The €11 Million Spanish Sanctuary: Why Richard Gere Left Hollywood For Madrid

Richard Gere, the legendary Hollywood actor known for iconic roles in Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman, has officially traded the hustle of New York for the tranquility of Madrid, Spain. This significant cross-continental move, confirmed in 2024, sees the star embracing a new chapter focused on family life and activism alongside his Spanish wife, Alejandra Silva. The decision marks a major shift away from his long-time residence in the United States, allowing the couple's two young sons to grow up closer to their maternal grandparents and Spanish culture.

The relocation is not just a temporary change of scenery; it is a permanent commitment solidified by the purchase of a stunning, multi-million-euro mansion in the exclusive La Moraleja neighborhood of Madrid. As of December 2025, Gere and his family are fully settled into their new European home, with the actor expressing a deep appreciation for the pace and culture of his wife's native country. This article dives deep into the reasons behind the move, the details of their new luxurious Spanish sanctuary, and what the future holds for the celebrated actor.

Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva: A Complete Profile

The move to Spain is fundamentally driven by the relationship between Richard Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva. Understanding their background and family dynamic is crucial to grasping the significance of this European relocation.

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• Richard Tiffany Gere
  • Born: August 31, 1949 (Age 76 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
  • Profession: Actor, Producer, Activist
  • Career Highlights: American Gigolo (1980), An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Pretty Woman (1990), Chicago (2002)
  • Activism: Long-time advocate for human rights in Tibet and a devoted student of Tibetan Buddhism, a friend of the 14th Dalai Lama.
  • Previous Marriages: Cindy Crawford (1991–1995), Carey Lowell (2002–2016)
  • Children: Homer James Jigme Gere (with Carey Lowell), and two sons (with Alejandra Silva).
• Alejandra María Silva García-Baquero
  • Born: February 16, 1983 (Age 42 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: La Coruña, Spain
  • Profession: Activist, Publicist, Entrepreneur
  • Family Background: Her father, Ignacio Silva Botas, was a Spanish businessman and former Vice President of the Real Madrid Football Club.
  • Activism: Focuses on homelessness and children's welfare, working with foundations like the Rais Foundation and the NGO Proactiva Open Arms.
  • Marriage to Gere: Married Richard Gere in 2018.
  • Children: Two sons with Richard Gere, Alexander (born 2019) and James (born 2020).

The Real Reason Behind The Cross-Continental Move

The decision for the Hollywood icon to leave his long-time home in the US was a deeply personal one, rooted in love and a desire to balance family life.

A Gesture of Love and Repayment

Richard Gere openly stated that the primary motivation for the move was to allow his wife, Alejandra Silva, to be closer to her family in Spain. For years, Alejandra had lived in the United States, supporting Gere's career and lifestyle, which meant she was far from her own parents and relatives. The move to Madrid was Gere's way of "returning the favor," ensuring that their young family could benefit from the support of a multi-generational, close-knit Spanish family structure.

Prioritizing Family and Privacy

The couple shares two young sons, Alexander and James, who are growing up quickly. Gere, who is now in his mid-70s, and Silva are keen on raising their children in an environment that values privacy and a slower pace than the intense Hollywood spotlight. The relocation to Spain offers a quieter, more grounded lifestyle. Gere has expressed that he prefers aspects of life in Spain, particularly the cultural emphasis on community and the quality of life, over his previous existence in the US.

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The Sale of the Connecticut Estate

To finalize their transition, Gere sold his sprawling 31-acre estate in Pound Ridge, New Canaan, Connecticut, in late 2024. The property, which was a historic estate originally built in 1938, was sold for a reported $28 million. This sale officially cemented his departure from the US, fully committing the family to their new life in Europe. The massive property, which featured a main house with five bedrooms and grand formal rooms, was simply too large for their new family needs and lifestyle.

Inside Richard Gere's New €11 Million Madrid Mansion

The family's new residence is a testament to their commitment to Madrid. They secured a luxurious mansion in La Moraleja, one of the most exclusive and affluent residential areas outside the city center.

The La Moraleja Neighborhood

La Moraleja is known for its privacy, large plots of land, and high-end security. It is a favored location for Spanish celebrities, athletes, and business magnates, offering a discreet environment away from the public eye. The neighborhood provides the perfect blend of luxury and seclusion, ideal for a high-profile family like the Geres.

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Mansion Details and Amenities

The new home is reported to have cost an estimated €11 million (approximately $11.7 million). While the couple is known to be undertaking extensive renovation work to personalize the property, the mansion already boasts impressive features, including a private wine cellar. The home is designed to be a comfortable, family-friendly sanctuary, reflecting Gere's long-standing dedication to his Buddhist principles and a minimalist, mindful approach to life, despite the opulence of the location. Visitors to the home are reportedly asked to leave their shoes at the door, a polite custom that reflects the serene atmosphere the couple cultivates.

A Shift in Lifestyle and Focus

The move to a European capital allows Richard Gere to maintain his global humanitarian work, particularly his advocacy for Tibet and his relationship with the Dalai Lama, while being physically present for his young children. Madrid is a major European hub, making travel for his various causes manageable. His life in Spain is less about movie sets and more about daily routine: school runs, family meals, and continuing his philanthropic efforts with Alejandra, who is a dedicated activist herself.

The Future: Balancing Hollywood and European Life

While the relocation to Spain is permanent, it does not signify a complete retirement from acting. Richard Gere has always been selective with his roles, and the move simply means he will be working from a new home base.

Embracing Spanish Culture

The family is fully integrating into Spanish life. Alejandra is a native speaker, and the children are being raised bilingual and bicultural. This immersion is a key part of the move, ensuring the boys have a strong connection to their mother’s heritage. Gere himself is actively learning more about the culture and language, though he has admitted that he misses certain aspects of his New York life, such as the vibrant, round-the-clock energy of the city.

Commitment to Activism

Both Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva are deeply committed to social causes. The move has allowed Alejandra to focus more on her local Spanish and European-based charity work, including her efforts with the Rais Foundation, which works to combat homelessness. Gere's long-standing support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan causes continues, with his new European base potentially providing a different platform for his advocacy. Their life in Madrid is a powerful example of celebrity influence being channeled into meaningful, localized humanitarian efforts.

In summary, Richard Gere’s move to Spain in 2024 is a heartfelt, definitive choice to prioritize his young family and wife. The €11 million La Moraleja mansion is more than just a house; it is a symbol of a new, quieter, and deeply committed life chapter that values family and activism above the bright lights of Hollywood.