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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The dining room showcased handcrafted furniture by Limbert, with a table set with Navajo sterling silver flatware and silver candlesticks by Jennifer Graham. An antique antler chandelier cast a soft, atmospheric glow, adding what Kilmer described as a “real feeling of mystery.”

The library, another standout feature of the home, was expanded by extending the fireplace wall. Inside, an oil painting by Jozef Bakos hung prominently, and a Moroccan star-shaped table displayed a collection of African hand axes, hammers, and other tools.

Kilmer’s master bedroom continued the home’s Southwestern aesthetic, featuring a traditional coved ceiling with exposed vigas. The bed was draped in antique lace, complemented by Navajo rugs. Kilmer noted, “Santa Fe has always been a cultural center.”

Outside, the garden, designed by Ben Haggard, was landscaped with native plants, embracing Santa Fe’s natural beauty. Kilmer often spoke about how Santa Fe’s environment felt “exposing” in a positive way, allowing him to connect deeply with his surroundings.

When not filming, most of his time was spent in this home, which served as a sanctuary. Additionally, during his time at the ranch, “The Doors” actor had a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Fishing was one of the most prized experiences on the ranch, with Pecos River offering an excellent habitat for the rare native Pecos River strain of the Rio Grande cutthroat.

The ranch was also a prime location for hunting, with opportunities to track elk and deer in the sprawling pine forests and canyons. Game bird hunting was another option, with species like Merriam’s turkey, mallards, Canada geese, pintail ducks, and teal calling the property home.

If Kilmer preferred to observe rather than hunt, birdwatching on the ranch would have been just as rewarding, with a diverse array of raptors, songbirds, and other wildlife to admire.

With its open pastures and rugged trails, Kilmer could have taken advantage of the terrain for mountain biking and hiking, immersing himself in the untamed beauty of the land.

While the ranch provided adventure, Santa Fe was just a short drive away. Kilmer could have explored the city’s renowned art galleries, museums, and historic sites or enjoyed its diverse dining and shopping options.

In 2011, the “Batman Forever” star decided to downsize, selling most of his expansive 5,328-acre Pecos River Ranch. The property was first listed for $33 million in 2009.

His attorney, Ralph H. Scheuer, noted at the time that while the property was listed, several contingencies had to be met before a sale could be finalized. Eventually, two years after its first listing, it sold for a reduced price of $18.5 million to a Texas oil and gas executive and his wife.

Despite parting with the majority of the land, Kilmer retained 14 acres, though it was unclear at the time whether he planned to remain in the area. His ranch had previously drawn media attention when reports surfaced that he owed nearly $500,000 in back taxes to the IRS.

A lien had been placed on several of his properties, including the Pecos River Ranch, adding financial strain to the actor’s situation. The sale of the land likely provided him with some financial relief while allowing him to hold onto a portion of the place he had called home.

In his 2021 memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry,” Kilmer later revealed that the 2008 financial crisis had a significant impact on his finances, ultimately forcing him to sell his beloved ranch. After parting with the property, he relocated to the Malibu coast, where he rented a secluded cottage.

In the memoir, Kilmer, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, also shared about how he ended up staying in a guest house. As his health deteriorated, Kilmer found support from his longtime friend and former partner, Cher.

She welcomed him into her guest house, ensuring he had a comfortable place to recover. He later shared in his memoir, that one particularly frightening night at her home made him realize the seriousness of his illness.

He penned, “One night I suddenly awoke vomiting blood that covered the bed like a scene out of ‘The Godfather.’ I prayed immediately, then called 911. Then alerted my hostess. Cher stepped in and stepped up.”

While Kilmer eventually overcame the disease, the journey took a toll on his health and lifestyle. The two-year battle with throat cancer left him with a weakened voice and difficulty breathing after undergoing a tracheotomy.

Despite his struggles, Kilmer credited his Christian Science faith with helping him endure the ordeal. Sadly, years later, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles.

His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that the cause was pneumonia. While he had survived throat cancer, another illness led to his demise, marking the end of an extraordinary life shaped by talent, resilience, and an enduring passion for the arts.

As much as he was no longer active in the Hollywood scene, Kilmer stayed connected to fans through social media. Following his final Instagram post, made just over one month before he died and simply captioned “u r enuff [sic],” fans flooded the comments section with messages of support, love, and admiration.

“You are looking much better!” one comment read, while another added, “Wow you look great!!!! Love this Batman ❤️” The reactions were filled with warmth and admiration.

“He speaks again! 👏👏👏” wrote one person, while another shared, “Val you looks good! The best!” Some were moved by simply seeing him again, typing, “Is that really you? Val Kilmer? This uplifted my spirits!” Others kept it short but heartfelt, adding, “The legend. ❤️🦇”

His last post now stands as a simple, powerful goodbye from a man who never stopped expressing himself. He will be remembered by his fans, friends, and family, whose life he positively impacted.

Val Kilmer is survived by Mercedes and his son Jack Kilmer. He shares his two children with his ex-wife, Whalley. The two got married in 1988 and divorced in 1996.