The “Primal Fear” actor’s former American estate undergoes a significant transition, prompting public responses and reflections on preservation and change.
Richard Gere’s former estate in New Canaan, Connecticut, is being torn down to pave the way for a nine-lot subdivision. The six-bedroom Colonial, built in 1938 and set on a 32-acre property, was sold to SBP Homes in November 2024 for $10.75 million. News of the demolition sparked mixed reactions from netizens.
According to Realtor on May 23, 2025, the developer plans to divide the land into lots ranging from 2.2 to 4.8 acres, which will be sold vacant for new home construction. According to Realtor.com, this will become the town’s largest new subdivision since 2007.
Though architecturally notable, the home is being cleared as part of the approved redevelopment plan. SBP Homes stated the project was designed to accommodate a range of residential interests. The decision proceeded despite some community pushback over the loss of the historic structure.
Ahead of demolition, the salvage company Hudson Valley House Parts was brought in to recover significant architectural elements.
Items preserved included nautical bay windows, stone mantels, a full oak-paneled library, exterior stone steps, and the original entryway. “It’s a real shame the house is being torn down,” said Reggie Young, founder of the company. “Once the stuff is gone, it’s never coming back.”
Young added that while the celebrity connection generates curiosity, it is ultimately the design, craftsmanship, and style that appeal to serious buyers. He also emphasized the environmental importance of reuse, describing salvage as “the ultimate green thing to do.”
Richard had reportedly purchased the property from singer Paul Simon and Edie Brickell in 2022, intending to create a farm on the expansive grounds. However, those plans changed when he and his wife, Alejandra Silva, decided to relocate to Spain.
While experts focused on preservation, public responses to the demolition varied. 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.
The demolition of the Connecticut property comes amid ongoing developments in Richard’s personal life. According to an April 23 report by The Daily Mail, Richard and Alejandra do not intend to make their relocation to Spain permanent.
Now based in Madrid with their sons, Alejandra said they intend to stay for a few years before eventually returning to the U.S., adding that they regularly visit in the summer. “We just have to balance our lives there and here,” she said, noting that she misses living in the United States.
Richard’s eldest son, Homer Gere, echoed the possibility of a return. He said he had been told they plan to move back “within the next few years,” and expressed hope it would happen, saying he misses them. Homer also 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.”
Richard said his relationship with Alejandra is strengthened by their shared passion for the environment. They’ve worked together on projects like Sierra a Mar in Mexico, along with other sustainability efforts that have earned them recognition.
Their move followed a decision Richard described in Vanity Fair Spain in April 2024 as an effort to support his wife’s roots.
“For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends and her culture,” Richard said. “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.”
As the couple settles into life in Spain and plans their return to the U.S., more attention is turning to Richard’s son, who has recently made headlines with his public appearances.
Fans couldn’t stop raving about the “Ocean’s Eleven” star’s son, Homer, at the City Harvest 2025 Gala back in April. The 25-year-old appeared at ease, attending the prestigious event alongside his father and Alejandra.
Homer matched his dad in style, as they both wore navy-blue tuxes with white button-ups. Richard’s hair was combed back in its signature style, while Homer’s tousled brown locks shone in the light as they posed for photos.
Alejandra also dressed elegantly for the occasion, matching the boys’ color scheme with a navy mesh gown, embellished with golden embroidery, and draped a coordinating scarf around her shoulders.
Homer is Richard’s son from his previous relationship with actress Carey Lowell. Following his appearance in New York City, fans quickly flooded social media with compliments.
“Son is handsome just like his dad!❤️❤️❤️,” one commenter raved. “Wow, the son is handsome,” another wrote. “His son could be the future SUPERMAN 😍❤️😂😮😮😮” a fan gushed. “Son gorgeous,” said another.
Others saw how much he resembled his mother. “Actress Carey Lowell is his Mom…he is her spitting image not Richard’s look a like [sic],” one wrote. “Homer looks just like his mom, Carey Lowell,” another observed.
It’s not the first time Homer’s public appearance sparked buzz online. In May 2024, he made headlines after attending the Cannes Film Festival with his father and stepmother.
Stepping out dressed to the nines, Alejandra adorned a stunning black floral print gown while her dashing beau and stepson rocked classy black suits with matching bow ties and white dress shirts.
Although pictures of all three of them were certainly a sight to behold, what piqued the attention of fans specifically was Homer and his charming aesthetic.
“His son is gorgeous!” gushed an admirer online. Similarly, another added, “Wow his son is so good looking!” while someone else swooned, “So handsome!” “Beautiful guy!” wrote another fan contributing to the overwhelming amount of praise Homer received.
On the other hand, other people diverted their focus to the striking resemblance Homer shares with “his beautiful mom,” Carey. “Homer looks just like his mom,” noted a Facebooker. Echoing the sentiment further, another commented, “The son’s [a] spitting image of his mom.”
Not only did Carey’s lookalike son hit the jackpot in terms of his appearance, but according to his father, he also has a heart of gold. Richard once described the 24-year-old Brown University student as “very sweet, very sensitive,” and “very smart.”
“He’s smarter than me, stronger than me, faster than me, taller than me, better than me. He’s great. I love him,” Richard said while discussing Homer in a 2019 interview. When it comes to his son and family, there is nothing the “Shall We Dance?” actor wouldn’t do for them.
“Your family is more important than anything,” asserted Richard in a past interview.
