Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith are preparing to leave their lavish Malibu compound after 26 years, with the actor admitting that repeated wildfire threats, the cost of maintaining the estate and a changing life in California have prompted the decision.Brosnan, 73, and Smith, 62, have divided their time between the sprawling oceanfront property and their home in Kauai, Hawaii. In a recent interview with The Times, Brosnan said the couple had been fortunate to escape the devastating wildfires that have repeatedly threatened their Malibu home, but suggested they were now ready for a change.“We’ve been spared by the fires a few times now. But I think it’s time to move. Everything changes, everything falls apart,” Brosnan said.The actor also spoke about the anxiety of living in an area vulnerable to earthquakes and wildfires, saying the couple had become increasingly reclusive.“We live by this body of earth’s water on a fault in a ring of earthquakes. That creates a fear,” he said, adding that their circle of friends in Malibu had changed over the years.
Malibu mansion survived devastating wildfires
The Brosnans have lived at their Malibu estate for 26 years. (Photo: Mike Helfrich)
The couple’s Broad Beach compound was among properties in an area that faced major wildfire danger during the January 2025 Los Angeles fires. Hollywood stars including Jeff Bridges, Mel Gibson and Paris Hilton lost homes in the devastating blazes.Brosnan’s own property has also experienced fire before. In 2015, a blaze broke out in the garage of the mansion, causing an estimated $1 million in damage. Brosnan and his family were at home at the time and evacuated after being alerted by a smoke alarm.Despite the risks, Brosnan has previously spoken warmly about his connection to Malibu. “I love Malibu,” he told the Wall Street Journal, saying the area “has my heart.” However, he also acknowledged that his home is now “very much here in the islands” of Hawaii.
$100 million compound has two residences
The Malibu compound was previously offered as a $120,000-a-month rental. (Photo: Mike Helfrich)
Brosnan created the sprawling Southeast Asian-inspired compound after purchasing two adjoining properties for a combined $7.35 million in 2000, according to property records.Located in upscale Broad Beach, the estate spans more than an acre and includes two residences with a combined five bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. The main residence, known as the Orchid House, reportedly took more than a decade to complete and covers nearly 12,500 square feet.The luxurious property features a private theatre, climate-controlled wine cellar capable of holding around 200 bottles, gym, music room and a travertine-walled spa with two soaking tubs.The neighbourhood is also home to several other Hollywood stars, including Dustin Hoffman, Ray Romano, Valerie Bertinelli and Mindy Kaling.
Brosnan admits maintaining Malibu home has been expensive
Pierce Brosnan cited wildfire fears and rising costs behind the decision to move. (Photo: Mike Helfrich)
While Brosnan’s decision to leave is partly linked to the threat of natural disasters, the actor has also acknowledged the financial pressure involved in maintaining such an expensive property.He said there had been periods when he accepted acting work primarily because he needed the income to cover the mortgage and school fees for the couple’s two sons.“There have been doldrums. I have this beautiful house in Malibu. I have to pay the mortgage. There are school fees,” Brosnan said.“There are definite moments of, oh, this boat is not quite sinking, but [it might] if we don’t get a job soon.”Asked whether that meant occasionally taking on projects he was not particularly passionate about, Brosnan admitted it had happened.“Not many. But you make peace with that,” he said. “You make the commitment because you need the money, then you show up on time and do good work.”
Couple previously tried to sell the property
Brosnan previously listed the sprawling Malibu estate for sale in 2021. (Photo: Mike Helfrich)
The Brosnans have previously tested the market for their Malibu compound. In 2004, the property was reportedly advertised as a luxury rental for $120,000 per month.Brosnan also put the estate on the market in 2021, but ultimately withdrew it without finding a buyer.The actor now appears increasingly focused on life in Hawaii, where he and Smith have maintained a home in Kauai.Brosnan, who has been married to Smith for 24 years, also spoke about his efforts to maintain an active lifestyle. He said he walks along the beach, swims, cycles and plays tennis, while crediting his wife for helping him stay disciplined.“I walk away from some of the great stuff in life: the cocktails or the beer. I stay away from the bread and the butter and the pasta,” he said.“Keely keeps me on track.”
Nicolas Cage is a nearby neighbour
Brosnan is also a neighbour of fellow Hollywood star Nicolas Cage in the Malibu area. Cage’s oceanfront property recently made headlines after a sinkhole damaged the driveway of his home.The development comes as a number of celebrities have reconsidered living in California amid wildfire risks, high property costs and other concerns. Actors including Dean Cain, Rod Stewart, Mark Wahlberg and Josh Brolin have also relocated from the state in recent years.
