The Most Random Places Where Celebs Call Home
While we typically picture our favorite celebrities living out their days in Beverly Hills mansions — and many of them do — a select few have opted for more unusual towns, instead. Some prefer to spend time out of the spotlight and away from the paparazzi, while others have chosen scenic, peaceful areas to raise their children. Of course, just because these wealthy celebrities have moved to more secluded cities doesn't mean they don't own some truly incredible (and expansive) homes. These actors, performers, and singers have certainly put their money to good use.
From the secluded North Carolina mountains to the wide-open spaces of Montana, so many celebrities are ditching city life and embracing quieter surroundings. We decided to take a close look at where, exactly, these famous folks call home these days. Here, we've rounded up some of the most random locations where you'll find your favorite stars living away from Hollywood's bright lights.
Taylor Swift enjoys striking waterfront views in Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Taylor Swift's house in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, is merely one of many, but it's the only house she's ever written a song about (unless you count her one-time Cornelia Street rental). Known as Holiday House, this particular property has a unique history that dates all the way back to 1930. Swift tells the story of her Rhode Island home in the song "The Last Great American Dynasty," a track from her 2020 "Folklore" album. It's in this particular song that the past meets the present, and the history of Holiday House really comes alive.
Swift's Watch Hill property is an expansive 11,000 square feet that sits on nearly 5 and a quarter acres. Built in 1930, it was originally home to Rebekah West Harkness (also known as "Betty") and her husband, William Hale "Bill" Harkness. In "The Last Great American Dynasty," Swift relays details from the couple's lavish life. Fast forward to 2013 when Swift snagged the house and surrounding acres for $17.75 million making it the most expensive home in Rhode Island. Considering the fact that it comes with waterfront views, eight bedrooms, and 10.5 bathrooms, it's easy to see why it cost the Grammy winner a pretty penny.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel call the Yellowstone Club in Montana their home
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have made their home in an incredibly unusual location: a luxury ski resort. The Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, offers private ski slopes, golf courses, and the chance to spot Timberlake and Biel raising their kids.
The couple bought the property in 2015, with the hope of enjoying a bit of privacy and plenty of activities for their family. At the time, their only child was son Silas, but Timberlake and Biel now have a family of four since welcoming another boy in 2020. While the Hollywood A-listers own homes in both New York and Los Angeles as well, they reportedly spend quite a bit of time at the Yellowstone Club.
That being said, having a home in a private ski resort isn't cheap. Yellowstone Club membership costs are incredibly high. Initial fees for membership are reportedly $300,000. But that's not all, annual dues hover around $30,000. Not to mention, that doesn't include the cost of actually purchasing a house in the area. Nonetheless, Timberlake and Biel have kept this location as one of their home bases. We only hope they manage to take advantage of the ski slopes often.
Glenn Close has cozied up in Bozeman, Montana
After selling two of her properties, located in Bedford Hills and Westchester, New York, Glenn Close situated herself in a brick Bozeman, Montana home. The house itself was built in 1892 and sits next door to Close's younger sister, Jessie. In fact, it was Jessie who lived on the property first after purchasing a lot on which to build her own home.
In a May 2020 interview on "Live with Kelly and Ryan," Close said she didn't like the idea of a stranger living right next to her sister, which prompted her to move into the neighboring house on the property. The actor went on to explain that even though her Montana home isn't large, she loves it. "It's small, but ... it feels very prairie and American."
The house is full of eclectic heirlooms. One particular portrait was seen on "TODAY with Hoda and Jenna" of Close's mother and uncle that she keeps prominently displayed. Judging by the location of her home and its decor, it seems like family is of the utmost importance to Close.
John Mayer resides on a Paradise Valley, Montana ranch
Following a series of scandalous interviews about his dating life and a throat surgery, John Mayer decided to settle down in the remote city of Paradise Valley, Montana. The singer-songwriter originally moved to his 1970s-inspired log and stone cabin in 2011 where he remains far from the tabloids. Additionally, he has the ability to grocery shop without anyone approaching him. "Really it's not about the house; it's about all of it," Mayer told Bozeman Magazine. "I say they get bigger but they don't get better you know? It's not that big. I moved out in 2011 and slowly sort of, I hope showed my trueness of me wanting to live out there and it seems to have taken hold I hope."
Mayer had previously taken a hiatus from music and the spotlight, stating in an interview on "Ellen" that his past caught up with him. "It was a violent crash into being an adult," the singer claimed. After some time, Mayer transitioned his life to Paradise Valley, Montana, where he's even spent time helping the local community. The singer once hosted a benefit concert close by in Bozeman, Mont. for local firefighters.
Zach Galifianakis spends his days on his North Carolina farm
While many of us picture Zach Galifianakis carrying around a baby in "The Hangover," it seems he's a bit more relaxed outside of the movie theater. In fact, Galifianakis has made his home on a lush North Carolina farm just 60 miles from where he went to high school. Galifinakis' farm sits off a gravel road, deep in a rural part of the state. The farm itself — which the actor calls "Farmageddon" — doesn't get cellphone service, and the house on the property is simply a small log cabin.
Even though Galifianakis' home isn't particularly large, the farm still encompasses 60 acres. Along with the house in which the actor lives, he's also built another structure. "That's not a barn. It's a goat house," he said in an interview with GQ. At the time, Galifianakis noted that he planned on turning the second level of the "goat house" into a guesthouse for anyone visiting. If that means sleeping alongside goats, we have a feeling he won't get too many guests.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds put down roots in Bedford, New York
It isn't unusual for families to flock to the suburbs for peace and quiet — celeb families included. Case in point? Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have been raising their own family in the suburb of Bedford in Westchester, New York. The couple spends their time horseback riding and enjoying local restaurants in the quiet area.
Of course, they also have plenty of space to hang out as a family on their own property considering the fact that it covers 11.65 acres of land. Built in 1860, the house itself consists of seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. Needless to say, all of that space comes at a cost. Lively and Reynolds originally forked up about $2 million for the house.We've gotten small peeks of the home through social media, including gorgeous French doors and a dressing room for Lively, but the couple seemingly prefers to keep their personal life private as they raise their kids.
Kevin Costner owns a 160-acre ranch in Aspen, Colorado
When he's not filming his next big hit, Kevin Costner spends his days at his expansive Aspen, Colorado, ranch. And, if you're lucky enough to find him away on set, you can even rent the celeb's home for yourself. The property (called Dunbar Ranch) features its own private ice rink, dog sledding, and tubing track — not to mention access to incredible ski slopes, too. When the temperatures heat up, horseback riding, fishing, archery lessons, kayaks, and Costner's personal baseball field are all available. Talk about a dream location no matter the weather.
If you prefer to spend time indoors, though, you'll have plenty of options. Along with the six-bedroom, six-bathroom main house — which features a cozy, double-sided fireplace and a stuffed mountain lion on the wall – there are two other lodges in which to relax. The entire property covers 160 acres and is a mere 10-minute drive from downtown Aspen.
Steve Martin spends his time in a secluded North Carolina home
While he owns homes in both California and New York, Steve Martin seems to have a soft spot for the South. Built in 2005, the comedian's Brevard, North Carolina, house sits secluded in the mountains. Martin's custom-built home is located deep amongst the trees between Greenville and Asheville, North Carolina. He originally purchased the land in 2005 for $185,000, and has since built a house atop it.
The comedian splits time between Brevard and his other homes but tends to return to North Carolina often to collaborate with a local band called the Steep Canyon Rangers. According to The Transylvania Times, the comedian once included locals from the small southern town in a Christmas music video with other members of the band. Martin may be one of the world's most well-known comedians, but there's no denying he has a taste for the simple life.
Blake Shelton keeps it country at his Oklahoma ranch
With over 1,300 acres of land on Blake Shelton's Oklahoma ranch, you'd think he and Gwen Stefani would be satisfied. But that ranch is only one of two Oklahoma homes that the country singer owns. The first, Ten Point Ranch in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, sits on 1,382 acres and boasts a main house that encompasses 2,150 square feet. All across that property are smaller, rustic barn-like buildings (painted a classic red, of course).
The other property Shelton owns is also in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. That one, however, is a bit closer to Lake Texoma — waterfront, as a matter of fact. The manor features both Shelton's country style with Stefani's West Coast vibe and offers three additional guest houses within walking distance. And, just in case either Shelton or Stefani feel like laying down a few tracks at home, the house also comes equipped with a recording studio. We're surprised they ever leave.
Demi Moore's western-themed ranch is in Hailey, Idaho
After years of starring in glamorous Hollywood films, actor Demi Moore has taken a more eclectic approach to her home. The star lives in a western-themed ranch in the small town of Hailey, Idaho. Moore relocated from Los Angeles to Idaho in 2020 amid the global pandemic, though she has owned the ranch for several years.
In fact, Moore is no stranger to the area, as she and her ex-husband Bruce Willis lived in Hailey, Idaho, in the 1990s. Willis even opened a nightclub in the area at the time. And though it closed in the mid-2000s, the actor kept the property until 2018. The couple also owned a mansion in the area, which Moore used to house her 2,000 porcelain dolls. Even now, Moore shares her ranch with Willis and his new wife — plus all of the kids, of course. It seems small towns have a way of bringing everyone together.
John Travolta soaks up the sunshine in Ocala, Florida
Danny Zuko has made his way down to the South, folks. Rather than spend his time in a big city, John Travolta has opted for sunny Ocala, Florida. In fact, the actor has lived in this particular small Florida town for decades. He originally bought the luxurious estate with his late wife, Kelly Preston, and Travolta still lives there now. The house is 7,000 square feet (a veritable mansion) that sits atop 9.5 acres of land. And as if that weren't enough, the property even features its own landing strip.
The home boasts a colorful mid-century style, and with large windows, murals, and posters from Travolta's films, there's no mistaking that it's a movie star's house. If you manage to get a glimpse of the outside of the home, you might just see a jet (or two) parked in one of the property's plane pavilions. When the actor does want to leave his lavish home, he's got an easy out — and in.
Julia Roberts lives on a 30-acre New Mexico ranch
Opting for space and privacy — rather than the bustle of a busy city — actor Julia Roberts has been living on a massive ranch in Taos, New Mexico. In fact, Roberts and her husband Danny Moder were actually married on the ranch in July 2002. At that point, she'd reportedly already owned the property for several years after purchasing it in the 1990s.
In an interview with Oprah, fans gained some insight about the beauty surrounding the ranch. The interview mentions yellow and purple flowers lining the dirt road and purple mountains visible in the background. "I always say you can't be in a bad mood here," the actor said.
While Roberts spends much of her time with Moder and their three children on the 30-acre ranch, it's certainly not her only home. In addition to the sprawling New Mexico property, Roberts owns a house in Hawaii and real estate in New York.
Johnny Depp escapes to peace and quiet on a private island in the Bahamas
Johnny Depp's decades-spanning career in beloved films like "Edward Scissorhands" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" has landed him squarely in the Hollywood spotlight. That spotlight became stronger than ever in the wake of his divorce from actress Amber Heard, and the highly publicized defamation lawsuit that followed. While under intense media scrutiny surrounding the trial, the actor had the privilege to escape to the most remote property in his expansive portfolio — a private island in the Bahamas.
Depp purchased the island, called Little Hall's Pond Cay, for $3.6 million USD in 2004, after first seeing it while filming "Pirates of the Caribbean". The island served both as the site of his marriage to Heard, and his hideaway during the relationship's fallout. While promoting a 2023 campaign for Dior Sauvage, the cologne spokesman told the South China Morning Post, "Where I feel the most myself in this world, and where I go to feel absolutely normal, I suppose, is my place in the Bahamas... You've got to have some sanctuary, a safe place where you can escape the scrutiny and the interest of others."
The 45-acre island getaway boasts six beaches, each named after important figures in his life. "Jack" and "Lily-Rose" are named for his two children, "Paradis" for his ex-partner and mother of his children, "Brando" for his acting mentor, and "Gonzo" for the late author Hunter S. Thompson. And reportedly, the sixth beach was named "Amber's Cove" for Heard, earlier on in their relationship.
Dave Chapelle owns multiple properties in his Ohio hometown
When deciding where to live the life of a famous comedian, Dave Chappelle chose, perhaps unexpectedly, to return to his roots. The stand-up comic, who grew up living with his mother in Washington D.C., spent summers in Yellow Springs, Ohio with his father. His affinity for the Ohio town led him to eventually purchase a home there, settling in the early 2000s.
During the pandemic, Chappelle held shows at an outdoor space called Wirrig Pavillion to help keep the town afloat during the tough economy. He even commissioned a report that noted his shows stimulated $4 million in growth for Yellow Spring. Since then, he has scooped up a total of 20 properties in the county, with the intention of turning them into residential homes, local shops, and performing arts venues — including a proposed comedy club.
But, residents of Yellow Spring have mixed feelings about the comedian's influence on the town's economy. Some claim that his pandemic shows brought "magic" back to the small corner of the Midwest, trusting that his investments will do the same. Meanwhile, others feel that he's turned the village into a place they never imagined it would become. In a seemingly controversial 2022 move, Chappelle lobbied against the building of an affordable housing development, due to infrastructural concerns. However, a representative asserted to The Hollywood Reporter that Chappelle is by no means against affordable housing and remains devoted to the well-being of Yellow Springs and its residents.
Mark Wahlberg is thriving with his wife and children in Las Vegas
Born and raised Bostonian Mark Wahlberg rose to fame in the early 90s with a brief music career as Marky Mark, before making the switch to acting. His breakout role in "Boogie Nights" eventually launched him to critical Hollywood acclaim. However, after a couple of decades of living in California, Wahlberg made the decision to relocate his family to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2022.
The Academy Award-nominated actor decided to abandon the Los Angeles lifestyle in favor of Las Vegas to give his youngest three children a better upbringing. Regarding the move, Wahlberg told People Magazine, "[Las Vegas is] a place where my kids can thrive and do their thing and pursue their interests... So to be able to give my kids a better life and follow and pursue their dreams — whether it be my daughter as an equestrian, my son as a basketball player, my younger son as a golfer — this made a lot more sense for us." He also plans to build a film studio, with hopes of turning Sin City into "Hollywood 2.0."
A month after scooping up a 2.5-acre plot of land in the ultra-wealthy Summit Club for $15.6 million, the actor purchased a townhouse in the same luxury Vegas community for a cool $14.5 million. As of September 2023, that townhouse was sold for $16.6 million. But Wahlberg and his family still remain in Vegas. He told Today, "The plan was always to build...We just moved from one house to another."
Woody Harrelson embraces nature at his home in Maui
Woody Harrelson has been in the film and television business for decades but he's now settled outside of Hollywood on the beautiful island of Maui. Beyond his work on shows like "Cheers," or in films like "The Hunger Games," the Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning actor is known for his laid-back persona, vegan lifestyle, and environmental activism. So it's no wonder that he's opted to live a life on island time since 1999 when he reportedly bought his first of two Maui homes.
True to his values, Harrelson now resides in his second Hawaiian residence in Huelo, a secluded community on Maui that prioritizes environmentally sustainable living. The self-proclaimed "happy hippie" made his home more eco-friendly with features like solar panels and a fruitful farm that he claims grows about 90% of the food he and his family eat.
He once described leaving the island to work in an interview with Men's Journal, saying, "I cried the day I left. Maui is heaven... A year could pass and you wouldn't even notice. Kitesurfing, soccer, living off the grid, eating fruit from your trees...That's my heaven. That's how life is meant to be lived." Needless to say, this A-list actor has found a piece of paradise and probably isn't moving any time soon.
Adrian Grenier embraces sustainable living on a 46-acre ranch in Austin, Texas
Another celeb who has embraced sustainable living and a home beyond Hollywood is Adrien Grenier. The former "Entourage" actor, his wife Jordan Roemmele, and son Seiko, now live on Kintsugi Ranch in Bastrop, Texas. Grenier looked to Texas as an escape from Hollywood, but also as an opportunity to live a life aligned with his values. The actor-turned-environmentalist told People Magazine, "I wanted to really take the next step in my environmental journey and get very close to nature and how I can be a greater steward every day in practice as a lifestyle, not just as an idea."
The 46-acre homestead boasts regenerative farmland for crops and a breadth of space that fosters wildlife of all kinds. It also runs on solar energy, and the system stores power in the event of an outage. The parcel was created by combining adjacent pieces of land the couple purchased, inspiring the name "Kintsugi" – the Japanese art of rejoining broken pottery pieces. In Grenier's web series "Earth Speed," Roemmele explains, "We got two lots and we put them together, and they shared a pond. So after decades of being separate, legally, to be able to connect those two pieces of land together...You know, Kintsugi — definitely more beautiful together than separated." With this bountiful, self-sustaining piece of land, it's no surprise that Grenier has invested in life outside of the entertainment business.