Kevin Costner’s departure from a major series stirs intrigue, but his 160-acre Aspen ranch — a luxurious three-house estate with breathtaking mountain views — offers a real-life escape worthy of any screen legend. Take a look.
Actor and producer Kevin Costner was a married man until over a year ago. However, things took a turn when he and his ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, parted ways after 18 years of marriage, with the designer filing for divorce on May 1, 2023.
The two share three kids: Cayden, Hayes, and Grace. Amid the divorce proceedings, Baumgartner was required to move out of Costner’s home in the Santa Barbara, California, area. Still, she refused to do so until the actor met his various financial demands.
As per court documents, Christine Baumgartner had signed a pre-nuptial agreement that gave her 30 days to vacate this home before they got married. The house was a pre-marital asset that Costner purchased in 1988.
Baumgartner’s resistance to move out stood even after Costner’s multiple requests urging her to do so. The actor even offered to help her financially when relocating to a new residence. The house was only part of the conflicts surrounding the pair’s divorce process. The two also engaged in a court battle on child support payments.
After a long battle in court, Baumgartner and Costner’s divorce was eventually settled in September 2023, and the couple went on with their separate lives as much as they will always be connected as they share three kids. Their divorce was finalized in February 2024.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner on May 30, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
On January 18, 2024, Costner celebrated his 69th birthday, marking the occasion with a touching social media post. “Celebrating another year of life today and taking a moment to honor this kid who had big dreams. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. Thank you all for the birthday wishes. It’s because of your support that I’ve been able to chase my dreams all these years,” wrote the “Field of Dreams” star.
Recently though, Costner has been on the news for a completely different reason. The two-time Oscar-winning actor will no longer be part of “Yellowstone,” marking a significant departure for fans of the series.
In a heartfelt Instagram reel shared in June 2024, he addressed the show’s dedicated audience, saying, “I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on ‘Horizon’ and doing all the things that’s required, and thinking about ‘Yellowstone,’ that beloved series that I love, that I know you love, I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue Season 5B or into the future [sic].”
He added, “It was something that really changed me. I loved it. And I know you loved it. And I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning and I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop.”
The primary reason behind his exit centers on “Horizon,” his ambitious film series. The first installment premiered in spring 2024, with subsequent parts delayed due to production demands.
Costner expressed regret that conflicting schedules between “Yellowstone” and “Horizon” prevented him from continuing on both projects.
In an interview with GQ in May 2024, Costner explained, “We very rarely started when we said we would and we didn’t finish when we said we would… but it wasn’t a trend that could continue for me.”
Despite his attempts to make it work, the filmmaker said that “the scripts never came,” prompting his departure from the show.
Kevin Costner on May 30, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Following Costner’s response, Paramount Network commented, “Kevin has been a big part of Yellowstone’s success. While we had hoped that we would continue working with him, unfortunately, we could not find a window that worked for him, all the other talent, and our production needs in order to move forward together [sic].”
Kevin Costner on May 18, 2022, at Carnegie Hall in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Costner’s character, John Dutton III, is the fiercely protective head of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch — the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S. No one in the Dutton family takes their obligation to the land more seriously than John, who lives by a strict moral code, often skirting or outright defying the law to defend his legacy.
As governor of Montana, John faces the challenge of balancing political responsibilities with his turbulent family dynamics, including complicated relationships with his surviving children Jamie, Beth, and Kacey, while doting on his grandson, Tate.
With Costner’s departure from the neo-Western drama TV series, speculation abounds that John may face a dramatic end, possibly through a climactic exit from the series, though details on his fate remain undisclosed.
While Costner’s portrayal of a powerful ranch owner is coming to an end in “Yellowstone,” his love for sprawling landscapes and the ranch lifestyle endures off-screen. Interestingly, his Santa Barbara home is not the only one he owns.
The actor, who has bagged three Golden Globe awards in his impressive Hollywood career, has a huge ranch in real life, dubbed “The Dunbar,” which is available for rent.
Costner’s ranch offers a luxurious escape, embodying the same rugged beauty fans associate with the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. It is nestled in tranquil seclusion, just moments from downtown Aspen, in the Elk Mountain Range at the base of Independence Pass.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The property stands as one of the most extraordinary pieces of real estate one could discover globally. It looks up the Independence Pass, giving one splendid view. Furthermore, it goes over the North Star Nature Preserve along Aspen Mountain’s east side with the famous Walshes and Christies ski runs.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
As much as it is in the mountains, the ranch features all-day sun. It also establishes itself as the epitome of a luxury retreat, with breathtaking vistas of the Continental Divide, three exquisite homes dotting the landscape, two private lakes where one can simply drift away, and unmatched views.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The ranch in Aspen unfolds like a picturesque masterpiece, adorned with rolling hills that showcase the vibrant hues of yellow-leaved trees in the deeply-pined forest. Open stretches of green land provide a serene backdrop, and the majestic mountains and hills stand in the distance.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The rivers add a touch of fluid elegance to the natural beauty that defines this enchanting estate. Aside from the captivating nature, the ranch offers absolute privacy since it is minutes from downtown Aspen.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The gems in nature and outdoors notwithstanding, the entire property is lovely to stay in as it has 12 bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, and three hot tubs. Thirty-four guests can sleep in the three homes, and the primary residence can host 16 people.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Renters can rent one or all three homes, as each is located separately for complete privacy. The rental fee for an event is $350,000, including tax and service charges. A week’s stay encompasses the use of the 12 rooms spread across three distinct homes.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The estate is a perfect venue for vacation renting as the expansive open can unite families for memorable birthdays. Costner and Baumgartner even got married on this property in 2004.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Friends can also enjoy this place by sharing a spirited baseball game against the panorama of awe-inspiring views. The field has music and lights so that guests can play baseball even at night.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The Roaring Fork River is an ideal setting for fishing as it offers a serene canvas for angling enthusiasts. Guests can fish in the lakes as they have access to canoes and paddle boards. They can also ice-fish during winter.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The breathtaking scenery of the Continental Divide allows those who want to disconnect, relax, and immerse themselves in nature to have a fun time. Renting the whole property is $42,000 per night, while its original list price is $30,000. The winter daily rate is $36,000, and the security deposit is $50,000.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The Hill House accommodation costs $24,000 per night, giving one access to one master king bed, four queen beds, and one bunk with three full beds. The Lake House accommodation is $18,000 per night and contains two master king beds and one bunk room with four full bunk beds.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Finally, the River House accommodation has one bedroom with twin beds and two bedrooms with full beds, which go for $10,000 per night. In any of these accommodations, renters can engage in different activities, regardless of the time of the year.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Spending time in the treehouse on the main property over a glass of wine and biking around the ranch on the many hiking trails can be some of the summer activities they can partake in. Winter activities may include snowball fights on the front lawn of the main house and tubing down the sledding hill during the day or night.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
This amazing home also gives one and their loved ones a chance to have an outdoor movie night, family portrait photographs, yoga, spa treatments, star gazing, and enjoy music outdoors in the dark hours. As caretakers are on site, one can comfortably sleep and rest for 24 hours.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
A look inside the house shows that the “Yellowstone” movie star’s master suite, which has tasteful décor and plush furnishings, has a trap door hidden under a carpet. The door leads to a jacuzzi with a press button, which, when touched, gives one a waterfall.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
The interior also has an exquisite finish with high wood planks on the ceiling. The rooms are well-lit at night, with decorative ceiling lamps and desk lamps.
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
Kevin Costner’s Ranch on a video dated January 22, 2019 | Source: Youtube.com/@CNBCMakeIt
One can also light a fire in the bedroom’s fireplace. The living room and bedroom furniture exude a sense of tranquility and sophistication.
Kevin Costner’s estate can be a home for any guests seeking to rent it. The actor’s well-kept property is an ideal rest place, event location, and even an area where one can escape the busy life in cities for a peaceful and silent time in a place full of stunning views and engaging activities.