Lorraine Williamson
There’s something quietly poetic about Richard Gere leaving behind the bright lights of Hollywood for the muted tones of a Madrid suburb. For a man whose name once drew global headlines with every film release, his decision to settle in Spain signals not retreat, but realignment.
Since 2024, Gere has been living in La Moraleja, an affluent and green suburb on the northern edge of the capital. Here, far from the paparazzi and press circuits, he shares a home with his wife Alejandra Silva and their children. The gated serenity of La Moraleja is a world away from LA, and that’s precisely the point.
Madrid as more than a setting
Gere doesn’t treat Madrid as a temporary address — it’s a philosophy. He’s described it as one of the most beautiful cities he’s known, citing not just architecture or food, but a profound human warmth and cultural heartbeat that resonates with him.
And it’s not hard to see the appeal. From the intellectual pulse of its museums to the slower, family-first rhythm of daily life, Madrid has long drawn those in search of something deeper than career momentum. For Gere, it’s a place where spirituality and creativity can exist side by side.
Spiritual depth over celebrity dazzle
An active Buddhist for decades, Gere’s approach to life has always contrasted with Hollywood excess. In Madrid, he’s continued supporting causes close to his heart — from Tibetan rights to local initiatives for disadvantaged youth. He’s not just writing cheques; he’s involved, present, and purpose-driven.
Together with Silva, he is now helping to launch a new international school in Madrid focused on holistic child development. Education, in their view, should nourish more than intellect — it should support emotional awareness, compassion, and creativity. It’s a radical contrast to the rigid systems so often found elsewhere.
Home as a sanctuary
Their residence — reportedly worth €11 million — is more retreat than trophy home. It includes both indoor and outdoor heated pools, three levels of airy interiors, and its own wine cellar. But for Gere, it’s the peaceful garden and the sense of family anchoring it all that matter most. Meditation, music, and shared meals form the quiet rituals of his day.
Christmas, once packed with press tours or award season buzz, now means time at home. Not in Aspen or Malibu, but in a leafy corner of Alcobendas, where the only flash comes from fairy lights, not photographers.
A taste for simplicity
Gere may have dined at the world’s most exclusive tables, but his regular spot now is Áurea, a refined but relaxed restaurant in La Moraleja known for its seasonal Mediterranean fare. Part of the elite Grupo Paraguas, it offers dishes that reflect Gere’s mindful tastes — vegetarian options, delicate risottos, and chilled gazpacho with a twist.
It’s not just a dinner venue. Locals have spotted him enjoying breakfast with his family there — a picture of calm, miles from movie premieres or staged appearances.
Still passionate about cinema
Though quieter on screen these days, Gere hasn’t abandoned film. He’s expressed a desire to work within Spanish cinema and has his sights set on collaborating with Pedro Almodóvar. In February, he was honoured with the International Goya Award in Granada, presented by Antonio Banderas — a moment that bridged his cinematic past with his Spanish present.
Why his move matters
Gere isn’t the first American star to find solace abroad, but his journey feels particularly grounded. He hasn’t relocated for tax perks or production deals. He’s done it for family, stillness, and a kind of personal evolution that fame alone could never provide.
In many ways, Gere’s Madrid chapter reads less like a celebrity relocation story and more like a meditation on what it means to grow older with grace — to let go of ego, embrace change, and prioritise connection over legacy.
Where stardom meets substance
From campaigning for human rights to nurturing family ties, Richard Gere’s Madrid life is layered with intention. Spain, for him, isn’t an escape — it’s an arrival. One that allows him to live aligned with his beliefs, surrounded by culture, and deeply rooted in purpose.
And perhaps that’s the real takeaway: while Hollywood made him a star, Madrid is where he became fully himself.
Sources: LaVanguardia, Eldebate, Elespañol, Hola.com