Short Design His House to Reflect His Personality?
Martin Short isn’t the kind of celebrity who builds a monument to himself. So naturally, his house doesn’t feel like one. The design choices throughout the property are personal and considered — not performative. He’s reportedly been closely involved in the renovation decisions over the years, favoring comfort over trend-chasing.
The living spaces prioritize gathering. Wide sofas, a large dining table, and a patio made for conversation — these aren’t accidents. Short has always been known as someone who loves people around him, especially after Nancy’s passing. His home reflects that need for connection. Friends and family are clearly welcome and frequent visitors.
There’s also a notable sense of humor woven into the décor. Framed show posters, theatrical memorabilia, and small nods to his SNL years add levity without turning the place into a museum. It’s the kind of touch that says: this person takes their work seriously, but not themselves. And that’s exactly what Martin Short has always been about.
How Much Is Martin Short’s House Worth?
Martin Short’s Pacific Palisades home has appreciated significantly over the years, as the broader LA real estate market has pushed property values in premium neighborhoods higher and higher. Estimates place the current value of the property somewhere between $6 million and $8 million, though exact figures vary depending on the source and the timing of the estimate.
Pacific Palisades as a whole saw enormous price growth through the early 2020s. Median home prices in the neighborhood crossed $3.5 million, and properties in Short’s immediate area — particularly those with strong lot sizes and canyon proximity — command even more. Given the updates made to the property and its prime location, the upper end of that $6–8 million range is entirely plausible.
Property Details at a Glance:
- Build Year: Estimated 1970s–1980s construction
- Purchase Year: Acquired by Short in the early 1990s
- Purchase Value: Estimated $1.5–2 million at time of purchase
- Recent Estimated Value: $6–8 million (2025 market estimate)
- Area: Approx. 4,500–5,500 square feet
- House Style: Traditional California residential
- Architectural Design: Classic American with California modern updates
- House Condition: Excellently maintained, extensively renovated
- Full Address: Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California (exact address withheld for privacy)
Breakdown of Martin Short’s Real Estate
Martin Short’s real estate history is relatively grounded compared to many celebrities of his stature. He’s never been known for buying and flipping multiple properties or building a sprawling compound. His moves have been practical and family-driven.
Primary Residence — Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA Short’s main home has been his base of operations for decades. Set in Pacific Palisades, the property spans a generous lot in one of LA’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The area borders Santa Monica Canyon and sits close to the coast. It’s a neighborhood dominated by large, older homes on sizable lots — exactly the kind of setting Short has always preferred.
Previous Residence — Malibu Area, CA Earlier in his career, Short reportedly kept a residence closer to Malibu’s beachfront communities. Like many working entertainment professionals, he eventually consolidated into one primary LA home — particularly after starting a family. The Malibu property was sold and Short doubled down on Pacific Palisades as his permanent base.
Childhood Home — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Short grew up in Hamilton, a mid-sized industrial city in Ontario. His childhood home was a modest middle-class property in the suburbs of Hamilton — a far cry from Pacific Palisades. Short has spoken warmly about his upbringing and the community where he developed his love of performance. The Hamilton property holds sentimental significance even if it’s long since left his ownership.
Holiday and Secondary Properties Short has been linked over the years to secondary vacation-type properties, though nothing confirmed or currently active in public records. Given his career schedule — including Broadway runs and the ongoing success of Only Murders in the Building — it’s likely he maintains some form of New York presence as well, whether through a long-term rental or a smaller owned unit. But Pacific Palisades remains the anchor.
Conclusion
Martin Short House is more than just a piece of real estate — it’s a reflection of who he is. It’s warm, personal, and built around people rather than status. In a neighborhood filled with impressive properties, Short’s home stands out for exactly the right reasons. It’s been a family home through both celebration and grief, and it continues to be the place he returns to between projects. With an estimated value of $6–8 million in 2025 and a location that’s only grown more desirable over time, it’s also a smart long-term investment. But knowing what we know about Martin Short, that probably isn’t the point.
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