Lulu Simon, daughter of musician Paul Simon, publicly criticized Richard Gere on July 8 for selling her childhood home to real-estate developers. The actor, who purchased the expansive Connecticut estate from Paul Simon and Edie Brickell in 2022, was accused by Lulu of breaking a promise to preserve the land.
Details of Lulu Simon’s Public Complaint
On Instagram Stories, Lulu Simon shared her frustration in all caps:
“HE BOUGHT MY CHILDHOOD HOME. PROMISED HE WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE LAND AS CONDITION OF HIS PURCHASE. PROCEEDED TO NEVER ACTUALLY MOVE IN & JUST SOLD IT TO A DEVELOPER AS 9 SEPARATE PLOTS :).”
Alongside, she posted a screenshot of a news article reporting the imminent demolition of the historic mansion. The article noted that
“Preservationists are racing to salvage its 1930s charm before the 32-acre lot is turned into nine new homes.”
Sale and Subsequent Development Plans
Gere initially acquired the 1938 estate from Paul Simon and Edie Brickell for $10.8 million around 2022. Less than two years later, in October 2024, he sold the property to Hudson Valley House Parts for slightly less—$10.7 million. The developer intends to divide the 32-acre parcel into nine residential lots.
Lulu Simon’s Emotional Response to the Property’s Fate
In a follow-up post, Lulu overlaid a photo of Gere with pictures of her deceased pets, expressing a haunting wish:
“I HOPE MY DEAD PETS BURIED IN THAT BACK YARD HAUNT YOU UNTIL YOU DESCEND INTO A SLOW AND UNRELENTING MADNESS.”
Efforts and Reactions Around Preservation
The demolition news first broke in May 2024 when Hudson Valley House Parts shared on Instagram their efforts to
“save the pieces that we can from the landfill.”
Prior to selling, Gere had plans to convert the estate into a private farm. As reported by the New Canaan Advertiser in September 2023, he intended the land to be used for agricultural purposes.
During a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Richard Rucci, Gere’s lawyer, addressed local concerns about potential commercial uses:
“I have received phone calls from four or five neighbors (who were) very concerned … if this was going to be some sort of big commercial operation, and it’s really not.”
He added,
“The owners … they both have grown up on farms, they’re very interested in farms and teaching their kids about farms … so this is really important to them.”
Richard Gere’s Move and Family Life Abroad
Richard Gere relocated to Madrid with his wife of seven years, Alejandra Silva, and their two sons, Alexander and James, ages six and five. Speaking on Today in November 2024, Gere explained,
“My wife is Spanish, and we’re going there for her family, her friends, her culture,”
noting that
“The kids are bilingual, so it’s really going to be great for them.”
Broader Impact and Continuing Dispute
The sale and development of this beloved family estate have caused a rift between the parties involved and sparked wider community concern. Lulu Simon’s vocal criticism highlights the emotional significance tied to the property and the pain felt over transforming a cherished childhood home into subdivided plots. Preservationists’ attempts to rescue architectural elements underline the tension between historic preservation and modern development. As Gere continues his new life abroad, the property’s future serves as a reminder of conflicting values around legacy, land use, and community memory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What has Richard Gere been diagnosed with?
A. In February 2023, Gere became sick with pneumonia while on vacation with his family in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. He was taken to the hospital. His wife later shared that he was completely healed after his illness. Gere is often mentioned in lists of well-known vegetarians, but some people question if he truly follows a vegetarian diet.
Q. Are Julia Roberts and Richard Gere still friends?
A. It was Roberts who finally persuaded Gere to take on the role in Pretty Woman. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are more than just co-stars; they are good friends outside of work.
Q. Has Richard Gere had facial surgery?
A. People are saying things like “Richard is aging naturally without plastic surgery,” and they are complimenting him for looking so great.
Q. What disease did Richard Gere have?
A. Richard Gere is getting better after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
