Larry Bird’s house in Naples, Florida is a real, existing waterfront residence located on Neapolitan Way in the Park Shore neighborhood of Naples. The property is often confused online with Bird’s Indiana homes or with estates later marketed as rentals, but this Naples house is a privately owned, purpose-built residence that Bird commissioned for long-term use and still maintains today.
Situated directly on Venetian Bay, the home was custom constructed to match Bird’s physical stature, privacy preferences, and daily routine away from public attention. It is not open to visitors, not a museum, and not a vacation rental. Instead, it functions as a lived-in waterfront base chosen for quiet canal access, controlled visibility, and proximity to the Gulf without exposure to tourist corridors.
This page documents the Naples property as a physical place—its exact setting, layout, architectural features, and verified history—so readers searching for Larry Bird’s house can clearly identify which home exists in Naples, how it differs from his other properties, and why it continues to draw interest decades after it was built.
Quick Facts: Larry Bird’s Naples, Florida House
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner | Larry Bird |
| Nickname | “Bird’s Nest” |
| Location | Park Shore, Naples, Florida |
| Waterfront | Venetian Bay |
| Year Built | 2001 |
| Living Area | ~6,007 sq. ft. |
| Bedrooms / Bathrooms | 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms |
| Style | Mediterranean Revival / Florida Coastal |
| Signature Feature | Full-service bar with 500-gallon saltwater aquarium |
| Entertainment | 10-seat home theater |
| Outdoor Features | Infinity pool, chickee hut, private dock |
| Listing History | Listed in 2013 for $4.8M, removed in 2019 |
| Current Use | Primary Florida residence |
Where Does Larry Bird Live?
Larry Bird lives primarily in Naples, Florida, where he owns a waterfront home on Neapolitan Way in the Park Shore neighborhood along Venetian Bay. This residence is separate from his Indiana properties and should not be confused with homes later marketed as rentals.
The Location: Park Shore, Naples, Florida
The residence sits within the Park Shore neighborhood of Collier County, an area shaped by wide canals, mature landscaping, and low traffic streets. Unlike high-rise corridors along Gulf Shore Boulevard, the 300-block of Neapolitan Way is composed almost entirely of custom-built single-family homes, many of which are set back behind gates or dense hedging. The atmosphere is notably quiet, even during peak tourist season.
The rear of the property opens directly onto Venetian Bay, where boat traffic is steady but unhurried. From this position, a private vessel can reach the Gulf of Mexico through Doctor’s Pass without exposure to open-water chop. This sheltered access is especially practical for casual boating, early-morning fishing, or short sunset cruises, activities commonly associated with daily life in Park Shore rather than recreational spectacle.
Property Overview and Structure
The house is a custom-built, two-story residence with approximately 6,000 square feet of interior living space, officially recorded as 6,007 square feet. Its footprint favors width and flow over vertical sprawl, giving the interior a grounded, easy-to-navigate feel.
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Four bedrooms and six bathrooms provide flexibility for family visits and long-term guests without the scale of a large estate designed for entertaining crowds.
- Scale Adjustments: Given Bird’s 6-foot-9 stature, the home was built with noticeably higher ceilings, taller door frames, and wider circulation paths. These details are subtle but immediately apparent when compared to standard residential proportions.
- Garage and Driveway: A gated driveway leads to an oversized four-car garage. A basketball hoop mounted above the drive is visible from the street, a simple but telling detail that reflects long-standing habits rather than decorative intent.
The exterior architecture blends Mediterranean Revival elements with Florida coastal practicality. Cream-toned stucco walls, arched openings, and a clay-tile roof help manage heat and weather while maintaining a restrained, regional aesthetic.
Inside Photos of Larry Bird’s House in Naples, Florida
Image Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Interior Layout and Design Philosophy
The interior favors durability and function over trend-driven design. Entry begins through a rotunda-style foyer that opens naturally into the main living areas, eliminating rigid room separation. Movement through the house feels intuitive, with clear sightlines toward the water.
- Natural Light and Views: Large sliding glass doors and expansive windows frame Venetian Bay from living rooms, dining areas, and several bedrooms. During daylight hours, artificial lighting is rarely needed in common spaces.
- Materials and Finishes: Marble flooring, neutral wall tones, and classical columns create a space that resists visible wear. These choices are consistent with a home intended for daily use rather than occasional occupancy.
The overall atmosphere is calm and orderly, reinforcing the sense that the house serves as a working retreat rather than a statement property.
The Full-Service Bar and 500-Gallon Aquarium
The most recognizable interior feature is the custom full-service bar, which anchors one of the main living spaces. Behind it sits a 500-gallon saltwater aquarium, built directly into the wall structure. The tank is large enough to support a stable marine ecosystem, requiring professional maintenance rather than decorative upkeep.
From a practical standpoint, the aquarium doubles as ambient lighting and a visual focal point, especially in the evening. The bar itself is functional, with ample counter space, storage, and seating that suggests regular use rather than display-only installation. This area has frequently been highlighted in huffpost because it is both distinctive and genuinely integrated into daily living.
Home Theater and Entertainment Spaces
The residence includes a dedicated home theater designed for comfort and consistency rather than scale.
- Seating Capacity: Tiered seating accommodates approximately 10 people, depending on configuration.
- Construction: Acoustic wall treatments, dark wood paneling, and professional audiovisual components create a controlled viewing environment without theatrical excess.
This room functions as a primary indoor leisure space, suitable for watching games, films, or televised events without drawing attention to itself within the home’s overall layout.
Outdoor Living: Pool, Chickee Hut, and Dock
The outdoor areas reflect how the property is used throughout the year, particularly during Naples’ extended winter season.
- Infinity Pool and Spa: The infinity-edge pool is positioned so that water visually blends into the canal, reducing the boundary between yard and bay.
- Chickee Hut: A traditional Florida chickee hut provides shade and ventilation. The structure functions as an outdoor kitchen and seating area, commonly used during mid-day heat or evening gatherings.
- Private Dock: A wooden dock with lift supports direct access to Venetian Bay. Short boat trips to nearby areas, including the Venetian Village shopping district, are possible without trailering or marina coordination.
The backyard design emphasizes usability, with clear walking paths, minimal ornamental landscaping, and unobstructed water access.
History of the Property and Market Activity
Bird’s connection to Neapolitan Way began in 1993, when he purchased a nearby home at 310 Neapolitan Way. In 1998, he acquired the adjacent lot at 308 Neapolitan Way for approximately $875,000, demolished the existing structure, and commissioned a fully custom build. Construction was completed in 2001.
The home entered the public eye in 2013 when it was listed for $4.8 million through Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Over the next several years, the price was adjusted, reaching approximately $4.6 million by 2016. Despite interest, the property never changed hands and was withdrawn from the market in 2019.
The decision to retain the house coincided with Bird’s reduced professional obligations and transition into a consultancy role with the Indiana Pacers, allowing extended time in Florida.
How the Naples House Fits Bird’s Lifestyle
Although Bird maintains strong ties to Orange County, Indiana, including the French Lick and West Baden Springs area, the Naples residence offers a seasonal counterbalance. The home provides warmth, water access, and routine without sacrificing privacy.
Every observable detail, from oversized architectural proportions to the private dock and understated interiors, aligns with a lifestyle built around consistency and independence. Rather than serving as a showcase, the Naples house functions as a long-term base, reflecting how one of basketball’s most disciplined figures chose to live once the noise of competition faded.
Note: Listing history sourced from Premier Sotheby’s International Realty archives (2013-2019)
