Get a glimpse into the quieter side of the Fab Four with these behind-the-scenes snapshots of the legendary Beatles members in their homes.
From their humble beginnings in Liverpool to their rise to global fame, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr lived both public and private lives. While their musical careers were marked by global tours, Beatlemania, and iconic albums, they also spent precious time in their personal spaces, where they wrote many of their most famous songs. This collection of intimate photos shows the bandmates away from the spotlight, offering fans a unique look at their everyday lives.
1. Harrison’s Childhood Home
At age 12, George Harrison stands in the corner of his childhood home in 1955, surrounded by floral wallpaper—a space that would later serve as a rehearsal spot for the band during their early days as the Quarrymen.
2. The Beatles’ Beginnings
A young Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison pose outside McCartney’s childhood home at 20 Forthlin Road, Liverpool, in 1960. This home, now a National Trust property, was where the trio practiced before becoming the Beatles.
3. Starr’s Childhood Memories
Ringo Starr smiles behind a cash register at his childhood home in Toxteth, Liverpool. He fondly recalls hosting his 21st birthday party here, with 80 guests in a house that was only 20 feet square.
4. Lennon’s Sanctuary at Kenwood
John Lennon’s Surrey estate, Kenwood, served as a private retreat from the band’s chaotic life. Lennon famously penned the classic “In My Life” here, and it was during this time that he purchased several tape recorders to help him with his music.
5. Harrison’s Kinfauns
George Harrison’s home in Surrey, called Kinfauns, was a creative hub where he recorded demos for the Beatles’ “White Album.” The house had some privacy issues, but it was also a place where Harrison’s spiritual journey and songwriting flourished.
6. Lennon’s Work at Kenwood
Despite not loving the house, Lennon invested heavily in renovations, including a psychedelic eye mosaic in the swimming pool. He also wrote hits like “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” here.
7. Starr’s Tranquil Backyard
Ringo Starr and his wife, Maureen, enjoyed their time at Sunny Heights, a large home in Surrey. The couple is pictured with their son, Zak, in the peaceful backyard during the summer of 1967.
8. McCartney’s St. John’s Wood Home
At the peak of Beatlemania, Paul McCartney bought a house in St. John’s Wood, London. Despite his wealth, McCartney claimed to know little about real estate and described himself as no “property tycoon,” preferring homes he truly liked.
9. McCartney’s Traditional Style
McCartney reveals that he furnished his homes with a traditional style, avoiding the modern furniture that seemed too cold and impersonal. In a 1967 interview, he stressed the importance of comfort in his home.
10. Lennon’s Family Time
Lennon is seen with his son, Julian, in their home in Weybridge, London, in 1968. The room’s floral patterns were a recurring motif in Lennon’s life, symbolizing love and growth.
11. McCartney’s Close Commute
Paul McCartney’s home in St. John’s Wood was just a short walk from Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded much of their iconic music, including the album “Abbey Road.”
12. Minimalist Lounging with Lennon
In 1971, Lennon and Yoko Ono spent time at Tittenhurst Park, a 72-acre estate in Ascot, where they enjoyed minimalist décor and quiet family moments.
13. Tittenhurst Park’s New Owner
After Lennon sold Tittenhurst Park, Ringo Starr purchased the property in 1973 and renamed its recording studio to Startling Studios. Starr and his wife Barbara are seen here on the estate’s lawn in 1980.
14. Ringo Rocks Out at Home
After the Beatles broke up, Ringo Starr continued to pursue his music career. Here, he is pictured behind a drum set at his home in 1981, showing his ongoing dedication to music despite not having formal training.
15. McCartney’s Sussex Home
In 1973, Paul McCartney purchased a 160-acre farm in East Sussex, where he would often reflect on the memories of his late bandmate George Harrison. McCartney’s bond with Harrison is symbolized by a tree that Harrison gave him, which McCartney still visits today.
These snapshots offer a rare glimpse into the more personal, quieter lives of the Beatles, revealing how they balanced their extraordinary fame with their need for solitude and creativity in the comfort of their homes.
