John Easterling is pondering his decision to sell the California ranch that he once shared with his late wife, Olivia Newton-John. In a conversation with PEOPLE, he revealed that he was unable to consider selling the property during the first year following Olivia’s death from breast cancer in August 2022.
As time passed, however, he began to travel extensively, spending time in locations such as Peru, Florida, and Australia. “I realized I’m hardly ever here, and it felt like the right moment to allow someone else to enjoy this space,” he shared. “We made wonderful memories here, but now it’s time for someone else to find peace, serenity, and beauty in this place.”
Easterling feels a “strong presence” of Olivia at the ranch but believes it’s time for new memories to be made there
He further commented, “This would be a fantastic environment for a family with young children to explore and have fun.” In June 2024, he put the 12-acre Santa Ynez estate on the market for $8.9 million.
“It truly is a stunning property,” he said. “Standing here now, I’m appreciating its beauty, but it feels very different being here alone. I believe others in similar situations can relate.” Easterling also expressed that he continues to sense a “very strong presence” from Olivia.
The residence spans 4,450 square feet and boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a two-bedroom guest house, an outdoor kitchen, a swimming pool, and a four-car garage. Additional features include a barn, stable, arena, and expansive pastures.
A recently released video by Carey Kendall of Village Properties, the listing agent, highlights the property’s features and offers stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County.
The video emphasizes that the home provided the couple with “the utmost privacy,” portraying it as a “spiritual oasis” they cultivated together. Kendall previously mentioned to PEOPLE that “John and Olivia recognized the unique charm of this property when they bought it years ago; they searched far and wide before concluding that this was their magical sanctuary!”
He added, “The expansive feeling is remarkable, the flowing water in front of the ranch is delightful, and the intricate details of the architecture truly set this home apart!” Newton-John and Easterling first met in the mid-2000s while collaborating on an environmental nonprofit initiative, eventually marrying in June 2008.
Their wedding included two ceremonies: one was an Incan spiritual ceremony on a mountaintop in Peru, and the other was a more private gathering with friends and family in Florida.
In June, Easterling mentioned to PEOPLE that aside from the items he and Newton-John’s daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi, intended to keep, many of Olivia’s personal belongings would be auctioned at Julien’s Auctions later this year.
He noted, “A portion of the auction proceeds will support the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which is making advancements in plant medicine and cancer research. This was Olivia’s vision, and I promised to see it through.”
