Kevin Costner claims his estranged wife Christine Baumgartner is refusing to move out of the California home they shared, and where their children grew up, amid their divorce. Seeing as the $145 million compound exists off the coast of Santa Barbara, it’s not hard to imagine why.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ and NBC News, the Yellowstone star’s wife had 30 days to leave the home per their prenuptial agreement. “Christine has not moved out, despite multiple requests that she do so and despite Kevin’s offers to assist her financially in relocating to a new residence,” Costner’s legal team wrote in the documents, Today reports. “Instead, Christine has taken the position that she will not move out of Kevin’s separate property residence unless and until Kevin agrees to various financial demands.”
Costner purchased the Carpinteria, California, home in 1988 before he officially tied the knot with Baumgartner in 2004. Before they wed, he expressed that he wouldn’t get married again “without clarity that [his] separate property residences would remain [his] to live in no matter what happened in [their] marriage,” per the documents.
Baumgartner responded to the claim through lawyers in a court document obtained by Insider, which states that Costner has no legal basis for his request. "This RFO (request for order) seeks to kick Christine and their three children out of the house that the children have lived in for their entire lives," the filing read. "Although the legal basis for Kevin's request to kick his wife and children out of their home is all but nonexistent, this is still a matter of critical importance for Christine."
A judge has not made a ruling on the issue yet. Luckily, Costner's real estate portfolio comprises many other residences—including a 160-acre ranch in Aspen, Colorado—that he can frequent in the meantime.
Love knowing what your favorite stars are up to? Same. Let’s keep up with them together.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
Kelly Allen is the Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she creates design, culture, and travel content online and in the magazine. She’s been on the team since 2019, writing features on dreamy TV sets and movie filming locations, in-depth city guides, and inspiring home tours. From researching ethereal estates to discovering can’t-miss set decoration details onscreen, she’s always eager to answer burning pop culture questions through a design lens. In her five-year career, she’s built a strong network of designers across disciplines to tap for their invaluable expertise. Her background includes honing reporting skills while tackling viral news for Delish and contributing to Cosmopolitan’s entertainment coverage. When she’s not watching every new film and TV show, she’s browsing vintage home stores, attending industry events, and wandering around New York City—highlighting it all on Instagram.
