Val Kilmer Gave Up His Ranch & Spent Time in a Guest House — A Look Inside His Private Life Before His Death at 65 /d

Before his passing at the age of 65, Val Kilmer lived a life as layered and compelling as any of the roles he brought to the screen. While millions knew him as a Hollywood star — Batman, Jim Morrison, Doc Holliday — those closest to him knew him as a deeply thoughtful man who cherished quiet moments, nature, and the sanctuary he built far from the spotlight.

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@IGNMovieTrailers

Though he once graced the world’s biggest stages, Kilmer found his greatest peace in the seclusion of his Pecos River Ranch, nestled in the rugged beauty of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Purchased in 1991, the ranch quickly became a reflection of Val’s soul — vast, creative, and full of meaning.

The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment

Spread across nearly 6,000 acres, the ranch was more than a home; it was a retreat of canyons, pine forests, rivers, and wildlife. The main house, built in 1978, was a 5,591-square-foot adobe-style residence blending classic Southwestern charm with artistic details. It included handcrafted Navajo rugs, Pueblo drums, antique chandeliers, and museum-worthy artifacts from Native American cultures and around the globe.

The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment

The property housed multiple guest houses, stables for 22 horses, and even a six-mile stretch of the Pecos River, ideal for fly fishing. Kilmer once said, “It’s impossible to put into words the beauty and power of this land.”

The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment

He lived on the ranch with his then-wife, Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children, Mercedes and Jack. Together, they renovated the space with rich artistic elements and personal touches — a blend of New Mexican authenticity and Kilmer’s eccentric, poetic taste.

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment

But as his health and finances changed, so did his lifestyle. After the 2008 financial crisis, Kilmer sold the majority of the property in 2011. Once listed for $33 million, the final sale price came in at $18.5 million, though Kilmer held on to 14 acres of the land.

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment

Later, during his battle with throat cancer, diagnosed in 2015, Kilmer found himself needing rest, support, and care. He moved into a modest guest house in Malibu, and for a time, was cared for by his close friend and former partner Cher, who stepped in when he was at his most vulnerable.

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@IGNMovieTrailers

In his memoir “I’m Your Huckleberry”, Kilmer recalled a terrifying night at Cher’s home when he woke up vomiting blood. “Cher stepped in and stepped up,” he wrote, crediting her compassion during one of the darkest moments of his illness.

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@IGNMovieTrailers

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Famous_Entertainment

Though he survived cancer, the treatment left him with lasting effects. A tracheotomy severely impacted his voice, and he faced difficulty eating and breathing. Yet, he never stopped creating. In his final years, he painted, wrote, acted, and stayed connected with fans online.

The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated January 20, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@Oscars

His final Instagram post — just weeks before his passing — was simple and raw:
“u r enuff [sic]”
The comments flooded in.
“A legend.”
“Still our Batman.”
“You uplifted my spirit today.”

On April 1, 2025, Val Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles. His daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonia. Though he had beaten cancer, this final illness brought his remarkable life to a close.

Val is survived by Mercedes and his son Jack Kilmer, both of whom have followed in his creative footsteps. Through them, and through every performance, piece of art, and written word he left behind, Val’s presence remains — powerful, poetic, and unforgettable.