Golden Globe-winning actor Richard Gere has decided to sell his expansive Connecticut estate, a decision spurred by his move to Spain to be closer to his wife, Alejandra Silva’s family in Madrid. Gere purchased the property from musicians Paul Simon and Edie Brickell in the summer of 2022, paying $10.8 million. Now, just over two years later, Gere is handing over the property as he embarks on this new chapter abroad.
The Pretty Woman star spoke about this upcoming transition in a recent Vanity Fair España article, expressing excitement for what he described as a “great adventure” in Madrid, where he will be living full-time for the first time outside of the United States. “For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture,” Gere said. He also acknowledged the sacrifices Silva has made to live in his world for the past six years and shared that it felt “only fair” to now spend time in hers.
According to the New Canaan Advertiser, Gere and Silva have sold the New Canaan property to an LLC connected to James Hoffman of SBP Homes, a general contracting and real estate development firm. The off-market sale took place in early October for $10.75 million, and the estate covers nearly 32 acres.
Built in the late 1930s by architect Harold Reeve Sleeper, the sprawling property includes a five-bedroom, nine-bathroom main house in an English country style, as well as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom guest cottage. The guest house had previously served as Simon’s recording studio. The grounds are rich in outdoor features, including a swimming pool, terraced patios, gardens, woodland trails, a natural pond, and a waterfall.
Since the sale was handled off-market, recent photographs are limited. However, past listings showcase the main residence’s elegant entry foyer with a winding staircase adorned by a chandelier, leading to a spacious living room complete with a fireplace and built-in shelving. The kitchen features an eat-in island, stainless steel appliances, and a cozy breakfast nook, providing a welcoming space for both cooking and dining. Other notable features of the home include a wood-paneled study, a sunroom that doubles as an office, and an upstairs primary suite. The suite is outfitted with a wood-burning fireplace, a private balcony, and a cedar closet. The property also includes an attached three-car garage.
Simon and Brickell lived on the estate for nearly two decades before selling it to Gere and Silva at a significantly reduced price; they originally purchased the property in 2002 for $16.5 million. Gere reportedly had aspirations to transform part of the estate into a private, sustainable farm, with plans to grow mushrooms, produce honey, and raise goats.
This sale is not the only significant property transaction Gere has made in recent years. In 2022, he sold a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan’s historic Gramercy Park for $3.15 million. Gere, a practicing Buddhist with a penchant for serene, nature-filled properties, has owned several other notable homes with celebrity connections. Among them was a waterfront estate in the Hamptons, which he sold in 2016 to Matt Lauer for an impressive $36.5 million. In another notable sale in 2022, Gere’s 50-acre retreat in Pound Ridge, New York, was purchased by producer Ryan Murphy for a little over $24 million.
Gere’s relocation to Madrid marks a significant personal and geographical shift, with the actor expressing both excitement and respect for his wife’s background. This new chapter will offer Gere a fresh experience in Europe, honoring Silva’s roots and providing her a chance to reconnect with her home and culture.
