D
ana Perino’s Bay Head, New Jersey beach house offers a relaxed, seaside feel that contrasts sharply with her high‑profile career. The front room is bright and airy, with a wall of green wallpaper patterned with leaves and a plant motif that frames a small desk where she sits in pink pants, a pink‑and‑white blouse, and silver shoes. The décor is a mix of maritime blues and whites, accented by sea‑glass accents and a few dog‑themed pieces that hint at her love for pets.
Perino’s journey to the Fox News stage began in July 2011 when she joined the panel of “The Five.” Shortly after her arrival, a producer asked her about her summer plans, prompting a candid reflection on how she once thought a New York vacation was out of reach. She had spent the last 16 months of George W. Bush’s presidency as the White House press secretary, a role that left her with a deep appreciation for the power of media and public service.
In 2017, a growing bank account and a new partnership with her husband, Peter McMahon—CEO of a medical‑device startup—made a beach house a reality. The couple purchased a gray‑and‑white, multi‑story home right on the shore of Bay Head, just over an hour’s drive from Manhattan. The property sits between two red houses, offering unobstructed ocean views and a sense of seclusion that was hard to find in the city.
Three years later, the pandemic forced a reassessment of living arrangements. By December 2020, Perino and McMahon moved into a larger Bay Head residence, still close to the beach, featuring four bedrooms and a garage‑top apartment. “We were both working from home, and we knew we needed more space,” she explained. “If we didn’t, we might have ended up in a divorce.” The new home allowed for expanded living areas, a renovated kitchen, and multiple decks that now extend from the first floor up to the third.
The interior reflects a blend of nautical charm and personal touches. The sunroom, once furnished by the previous owners, still houses four oversized easy chairs that Perino loves for morning reading. The décor is dominated by blues and whites, with sea‑glass and dog‑art pieces that celebrate her two Vizslas, Jasper and Percy. Jasper, who passed in 2021, is immortalized in photographs and paintings, while Percy’s first appearance on the Fox set was humorously noted as “terrible” by Perino, who sent the then‑young pup a portrait request to former President Bush. The resulting canvas, complete with a note asking about the dog’s blue eyes, hangs beside a Bush‑painted bouquet of flowers in the sunroom.
The family room, separated from the sunroom by a dark‑blue pool table, showcases more dog art, including a local artist’s painting of Jasper by the water’s edge and a photo of Percy on the beach. A framed snapshot of Perino celebrating the 2020 election night with colleagues Bret Baier, Jay Wallace, Martha MacCallum, and Bill Hemmer sits on the wall, a reminder of her media roots. Near the table, a copy of Joseph Mitchell’s “Up in the Old Hotel” sits on display, a gift from Fox colleague Charlie Hurt that Perino encourages guests to read.
The living room, with its two blue couches and a monogrammed pillow from interior designer Barbara Fritts, is a favorite reading spot and nap zone. A white wall unit beside the fireplace holds a curated collection of vintage campaign buttons, a photo of Perino and McMahon with President Bush at the White House, and ribbons from her competitive ballroom dancing days. A treasured copy of “Children’s Stories of the Bible from the Old and New Testaments” is displayed, a book she once lost during her childhood but was later returned by a viewer, a moment she never forgets.
Perino’s third‑floor office—her “perch”—features bright green wallpaper with leaf prints and a Peloton bike. The space doubles as a workout area, complete with Pilates equipment, and serves as her writing nook. She recalls how her decorator surprised her with leaf‑printed walls instead of flamingos, a testament to her willingness to say yes to creative ideas.
A spiral staircase connects the floors, allowing Perino to observe the bustling first floor from the middle steps. A handmade mirror, crafted by friend Lauren Fritts from collected shells, hangs near the dining area, adding a personal touch to the space. The porch swing, upholstered in bright patterned pillows with blue frogs, is a must‑have for Perino, who enjoys hosting dinner parties on the deck when the weather permits.
Family life in the house is a blend of close relationships and extended friendships. Perino has no children of her own, but her husband’s children from a previous marriage and their dog Percy are integral to the household. Friends have become family, with many staying over from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The couple’s home is a sanctuary where they bring loved ones during the winter and host gatherings throughout the summer, making the beach house a true reflection of Perino’s personal and professional journey.
