Preserving History: Salvaging Architectural Gems from Richard Gere's Former Connecticut Residence
Richard Gere's former Connecticut residence has been demolished after being sold for $10.75 million in October 2024. The 32-acre property in New Canaan, Conn., will now be transformed into a nine-property development. The 1930s house was taken down by the new owners, who allowed Hudson Valley House Parts to salvage architectural elements before the demolition.
Hudson Valley House Parts documented the salvaging process in a video, showcasing rescued pieces like nautical-themed steel bay windows and a Greek Revival doorway. The new owners' cooperation in salvaging these architectural gems was appreciated by Reggie Young, the founder of Hudson Valley House Parts. Richard and Alejandra Gere sold the property to relocate to Spain, but they have plans to return to the U.S. in the future.
In an interview with Vanity Fair Spain, Richard Gere explained that moving to Madrid would bring Alejandra closer to her family and culture. The decision to relocate was seen as a new adventure for their family. The couple, who got married in 2018, owned the Connecticut property for two years before selling it. They had considered turning it into a farm at one point, according to reports.
The property was purchased from Paul Simon and Edie Brickell in 2022. Simon and Brickell's daughter, Lulu Simon, expressed disappointment over the demolition of her childhood home. She claimed that Richard Gere had promised to preserve the land and the home, but did not provide further details on the alleged agreement. Young emphasized the importance of creating historic districts to prevent the demolition of significant properties.
The demolition of Richard Gere's former Connecticut home marks the end of an era, as the property is set to undergo a transformation into a new residential development. The salvaging of architectural elements from the house highlights the value of preserving historical and meaningful artifacts. The Geres' decision to relocate to Spain and their future plans to return to the U.S. reflect their desire for new experiences and connections.