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 demolished to make way for a nine-lot subdivision, according to Realtor.com on May 23, 2025. The 1938 six-bedroom Colonial, which sold for $10.75 million in November, is reportedly being replaced by the largest new subdivision in the town since 2007.

Salvage company Hudson Valley House Parts was called in to preserve architectural elements before demolition.

Among the recovered features are nautical bay windows, stone mantels, Colonial sashes, a full oak library, and the original arched entryway. “It’s a real shame the house is being torn down…once the stuff is gone, it’s never coming back,” founder Reggie Young told Realtor.com.

Gere had reportedly purchased the 32-acre property from singer Paul Simon and his wife, Edie Brickell, in 2022, with plans to create a farm. Those plans changed after Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, moved to Spain.

Public reaction was mixed. 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 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].”