‘Yellowstone’ Actress Returns to Alabama Roots, Auctions Maui Estate

“Yellowstone” actress Barret Swatek is trading island paradise for Alabama pastures as she prepares to return to her Southern roots. The Alabama native and her husband, retired hedge-fund manager Adam Weiss, have placed their sprawling Maui estate on the auction block as they plan their return to Alabama.

The couple’s decision highlights a trend seen across the country in recent years, with many families reassessing their priorities and locations following major life events. For Swatek and Weiss, the birth of their daughter Dixon was the catalyst that sparked their desire to return to Alabama’s familiar landscapes and family connections.

The couple, who welcomed daughter Dixon recently, made the decision to move closer to Swatek’s family in Alabama, specifically to her family’s property outside Birmingham.

“We just feel like we’re too far from them and from Barret’s family, and I think the baby kind of changed the equation on that,” Weiss told the Wall Street Journal in a recent interview.

From Hollywood to Hawaii to Alabama

Swatek, who grew up riding horses bareback with her brothers on her family’s farm outside Birmingham, wants to provide a similar upbringing for her daughter. This sentimental connection to Alabama has pulled the actress back despite owning a luxurious Hawaiian paradise.

“I’ve really cherished how I grew up,” Swatek shared. “When I came back from school, my brothers and I would hop on a horse bareback and ride for the afternoon.”

Alabama’s rich tradition of family farms and multigenerational properties creates unique estate planning considerations. Many families like Swatek’s maintain deep connections to ancestral lands, requiring thoughtful legal structures to preserve these legacies across generations while adapting to modern needs and circumstances.

The couple purchased their beachfront Maui property in 2021 for $45 million and invested millions more in renovations and furnishings. The 21,700-square-foot estate sits on Keawakapu Beach near Wailea, a high-end enclave in South Maui.

Estate Planning Considerations When Relocating

For Alabama residents considering similar major relocations or property acquisitions, this high-profile move highlights several important estate planning considerations:

1. Interstate Property Ownership: Owning significant properties across state lines requires careful estate planning to navigate different state laws regarding property transfer, taxes, and probate processes.
2. Family-Centered Planning: Like Swatek, many Alabama families prioritize creating legacies for their children. Proper estate planning ensures family properties remain accessible for future generations.
3. Business and Investment Protection: High-value real estate transactions, like the couple’s upcoming auction, require careful structuring to protect assets and minimize tax implications.

Working with an experienced Alabama estate planning attorney can help navigate these complex issues while ensuring your family’s interests remain protected throughout the relocation process.

The Auction Details

After initially seeking an off-market sale for $65 million, the couple opted for an auction approach. The auction, handled by Concierge Auctions, will run from April 10 to April 22, with bidding expected to start between $17.5 million and $35 million with no reserve price.

This high-stakes real estate transaction represents significant financial and legal considerations for the couple. In Alabama, proceeds from such sales often trigger complex tax planning needs and opportunities for strategic reinvestment into in-state properties. 

Understanding the interplay between different state tax systems becomes particularly important when transitioning assets from high-tax jurisdictions like Hawaii to states with different tax structures like Alabama.

The property features:

• Eight bedrooms;
• Bold geometric designs by architect Ricardo Legorreta;
• Reflecting pools creating a striking entrance;
• A wine room, gym, yoga studio, and arcade-packed game room; and
• Custom renovations including a library and stylish bar.

The couple previously sold their Malibu home for $70.4 million and hope the auction format will attract serious buyers, though they reserve the right to cancel if bids come in too low.

Estate Planning Considerations for Alabama Residents

For Alabama residents with significant property holdings or those considering relocation:

1. Property Transfers: When moving between states like Hawaii and Alabama, understanding how to properly transfer property ownership is essential.
2. Estate Documentation: Ensure your will, trusts, and other estate documents are valid in Alabama when relocating from another state.
3. Property Liquidation: Various methods of selling property, including auctions like the one Swatek and Weiss have chosen, can have different implications for your estate.

Planning ahead when it comes to significant property transactions and relocations can help protect your family’s assets and ensure smooth transitions.

Ready to Secure Your Alabama Estate Plan?

Whether you’re returning to Alabama like Barret Swatek, managing multiple properties across state lines, or simply want to ensure your family’s future is protected, proper estate planning is essential. 

At Baxley Maniscalco, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate Alabama’s estate laws and create a comprehensive plan tailored to your specific needs.

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. 

Contact Baxley Maniscalco today at (256) 770-7232 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your legacy.