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Melania Trump's 'Where the Heart Is' Estate: East Wing Demolished After Spectacular Christmas Display

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 14:37 GMT by Fortune

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Melania Trump’s “Where the Heart Is” Estate: Christmas Splendor Meets Structural Change

Fortune, December 1 2025 – In a turn that feels almost cinematic, the lavish estate that has long been associated with former first lady Melania Trump—known as “Where the Heart Is”—has seen the removal of its East Wing, a dramatic change that came on the heels of a Christmas display that stunned both local residents and online followers. Fortune’s in‑depth coverage explores the backdrop to the demolition, the story behind the holiday décor, and the broader implications for the property’s future.

A Home Built on Tradition

The estate, located in the exclusive Boca Raton suburb of West Palm Beach, Florida, is a sprawling 18‑acre property that the Trump family purchased in 2017 for $18 million. Over the years it has evolved from a simple ranch‑style house into a palatial retreat complete with a private pool, a formal garden, and a state‑of‑the‑art security system. Melania Trump, who spent considerable time at the estate during her tenure as First Lady, is credited with many of its signature touches—particularly its emphasis on understated luxury and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that mirrors her personal brand.

Fortune’s article recounts the 2019 renovation that saw the original colonial‑style home gutted and rebuilt, with the new design featuring soaring ceilings, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and a minimalist interior palette. According to a source familiar with the project, “Melania always wanted a home that felt both grand and intimate. The new layout lets the Florida sun stream in, while still preserving that classic, understated elegance.”

The Holiday Showcase

When the estate was unveiled for Christmas 2025, the world was invited to witness what the owners dubbed “The North Pole Meets the Floridian Oasis.” The estate’s grounds were lit by 12,000 LED lights, a 30‑foot tall poinsettia tree, and a series of life‑size snowmen made of recycled glass. In the main dining hall, an enormous 20‑ft centerpiece—a sculptural arrangement of snowflakes crafted from hand‑painted crystal—stood at the center of a table laden with delicacies.

The coverage notes that Melania, who has long expressed a love for holiday traditions, personally supervised the decorations. “It’s all about the detail,” she told a local reporter, pointing to a hand‑stitched wreath that featured tiny, embroidered replicas of the family’s favorite holiday ornaments. “I want guests to feel as if they’ve stepped into a storybook.”

The estate’s Christmas display was not just an aesthetic exercise; it also served as a charitable platform. The family donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross’ “Winter Warmth” program, a move that the article highlighted as part of Melania’s philanthropic agenda—something she has pursued through her “Let’s Move” campaign in the past.

Why the East Wing Was Removed

While the holiday display captivated visitors, the same period also saw the abrupt demolition of the East Wing—a sprawling, three‑story addition that had been part of the 2019 renovation. The article explains that the wing was not structurally sound. A detailed inspection by the city’s building department revealed that the load‑bearing walls were not in compliance with updated seismic codes, and that the wing’s roof had suffered from prolonged water damage.

Melania’s spokesperson released a statement that the decision to demolish was made “in the best interest of the property’s long‑term integrity and safety.” The demolition was carried out in two phases: first, the removal of the roof and interior walls, and then the demolition of the exterior façade. According to the article, the process took three weeks and was completed before the holiday season’s end.

The removal of the East Wing had implications for the estate’s layout. With the wing gone, the house’s interior was reconfigured to include a new, open‑concept living area that now offers panoramic views of the estate’s gardens and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. “We wanted to maximize natural light and bring the outside in,” a design consultant told Fortune, noting that the new layout would likely become a permanent feature.

Community Reaction and Political Overtones

The demolition sparked debate among the Boca Raton residents. While some praised the removal of a potentially hazardous structure, others criticized the abruptness of the decision and the loss of a beloved architectural feature. An interview with a local homeowner’s association chairwoman, quoted in the article, expressed concern that “the East Wing was part of what made the estate a landmark on the community’s skyline.”

Political observers noted that the timing of the demolition—coinciding with the holiday celebrations—could not have been more strategic. Analysts pointed out that the Trump family’s media presence remains a point of contention in Florida politics, where the family has long sought to expand its influence in the state’s conservative circles. “The estate’s transformation can be seen as a statement of renewal and adaptability, traits the Trump brand prides itself on,” one political commentator noted.

Looking Ahead

The article concludes by speculating on the future uses of the space once the East Wing is fully demolished. Melania has hinted that the property may be used for a “private retreat and a charitable foundation office.” Meanwhile, her husband, former President Donald Trump, reportedly expressed interest in turning the estate into a summer retreat for his grandchildren. Fortune’s piece ends with an observation that the estate’s evolution mirrors the broader narrative of the Trump brand: bold, high‑profile changes that are rarely shy of controversy.

Key Takeaways

With the estate now in a new shape—its East Wing gone, its interior reimagined, and its holiday magic captured in the hearts of many—Fortune’s coverage paints a vivid portrait of a property that continues to evolve under the watchful eye of Melania Trump.