Where Does Renee Zellweger Live: Why the Star Swapped the Canyons for the Coast

Where Does Renee Zellweger Live: Why the Star Swapped the Canyons for the Coast

Renée Zellweger has always been a bit of a real estate enigma. One minute she’s a Texas girl, the next she’s tucked away in a historic Connecticut farmhouse, and then suddenly, she’s the queen of a hidden canyon ranch. But if you’re looking for her today, you won’t find her in those old stomping grounds. Honestly, her living situation has shifted big time lately, mostly because of a high-profile romance that basically rewrote her zip code.

So, where does Renee Zellweger live right now? She lives in Southern California, specifically in the Orange County area near Laguna Beach.

She isn't just there for the surf. She moved to be closer to her "fellow," as she calls him—British TV presenter and car expert Ant Anstead. In early 2025, she even told British Vogue that she’s basically settled in the San Diego-adjacent area because that’s where Anstead and his young son, Hudson, are based. It’s a far cry from the secluded mountain life she used to lead, but it seems to suit her just fine.

The Big Move from Topanga to the Beach

For years, Zellweger was synonymous with her sprawling Topanga Canyon estate. It was this gorgeous, Spanish-style "haute hacienda" that she bought back in 2015. She spent a massive amount of time and money—we're talking a total down-to-the-studs renovation—turning it into a private sanctuary on nearly 10 acres.

But then, 2021 happened.

She met Ant Anstead while filming an episode of Celebrity IOU: Joyride, and things got serious fast. By late 2021, she listed that Topanga ranch for about $6 million. It eventually sold, and the property has actually popped back up on the market recently for nearly $8 million. Seeing the photos of that place, with its Venetian plaster arches and hand-painted tiles, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would leave. But for Renée, the draw of a new life in Orange County was stronger than a mountain view.

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Life in Orange County

Since moving south, Renée has been spotted doing totally normal "non-movie star" things. She’s been seen at Home Depot, grabbing pizza in Laguna, and cheering at Hudson’s soccer games.

According to various reports, the couple found a house they both love in the Laguna Beach area around 2023. Ant had sold his famous "Temple House" and they decided to combine forces. It’s a much more community-focused vibe than the isolated canyon life. You’re more likely to see her walking on the beach than hiding behind the giant gates of a 10-acre fortress these days.

The London Chapter: Bridget is Back

Now, if you’ve been following the news lately, you might have seen her in London. Don't let that confuse you; she hasn't permanently moved back to the UK.

Throughout late 2024 and into early 2026, Renée spent a significant chunk of time in London for the production and promotion of the fourth Bridget Jones movie, Mad About the Boy. Ant Anstead actually joined her over there so they wouldn't have to be apart for months. It was a temporary relocation, allowing Ant to spend time with his older children, Amelie and Archie, who live in England.

  • Primary Residence: Orange County, California (near Laguna Beach/San Diego).
  • Temporary Stays: London, UK (during filming and premieres).
  • Former Homes: Topanga Canyon (sold), East Hampton (sold), and Pomfret, Connecticut.

What Happened to the Connecticut Farmhouse?

Interestingly, while she’s mostly a West Coast person now, Renée has a long history with the East Coast. She owned a massive 39-acre property in Pomfret, Connecticut, known as "The Cotton Tavern." It was a 1770s colonial home that she reportedly kept for a very long time, even while she was living full-time in California.

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She always seemed to have a soft spot for places with history and "soul." Whether it was the hand-hewn beams in Connecticut or the European stonemasonry in Topanga, she picks houses that feel lived-in.

Why the Change Matters

People often wonder why a major Oscar winner would ditch a massive Los Angeles estate for a more "suburban" life in Orange County. Honestly, it seems like she’s just over the Hollywood scene.

In her recent interviews, she sounds more content than ever. She’s traded the "industry" proximity of LA for a life that revolves around her relationship and a sense of normalcy. It’s a move that mirrors her career choices—selective, deliberate, and focused on what actually makes her happy rather than what looks good on a real estate portfolio.

Real Estate Snapshot: The Topanga Legend

If you're curious about what she left behind, the Topanga house was a masterpiece. It featured:

  • 4,414 square feet of living space.
  • 9.8 acres of private land with hiking trails.
  • Infinity-edge pool overlooking the mountains.
  • Venetian plaster walls and authentic Spanish tiles.

It was the ultimate "celebrity hideout," but clearly, she preferred the sand and the company in Laguna.

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What’s Next for Renée’s Living Situation?

With Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy hitting theaters and statues of her character being unveiled in Leicester Square, she’s been a bit of a nomad lately. But once the press tours wrap up, all signs point to her heading back to her home base in Southern California.

She has managed to do something very few people in her position can: she’s simplified. She sold off the extra properties, moved closer to the person she loves, and seems to be living a life that is much more about the "now" than the "glamour."

If you’re looking to follow in her footsteps—maybe not the Oscar part, but the lifestyle part—the move is clearly toward finding a space that supports your personal life rather than your public image. Keep an eye on the Laguna Beach area; you might just see a familiar face at the local coffee shop.


Next Steps for Fans:
You can stay updated on Renée’s latest projects by following the official release schedule for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy or checking out Ant Anstead's social media for rare glimpses of their shared life in California.