In Photos: Latest Update on Richard Gere's $10.7M Former Connecticut Home Emerges

The historic home has been demolished. However, in a dramatic last-minute rescue, expert salvagers managed to preserve priceless architectural gems that might have otherwise been lost.

It once stood as a Hollywood-worthy estate, nestled in the elite woods of New Canaan, Connecticut. But now, Richard Gere's dream home has met a heartbreaking fate. It was reduced to rubble mere months after the movie icon packed his bags and left America behind for a sun-soaked "great adventure" in Spain.

From Silver Screen Royalty to Suburban Rubble

Richard, 75, famed for his unforgettable role in "Pretty Woman," and his wife Alejandra, 42, quietly sold their sprawling 32-acre Connecticut estate in October 2024 for $10.75 million, just before relocating to Alejandra's native Spain.

Now, the once-iconic property, originally built in the 1930s and previously owned by Paul Simon and Edie Brickell, has been completely demolished, paving the way for a nine-home luxury development.

Reggie Young, founder of Hudson Valley House Parts, confirmed the estate's destruction in an exclusive aerial photo, revealing that the once-proud mansion is gone. And yet, a glimmer of preservation remains.

Priceless Pieces Rescued Before the Bulldozers Rolled In

With only a narrow window before demolition, Young's team, along with Delaware Valley House Parts and Green Circle Auctions, rushed to save the architectural treasures hidden inside the stately home.

"We are grateful that the buyers allowed us time to salvage and get everything out," said Young. Hudson Valley House Parts conducted a carefully documented salvage mission, showcased in a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram.

Viewers were treated to a rare glimpse inside previously unseen areas of the home, where the crew saved precious items. Some of them include nautical-themed steel bay windows, a regal Greek Revival doorway, and an exquisite carved limestone mantel.

Young noted that many of the items from the project remain in the inventory at Delaware Valley House Parts in Lambertville, New Jersey. The pieces are expected to eventually find new homes for reuse.

He was also grateful for the work done, noting, "We are happy that the buyers are willing to give us the time to salvage while working with us in a way that allows us to employ our talented team and ultimately keep these materials out of a landfill."

Hollywood Goodbye – But They May Be Back

While the teardown marked a bittersweet end to Richard and Alejandra Gere's short-lived chapter in Connecticut, they aren't ruling out a return to American soil. The couple hinted that their stay in Spain may only be temporary.

Alejandra shares two sons, Alexander, 6, and James, 5, with Richard, and has a third son, Albert, 11, from her previous marriage to Govind Friedland. Richard shares son Homer, 25, with his ex-wife Carey Lowell.

In a revealing April 2024 interview, the "American Gigolo" star opened up about their decision to cross the Atlantic. "For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture. She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers," shared Richard.

The actor added that the move to Madrid would be a "great adventure" for their family. The couple married in 2018 and purchased the New Canaan property just two years ago for $10.8 million.

They bought the six-bedroom, 11-bathroom mansion from the previous owners, Simon & Garfunkel musician Paul and his wife Edie, with plans to possibly convert it into a private farm, a dream that never came to be.

Paul Simon's Daughter Slams Richard Gere Over Demolition

As the dust settled over Richard's former estate, outrage erupted from the very family who entrusted him with the property. Lulu Simon, 30, the daughter of Paul and Edie, took to social media to blast the demolition of the treasured home she once grew up in.

She revealed a deep sense of betrayal over what she claimed was a broken promise. In a July Instagram Story, Lulu unleashed her fury, saying Richard promised her family that he would "take care of the land."

She even alleged that it was a "condition of his purchase" to preserve the historic home, though she did not provide further details on the agreement. Still, her public heartbreak added another emotional layer to this real estate saga.

Public Erupted Over Demolition of Gere Estate: 'What a Shame!'

As bulldozers flattened the once-stunning Connecticut estate, a digital firestorm erupted. Social media platforms lit up with conflicted emotions, fiery opinions, and heartfelt laments, proof that Richard Gere's departure and the destruction of his mansion have touched a raw nerve.

According to Realtor.com, as of May 23, 2025, the developer plans to split the 32-acre lot into multiple parcels ranging from 2.2 to 4.8 acres, selling them off vacant for new luxury construction. This will reportedly become New Canaan’s largest new subdivision since 2007, a fact that has only deepened the divide between preservationists and developers.

Everyday citizens also turned to the internet to voice their opinions. One netizen wrote, "What a shame. That was one beautiful home.😢😢" Another said, "The grass is not always greener on the other side."

A third questioned the decision to demolish the house. A fourth believed the buyers were only interested in the land, not the home itself, and viewed the move as driven by greed. Another criticized the demolition as an example of destroying something valuable for development.

Someone else commented, "Good Bye! Don't come Back! America First 🇺🇸 [sic]." While one added, "I am spanish and I am very happy to have him and his spanish family here. We care for them [sic]."

A separate commenter supported Richard's relocation, saying they would also move to Southern Europe if financially able. Another reflected on the challenges of downsizing but noted the possibility of finding a new, enjoyable place to live.

Another comment highlighted Richard's financial advantage, noting that he is fortunate to afford to live in another country away from the current unrest.

Richard Finds 'Happiness Like Never Before'

As online chatter speculated on Richard's motivations for leaving the U.S., his eldest son Homer stepped forward to set the record straight. He emphasized that the move was not politically motivated, calling Spain "a beautiful place" and simply "a different" one, not an escape.

In a separate interview published by Elle España on January 21, Richard spoke about life in Spain, saying he had found a renewed sense of fulfillment since relocating.

"The truth is that you are seeing us in our momentum. We are happier than ever," he told the magazine. "Alejandra, because she is at home and I because, if she is happy, I am happy."