Around 30 years ago, singer-songwriter John Mellencamp stumbled upon Daufuskie Island, a serene and relatively untouched gem.
Drawn to the Island’s rich history—it was predominantly inhabited by the Gullah people, descendants of freed slaves, until the 1980s—and its seclusion, accessible only by boat, Mellencamp purchased several acres of land along the Atlantic. For over a decade, however, the plot remained undeveloped. He then found inspiration in an unlikely source. A photo he took of a church in Myrtle Beach sparked the idea to hire an architect. Then John transformed his retreat on South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island into a personal sanctuary.
The resulting home, designed by Neil Gordon of Hilton Head Island, takes clear inspiration from that church. It features pointed-arch windows and doors, while its central living space resembles a nave, complete with a gallery akin to a choir loft. The interior blends elements of that original vision with unique touches reflecting John’s passion for art and film.
When it came to furnishing the space, Mellencamp filled it with various items from storage.
Despite having lived part-time in the region for much of his life—two of his five children grew up nearby—the house remained underused. Mellencamp reached out to New York City interior designer Monique Gibson, a trusted collaborator on three prior homes, including his Indiana residence.
The kitchen was reimagined, doorways were expanded, and the woodwork was stained to add warmth and character. The house has more distinct features. These include a church-inspired peaked window, a library brimming with art books, a cozy movie room and song lyrics stenciled on the walls—his own artistic touch. Thanks to this revitalization, the once-idle property has transformed into a space as captivating and dynamic as Mellencamp himself.
In 2019, John invited Architectural Digest readers into his Daufuskie Island retreat, showcasing its stunning interior design. During the feature, a video was also captured, offering an inside look at his home. See the online article HERE.
Source: https://www.mellencamp.com.
