Beloved actor James Van Der Beek, famous for his iconic role in Dawson’s Creek, found his true “sanctuary” far away from the bright lights of Hollywood. In a series of moving photos, we see James enjoying the quiet, rural life he built for his family on their sprawling ranch in Texas.
Trading Hollywood for the Lone Star State
In 2020, James and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, made a major life change. They packed up their bags and moved their six children from Los Angeles to a 36-acre ranch in Spicewood, Texas, just outside of Austin.
James often spoke about how the move was “centering” for his family. He wanted his kids—Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah—to grow up surrounded by nature, wide-open skies, and the freedom to explore.
James Van Der Beek Texas Ranch 5
James Van Der Beek Texas Ranch 4
Life as a “Hippie Cowboy”
The photos of James on the ranch show a man who was truly at peace. Whether he was wearing a cowboy hat, tending to the land, or playing with his children by the river, he embraced the “Texas way of life.”
The property, which sits along the beautiful Pedernales River, features:
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Wide Open Spaces: Plenty of room for the kids to run and for the family to grow their own food.
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Connection to Nature: James loved the “energy” of the land, which he first felt while filming Varsity Blues in Texas years ago.
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Family Traditions: The ranch became a place for holiday celebrations, outdoor adventures, and quiet moments away from the paparazzi.
James Van Der Beek Texas Ranch 3
James Van Der Beek Texas Ranch 2
James Van Der Beek Texas Ranch
Conclusion
The photos of James Van Der Beek on his Texas ranch remind us that a “rich” life isn’t about fame or money—it’s about the people you love and the peace you find in your own backyard. He may have been a Hollywood star, but he was a Texan at heart.
What is your favorite memory of James Van Der Beek? Let’s celebrate his life and legacy in the comments.