From Shah Rukh Khan to Chris Hemsworth, 10 celebrities who have embraced country living

When city life gets too frantic for the crème de la crème, it's the peace of the countryside that they crave. More and more famous faces are heading to quiet suburbs, peaceful villages and tranquil small towns for a respite from fame stress. Country escapes provide elbow room, quiet, and the opportunity to be close to nature. It's an opportunity to focus on wellness and get away from the hectic lifestyle of city living. HELLO! India looks at some of the celebrities from across the world and the stunning country homes they own.

(Also Read: The cool-cation trend is shaping Indian travel this winter)

1. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's stunning country home in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, is an oceanfront compound that is the ultimate epitome of luxury. The well-over-12,000-square-foot compound sits atop a hill on 5.5 acres of property and boasts stunning Atlantic Ocean views and a secluded private beach. The exterior of the residence is classic New England-style, complete with white clapboard siding, porches, and stately, dignified windows that permit sunshine to flow in. On the inside, the house is a dramatic mixture of modern sophistication and warm cosiness, with a neutral color scheme, vintage-inspired furniture, and custom artwork that is characteristic of Swift's elegant yet warm personal style. An open living space, and a high-tech kitchen make the home perfect for entertaining friends and relatives, and the outdoor spaces—including a pool, large patios, and a dock—make it a space to party and unwind. As a sanctuary for Taylor; it serves as a retreat from which to escape the constant spotlight of fame and enjoy the wonder of nature, where she has had parties and celebrations to rest and recharge from the high-wattage existence she leads. 

2. Oprah Winfrey

The expansive 65-acre Montecito mansion of Oprah Winfrey offers a tranquil haven away from the spotlight while fusing luxury and the natural world. The main house; built in the Mediterranean style, has well-decorated interiors with high ceilings, lots of windows, and sweeping views of the surroundings. A personal vineyard, vegetable and herb gardens, and several guest houses are all part of the estate. To provide peaceful walks amid the natural splendour of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in the background, Oprah has carefully included private hiking routes and outside features including patios, a hot tub, and a swimming pool.

3. Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep has owned several magnificent homes but one such grand residence is a sprawling country estate located in the heart of Connecticut—a secluded 47-acre retreat offering rolling farmlands, a serene lake, and lush greenery. The property itself comprised several rustic barns, a caretaker's cottage, and an art studio; which allowed Streep to raise her children in a secluded community that appreciated the simplicity and charm of country life. The understated elegance of the estate, along the lines of classic New England architecture, provides a stark yet harmonious contrast to many homes she has owned. Another of Streep's homes was an eye-catching mid-century modern design in Pasadena, California, which was characteristically sleek and known for its brilliant views. Created from a fine example of 20th-century architecture with large floor-to-ceiling glass walls, it was complemented with a boisterous two-story living room and an open-concept design that opened to the outside setting. These homes represent two sides of Streep clearly as her living spaces encompass a balance between rustic simplicity, character, and contemporary sophistication in the tranquil Connecticut countryside and the sleek, elegant airiness of the mid-century Californian.

4. Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth’s country home in Byron Bay, Australia, is a stunning, eco-conscious retreat that perfectly balances luxury with nature. Nestled on sprawling acreage, the property offers sweeping views of the surrounding forests and coastal landscapes, making it an idyllic escape from the celebrity spotlight. The house itself combines modern architecture with natural elements such as wood and stone, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Large windows and open-plan rooms allow for plenty of natural light and panoramic views, while the spacious outdoor areas—featuring a large pool, deck, and expansive gardens—offer a tranquil setting for the Hemsworth family to unwind and entertain. The home is equipped with solar power, water-saving systems, and energy-efficient designs, reflecting Hemsworth's commitment to minimizing his environmental impact. The property also includes areas for growing vegetables and herbs, showcasing the family’s passion for self-sufficiency and healthy living. Ultimately, this country home serves as a peaceful sanctuary where Hemsworth and his family can embrace a slower, more balanced lifestyle.

5. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga's country refuge in the Hamptons is everything posh and private, set upon several rolling acres of tranquil land as a hideaway from the public long since. Kneeling on a verdant area, the property features a modern, open-concept style with high-end materials and finishes, a confluence of modern sophistication and eclectic design. Large windows set wallpapered against nature flood the house with light; not only this, but they also give the occupants beautiful views of the green yards beyond. The Hamptons property is a retreat where Gaga can refresh simply in nature, away from the demands of fame.

6. Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi embraced country living with a sprawling countryside estate in the Cotswolds after relocating from California; thus turning a traditional English farmhouse on a 43-acre property into their rural retreat complete with modern interiors and expansive views of the hills. While they initially planned the home as part-time, the move became permanent, reflecting a quieter lifestyle away from Hollywood before they later listed that farmhouse to further shifted to another nearby residence with space better suited for their stable of horses.

7. Kate Winslet

Much more than a mere beautiful property, Kate Winslet's country retreat in West Sussex, England, is a sanctuary where the eminent actress can find peace in the privacy of her own home. Nestled deep within the bounds of an expansive panoramic estate, the residence is surrounded by a serene environment reflecting her inclination to retreat from her larger-than-life persona. The property comes with a homely and inviting interior developed keeping up the elegance with the comforts to go with. Spacious living quarters, a large and well-equipped kitchen, and a cosy ambiance may be cited as a family-friendly hangout place for fun evenings as well as throwing occasional get-togethers. One thing she doesn't turn down is the chance to grow and commune outdoors. Both the house and the extended estate somehow feel like an isolated sanctuary far away from London.

8. Beyonce

Nestled in East Hampton, New York, Pond House is an unassuming yet exquisitely refined estate that embodies timeless luxury and quiet sophistication. Designed over a century ago by renowned architect Stanford White, the historic residence retains its original architectural integrity while embracing modern comfort. Set on two acres of private land, the property offers sweeping countryside views and rare seclusion, a striking contrast to its owners’ highly public lives. A meticulous two-year renovation introduced contemporary amenities while preserving its classical charm. With tranquil ponds, expansive grounds, and elegant design, Pond House serves as a serene retreat for Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

9. Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan's Alibaug home—close enough to visit yet far enough to escape the constant din of Mumbai—became an upscale sea getaway shelter that perfectly suited his family. It is situated in the peaceful Alibaug town, which is a a few hours by road (or an even quicker journey by the ferry!) from Mumbai. Bright light from with large windows, ceilings with bamboo screens; this house has plush finishes with touches of modern designs coexisting with nature's spectacular beauty. The land includes open lawn areas and various formal gardens with world-class amenities such as a massive swimming pool and games rooms hidden within entertaining settings for few close friends and family. It grants splendid panoramic views over the Arabian Sea, which is just easily accessible from the beach and allows the family Khan to revel in the coastal view. It is an extravagant hideout for actor Shah Rukh Khan that merges luxury, nature, and privacy.

(Also Read: A slow start to the year awaits you at these luxurious Indian getaways)

10. Hrithik Roshan

In the peaceful woods of Lonavala, the country home of Hrithik Roshan is nothing less than a luxurious retreat. Amidst the lush hill and scenic beauty of Lonavala, the property offers modern and minimalist architecture that blends itself seamlessly with the natural environment. The interiors are spacious with a central theme of natural light, open spaces, and subtle elegance. They have large windows greeting a panoramic view of the lushness outside. The house is also enhanced by broad outdoor zones, including lavishly decorated gardens, exclusive patios and a streamlined pool. The homages to Hrithik's input toward nature are represented by using flowing indoor and outdoor areas, which help him to recharge and catch a quiet moment among the greenery. The Lonavala House has been the perfect mix of modern luxury, comfort, and communion with nature when hosting small family gatherings or just seeking a respite.

Text by: Riya Jha

Edited by: Dayle Pereira-Alemao

(Also Read: 9 destinations from across the world that will shape travel in 2026)