Creating Naperitaville: A Tropical Oasis in Suburban Illinois

Many associate Jimmy Buffett’s iconic 1977 song “Margaritaville” with Florida’s beaches or South Carolina’s coast. Few would think of a brick colonial in Naperville, Illinois. Yet, for 65-year-old Phillip Schutt, a dedicated Buffett fan, his home has become a personal Margaritaville. Schutt has spent years transforming his residence into a tropical oasis with surfboards, a handmade lobster trap, and even a pirate skeleton hiding in a trash can. His collection, called ‘Naperitaville,’ fills his garage with over 90 beach-themed items.

“Jimmy Buffett proved coastal living is not about location but mindset,” says Schutt, who works as a portfolio manager. “My home represents that escapism.” His garage exhibits signs with messages like “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” A model plane, mirroring Buffett’s “Hemisphere Dancer” seaplane, hangs from the ceiling. Beyond the garage, his sunroom reflects a coastal farmhouse aesthetic, and his deck is covered with nautical decor. Underneath lies a Charleston-inspired stone patio.

Schutt discovered Buffett’s music in the late ’70s and ’80s. “A friend introduced me to Buffett, and it captured the fun of beach life,” says Schutt. His interest in building stems from his father, who instilled in Schutt a love for hands-on projects. “We used to fix things together. I enjoy creating and completing projects,” Schutt explains. For him, assembling is often more rewarding than the final outcome. “Thinking about how to build it is the fun part,” he adds.

Schutt’s journey into ‘Naperitaville’ began from a desire to display a stuffed monkey from his sales days. He eventually built a lifeguard chair as a display piece, marking the start of his Margaritaville theme. Over time, his collection grew, including items like a giant handmade treasure chest and a horse trough turned party cooler. Some pieces he purchases, such as a model plane reflecting one Buffett owned. Schutt recalls finally winning it on eBay for $300 after several failed attempts. “I decided to bid high enough to win it,” he says.

Schutt’s home accumulated coastal-themed pieces, leading to the creation of ‘Naperitaville.’ Noticing it shared letters with ‘Margaritaville,’ he included a palm tree image with the name. “The similarity clicked for me,” Schutt shares. While he rarely shares this personal paradise, he finds joy in its creation. “Through music and my decor, I can escape to my happy place. This symbolizes what Jimmy’s about — finding happiness,” he concludes.