The Murdaugh name used to mean power in South Carolina. For over a century, they were the law in the 14th Circuit. But when people ask where did the murdaughs live, they aren't usually looking for a history lesson on judicial districts. They want to know about the properties that became the backdrop for a fall from grace so steep it felt like a Shakespearean tragedy.
It wasn't just one house. It was a collection of sprawling estates, beach getaways, and small-town residences that defined their "Murdaugh Country" lifestyle.
The Infamous Moselle: More Than Just a Hunting Lodge
If you’ve followed the trial or watched the documentaries, you know Moselle. Honestly, it’s the property that haunts the public imagination. Located at 4147 Moselle Road in Islandton, this massive 1,770-acre estate straddled Colleton and Hampton counties.
It wasn't their first "forever home," but it became their primary residence around 2020. Before that, the family mostly used it as a weekend retreat for hunting deer, duck, and those notorious wild hogs that Alex Murdaugh’s defense team talked about so much.
The main house at Moselle is a 5,275-square-foot custom build from 2011. It’s got that classic Southern look—heavy wood paneling, vaulted ceilings, and a wrap-around porch that screams Lowcountry luxury. But the property also had a darker side even before the murders. Alex actually bought the land from the wife of his longtime friend and suspected drug smuggler, Barrett Boulware.
What’s happening with Moselle now?
Things have changed a lot since the 2021 tragedy. In 2023, the entire 1,700-acre tract sold for about $3.9 million. The buyers, James Ayer and Jeffrey Godley, were local farmers who mainly wanted the land for timber and hunting. They didn't really want the "murder house."
So, they carved it up.
A businessman named Alex Blair bought the house and about 21 surrounding acres at auction in early 2024 for $1 million. He’s spent the last couple of years trying to scrub away the home's "dark" reputation. He gutted the wood-heavy interior, tore down the dog kennels where Maggie and Paul were killed, and even demolished the airplane hangar. As of late 2025 and into 2026, the property has been on and off the market, recently listed for around $2.2 million after a series of massive renovations.
The Hampton Home on Holly Street
Before Moselle became the main stage, the Murdaughs lived in the town of Hampton. Specifically, they lived on Holly Street East. This was the house where Buster and Paul grew up.
It was a more "normal" neighborhood vibe compared to the isolation of Moselle. They bought the lot in the late 90s and built the home around 2000. For years, this was the center of their world. But in a strange twist of fate—or maybe a sign of things to come—the house sustained significant damage during a hurricane.
That damage is what pushed the family to move out to Moselle full-time. They eventually sold the Holly Street house in April 2020 for $375,000. Looking back, that sale happened right as Alex's financial "house of cards" was starting to wobble.
The Edisto Beach House: Maggie’s Sanctuary
If you ask anyone who knew Maggie Murdaugh, they'd tell you she loved the beach. Her happy place was the family’s vacation home at 3606 Big Bay Drive on Edisto Island.
This wasn't a mega-mansion. It was a cozy, 2,300-square-foot Cape Cod-style house built in 1993. It sat on a quiet cul-de-sac with easy access to the sound. Maggie reportedly spent a lot of time here in the months leading up to her death, often staying there alone or with her dog while Alex was at Moselle or in Hampton.
The beach house was one of the first things sold to help pay off the mountain of debt and legal claims Alex left behind. It sold in 2022 for $955,000 and then again in early 2023 for over $1.1 million. The new owners have reportedly renovated it extensively, turning it into a bright, airy rental property that feels worlds away from the courtrooms in Walterboro.
The Family Law Firm and Other "Homes"
While not technically where they slept, the PMPED law firm (now known as Parker Law Group) in Hampton was essentially a second home. The Murdaugh men spent more time there than anywhere else. It’s a massive, old-school building that dominated the town's small skyline.
There were also rumors and records of other smaller properties—a house in Summerville and various land tracts. But the "Big Three" were always Moselle, the Hampton house, and Edisto.
Why the locations mattered
Where the Murdaughs lived tells the story of their social standing. In the Lowcountry, "land is king." Owning nearly 2,000 acres like Moselle wasn't just about having space to hunt; it was about projecting a certain kind of "Old South" power. It made them feel untouchable.
Ironically, the very thing that showed off their wealth—the isolation of Moselle—became the biggest hurdle in the investigation. There were no neighbors to hear shots, no streetlights, and miles of swamp where things could disappear.
Practical Insights for True Crime Followers
If you’re interested in the logistics of these properties today, here is what you need to know:
- Public Access is Non-Existent: Most of these properties are now privately owned. Moselle, in particular, has a long, gated driveway and the new owners are very protective of their privacy.
- Real Estate Records: If you're curious about the specifics, the Colleton County and Hampton County tax assessors have public records, though many have been transferred to LLCs to hide the current owners' identities.
- The "Murdaugh Trail": While you can't go inside the homes, the town of Hampton and the Edisto Beach area are public. Many people still visit the Edisto area to see the exterior of the Big Bay Drive house, which is visible from the street.
The story of where the Murdaughs lived is basically a map of their rise and fall. From a respected family home in a small town to a massive, isolated estate, and finally to a prison cell—the change in scenery is about as dramatic as it gets.
If you are planning to visit the Lowcountry to see these sites, stick to the public roads and respect the current residents. Most of the people living there now just want to move on from the saga.