Kevin Costner doesn’t do things small. Whether it’s a four-part Western epic like Horizon or a sprawling 160-acre ranch in the Rockies, the man lives life with a certain cinematic scale. But after a high-profile, occasionally messy divorce and a massive career pivot away from the Yellowstone ranch, everyone’s asking the same thing: where does Kevin Costner live now?
The answer isn't just one address. Honestly, it’s a collection of high-stakes real estate that would make John Dutton sweat. As of 2026, Costner primarily splits his time between two massive, wildly different anchors: a legendary beachfront compound in Carpinteria, California, and his sprawling Dunbar Ranch in Aspen, Colorado.
The Carpinteria Compound: Where the Horizon Begins
If you’re looking for his "home base," this is it. It’s a $145 million oceanfront masterpiece in Carpinteria, just south of Santa Barbara. This isn't just a house; it's a fortress of privacy. He’s owned the core of this property since 1988, and it’s basically where he’s hunkered down post-divorce.
The compound sits on about 1.4 acres of some of the most expensive dirt in the world. It’s got a main house and two guest houses, all looking out over the Pacific. People often get confused because he also owns an undeveloped 10-acre plot right down the street. That’s the one he famously mortgaged to help fund Horizon: An American Saga. It’s a gutsy move. Who mortgages a $50 million piece of California coastline to make a movie? Kevin Costner, that’s who.
Living here puts him in a "who’s who" neighborhood. We're talking about a stretch of sand where Ellen DeGeneres and Ashton Kutcher have been known to grab mail. But for Costner, it’s clearly personal. During the legal battles of the last couple of years, he was adamant about keeping this place. It’s where his kids grew up. He’s mentioned in court docs that their "hands are in the stone."
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Dunbar Ranch: The Real-Life Yellowstone
When he’s not listening to the waves in Cali, he’s usually at Dunbar Ranch in Aspen. If the California house is his sanctuary, the Colorado ranch is his legacy.
Named after his character Lieutenant Dunbar from Dances with Wolves, this 160-acre estate is situated in the Elk Mountain Range. It’s about ten minutes from downtown Aspen, but it feels like another century.
- The Main House: A rustic-luxe 6,000-square-foot lodge.
- The Lake House: Right on the water, perfect for those "contemplative cowboy" vibes.
- The River House: Sits along the Roaring Fork River.
- The "Field of Dreams": Yes, he actually built a private, professional-grade baseball field on the property, complete with lights and a sound system.
The cool thing? When he's not there, you can actually stay there. If you happen to have a spare $36,000 to $50,000 lying around, you can rent the whole thing for a night. It sleeps about 27 to 34 people, depending on how you configure it. It’s become a massive destination for ultra-high-end weddings and corporate retreats.
Why He’s Staying Put (Mostly)
There was a lot of chatter during his 2023-2024 divorce from Christine Baumgartner about whether he’d have to liquidate. He didn't. He fought hard to keep the Carpinteria compound because, frankly, he’s been through a "homeless" period after his first divorce in the 90s and swore he’d never let it happen again.
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He’s deeply rooted in the 805 area code. Even though he’s synonymous with the rugged Montana landscapes of Yellowstone, he doesn't actually own a massive ranch in Montana. That was all filming locations (mostly at the Chief Joseph Ranch). His heart—and his tax bill—belongs to California and Colorado.
What’s Changed in 2026?
Lately, he’s been more of a "working nomad" than usual. Since he’s been deep in the trenches of the Horizon saga, he spends a lot of time on location in Utah. But when the cameras stop rolling, he’s back on the coast.
Interestingly, his real estate strategy has shifted toward monetization. By turning the Dunbar Ranch into a world-class rental venue, he’s basically made his lifestyle pay for itself. It’s a smart pivot. He gets to keep the land he loves while the "one percent" pays the property taxes.
Living the Costner Lifestyle: Actionable Insights
If you’re looking to channel a bit of that Costner energy in your own living space, you don't need a $100 million budget. His homes share a few specific "vibes" you can actually replicate:
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- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Both his Aspen and Carpinteria homes prioritize the view over the architecture. Big windows, transition decks, and natural materials like stone and reclaimed wood.
- Personal Legacy: Every property he owns has a nod to his films. Whether it’s the name "Dunbar" or a baseball field, he treats his home as a reflection of his life’s work.
- Privacy as Luxury: He doesn't build "McMansions" that are visible from the street. He uses natural landscaping—pine forests in Aspen, cliffside brush in California—to create a buffer.
Kevin Costner's current living situation is a mix of high-stakes investment and deeply personal history. He’s a guy who clearly values "place." Whether he’s staring at the Pacific or the Continental Divide, he’s built a world where he can be both a Hollywood mogul and a quiet outdoorsman.
For the most up-to-date look at his portfolio, you can check out the official Dunbar Ranch website if you’re curious about the rental side of things. It’s probably the closest most of us will ever get to seeing how a modern-day legend actually lives.
Next Steps for Your Own "Ranch" Life:
If you're inspired by Costner’s Colorado retreat, start by looking into local zoning laws for "accessory dwelling units" (ADUs) or guest cottages on your own property. Building a small, high-quality guest space can provide the same rental income potential—on a smaller scale—that Costner uses to maintain his massive estates. Additionally, focus on native landscaping to create the same sense of secluded privacy found in his Carpinteria compound.