Before his passing at the age of 65, the movie star’s life was as complex and multifaceted as his storied career. His personal space was a sanctuary for the actor who was both a leading man and a reclusive figure.
Val Kilmer, known for his iconic role as Batman, found solace in the quiet comfort of his ranch life, which contrasted with the intense spotlight of his Hollywood fame. The actor, who once lived in a guest house, sold his ranch that reflected his more private and introspective side.
Val Kilmer visits the United Nations headquarters in New York City to promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, on July 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Kilmer’s home, Pecos River Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was a carefully crafted retreat that reflected his deep appreciation for art, culture, and history.
Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@IGNMovieTrailers
He purchased the property in 1991, drawn to its breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains. It was located southeast of Santa Fe and was a sprawling retreat that embraced the rugged beauty of the region.
The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment
Covering nearly 6,000 acres, the property was a haven of canyons, pine forests, and winding waterways. The highlight was the Pecos River, which ran for nearly six miles through the estate, offering prime trout fishing.
The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment
The ranch’s centerpiece was a 5,591-square-foot adobe-style main house, built in 1978 and designed in the classic Southwestern tradition. It featured four bedrooms and embodied a rustic elegance that blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment
In addition to the main residence, the property included multiple guest houses, barns, garages, and outbuildings, providing ample space for visitors and staff. A separate 1,464-square-foot caretaker’s home, also designed in the Southwestern style, ensured the estate was maintained.
The area where Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch is located, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment
A true equestrian’s dream, the ranch housed 22 horses, with dedicated stalls for up to ten and extensive fenced pastures for grazing. The land’s vastness and natural beauty made it an ideal location for horseback riding.
The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment
The property was conveniently located, just eight miles from Pecos, 22 miles from Santa Fe, and about 90 miles from Albuquerque. It was accessible via the Santa Fe County Airport and the Albuquerque International Airport, making it both a secluded escape and an easily reachable destination.
Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@IGNMovieTrailers
Kilmer’s ranch was more than just a home as he divulged, “For over a decade, I searched for a property that embodies the alluring natural majesty and splendor of the Southwest. My search finally ended here, at the Pecos River Ranch. It’s impossible to put into words the beauty and power of this land.”
Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@IGNMovieTrailers
The “Tombstone” star undertook a “Pueblo-style” renovation of a 1970s house, transforming the house in the ranch into a space that blended traditional Southwestern elements with personal touches.
Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment
Alongside his then-wife, British actress Joanne Whalley, he expanded the home to over 4,200 square feet. The result was a home that felt both rustic and soulful.
Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@IGNMovieTrailers
The living room featured a mix of global and indigenous influences, with a carved totem from New Guinea standing beside a classic kiva-style fireplace.
Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment
A Papago cradle basket rested atop an armoire, while handcrafted Mexican church candles added warmth and character. Kilmer sought the expertise of Nathalie Kent to help curate the interiors, admiring her ability to balance “fun and soul” in her designs.
Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@IGNMovieTrailers
Throughout the house, Navajo rugs and Pueblo hand drums brought a sense of regional authenticity, while Cheyenne and Sioux knife cases from the 1880s highlighted the entrance hall.