Richard Gere, the Golden Globe-winning actor, has recently announced plans to move to Spain to be closer to his wife Alejandra Silva’s family in Madrid. This shift has prompted him to part ways with his expansive Connecticut estate, which he bought from famed musicians Paul Simon and Edie Brickell in 2022 for $10.8 million. Gere’s upcoming relocation marks a new chapter, and he recently shared his perspective on the move in an interview with Vanity Fair España, saying, “For me, going to Madrid is going to be a great adventure because I have never lived full-time outside the United States.” Gere also expressed excitement for his wife, noting that Madrid will bring her closer to family, friends, and familiar surroundings. He acknowledged Silva’s support during their six years together in the U.S. and said it felt right to reciprocate by embracing her world.
The sale of Gere and Silva’s New Canaan residence was first reported by the New Canaan Advertiser. The property was purchased by an LLC associated with James Hoffman from SBP Homes, a general contracting and real estate development firm. The off-market sale of this nearly 32-acre estate was finalized in early October for $10.75 million, slightly less than what Gere originally paid for it.
Constructed in the late 1930s, the estate was designed by architect Harold Reeve Sleeper and spans numerous acres. It includes a sprawling English country-style main house with five bedrooms and nine bathrooms, as well as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom guest cottage. This guesthouse, previously used by Simon as a recording studio, adds to the estate’s appeal, particularly for music enthusiasts. The property boasts outdoor amenities such as a swimming pool, terraced patios, gardens, walking trails, a natural pond, and a waterfall, making it a private oasis for nature lovers.
Due to the off-market nature of the sale, recent images of the estate are limited. However, past listings reveal a glimpse into the property’s elegant design. The main house opens to a grand foyer featuring a winding staircase topped with a chandelier. This leads into a spacious living room complete with a fireplace and built-in shelving. The kitchen is equipped with an eat-in island, stainless steel appliances, and a cozy breakfast nook. Additional highlights include a wood-paneled study, a sunroom that serves as an office, and an upstairs primary suite featuring a wood-burning fireplace, a private balcony, and a cedar closet. An attached three-car garage completes the residence.
Simon and Brickell lived on the property for nearly 20 years before selling it to Gere and Silva. The couple had originally paid $16.5 million for the estate in 2002, making Gere’s purchase price significantly reduced. According to reports, Gere had envisioned transforming the New Canaan property into a sustainable farm with plans to cultivate mushrooms, produce honey, and raise goats, demonstrating his commitment to environmentally conscious living.
This Connecticut property is just one in a series of notable real estate holdings Gere has owned over the years. Known for his passion for peaceful, nature-rich settings, Gere has frequently invested in unique properties. In 2016, he sold a waterfront estate in the Hamptons to television personality Matt Lauer for a remarkable $36.5 million. More recently, in 2022, American Horror Story producer Ryan Murphy purchased Gere’s sprawling 50-acre estate in Pound Ridge, New York, for over $24 million. Additionally, Gere sold a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan’s historic Gramercy Park in 2022 for $3.15 million, further streamlining his U.S.-based properties.
For Gere, moving to Madrid signals a fresh beginning that honors his wife’s Spanish heritage. By relocating, he not only embraces a new lifestyle but also provides Silva with the chance to reconnect with her culture and family. As he bids farewell to the Connecticut estate, Gere’s choice reflects his commitment to sharing life’s adventures with his wife while also simplifying his real estate portfolio as he prepares for this next chapter in Spain.
