Richard Gere’s \$11M Connecticut Estate Torn Down Following Objections from Paul Simon’s Daughter

The former Connecticut estate of Hollywood icon Richard Gere has been officially demolished, sparking public controversy and strong reactions from family members of the previous owners. Gere sold the sprawling New Canaan property in late 2024 before relocating to Spain with his wife Alejandra and their children. The sale and subsequent teardown have evoked a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and debate about preservation versus development.

From Prestigious Estate to New Development

Built in the 1930s, the historic mansion sat on a 32-acre lot previously owned by legendary musician Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell. After Gere purchased the home for approximately $11 million in 2022, his plans reportedly included turning much of the grounds into a farm. However, after selling the estate to real estate developers in 2024, the mansion was dismantled to clear the way for a new nine-property residential subdivision.

Reggie Young, founder of Hudson Valley House Parts, confirmed that the demolition was complete but that many of the home's architectural treasures, such as nautical-themed steel bay windows, limestone mantels, and a Greek Revival entryway, were salvaged with the cooperation of the new owners. These elements are expected to be repurposed and preserved elsewhere, preventing them from ending up in landfills.

Outcry from Paul Simon’s Daughter

Lulu Simon, daughter of Paul Simon and Edie Brickell, expressed anger over the demolition on social media. She described the house as her "childhood home" and shared her disappointment that the mansion was razed despite what she claimed were assurances from Gere that the land would be "taken care of." Her public condemnation gained media attention, with some criticizing her reaction as emblematic of celebrity disputes over real estate.

Lulu's posts included a sharp critique of Gere’s decision and even a darkly worded image wishing for her late pets buried on the property to "haunt" the actor. The posts were later deleted amid the fierce online backlash.

The Gere Family’s New Chapter in Spain

Since the sale and demolition, Gere and his wife Alejandra have settled in Spain to be closer to her family and culture. In interviews, Gere described their move to Madrid as a "great adventure" and expressed gratitude for his wife’s support in blending their lives and cultures. Despite the controversy, the couple remains focused on their family and new life abroad.

Alejandra has posted heartfelt tributes marking her husband’s birthdays and precious moments with their two sons and her son from a previous marriage. Both maintain a relatively private family life while enjoying cultural and personal fulfillment overseas.

The Broader Debate on Preservation vs. Development

The demolition of Gere’s former home underscores ongoing tensions in affluent communities over historic preservation and development pressures. Experts emphasize that legal protections such as historic district designations are critical to preventing the loss of architecturally and historically significant properties.

The salvage operation coordinated ahead of the demolition has been praised by preservation advocates as a means of salvaging cultural heritage in the face of inevitable redevelopment. Yet for many neighbors and former residents, the loss of the mansion represents a tangible erasure of personal and communal history.