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Christine Baumgartner, known to many as the ex-wife of Hollywood star Kevin Costner, is seemingly making significant changes in her lifestyle to be closer to her new boyfriend, Josh Connor. This shift in her living situation has caught the attention of many, especially considering the public nature of her high-profile divorce from Costner.
Reports indicate that Baumgartner has opted to downsize her luxurious living arrangements, moving from a lavish $40,000-a-week rental in Montecito to a more modest, yet still impressive, $22,000-a-month home. While this might still seem extravagant to most, it’s a noticeable downgrade from her previous residence. The new home, though smaller with only three bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, lacks some of the amenities of her former abode, such as a large swimming pool and custom fittings. The backyard is also significantly smaller. However, this move is strategic: the new home is located less than two miles away from Connor’s residence, according to DailyMail.
Photographs obtained by DailyMail show that despite the downsizing, Baumgartner’s new home remains quite substantial. Compared to her previous four-bedroom home, which boasted a large swimming pool and other luxurious features, the new place is more restrained but still opulent by average standards. This change indicates Baumgartner’s willingness to prioritize proximity to Connor over sheer luxury.
Baumgartner’s focus is not solely on her new romance; she continues to balance her responsibilities as a mother, co-parenting with Costner. The public has closely followed their divorce proceedings, which were marked by financial disputes and personal jabs, making headlines regularly.
The timeline of Baumgartner and Connor’s relationship has also been a topic of interest and speculation. Allegedly, the two have been dating since early 2024. Costner has suggested that there may have been some overlap between Baumgartner’s relationship with him and her new one with Connor. Baumgartner and Connor reportedly met through their daughters, both 13, who are close friends. Adding another layer to the story, Connor and Costner were friends before the new relationship began.
Friends of the couple have revealed to DailyMail that Connor has been openly sharing his serious intentions towards Baumgartner with his business associates and friends. “Josh knows he can give her what Kevin didn’t, even though he is a high-powered executive with his own demanding career,” a source stated. “He also knows how important her children are to her – as his are to him. Trying to blend two families isn’t easy but she’s worth it.”
This transition highlights Baumgartner’s commitment to her new relationship, showing a willingness to adjust her living standards and perhaps signaling a desire for a more grounded lifestyle closer to her partner. Despite the public scrutiny and the complications that come with blending two families, it seems Baumgartner and Connor are determined to make their relationship work.
Baumgartner’s decision to move closer to Connor is not just a romantic gesture but also a practical one, reflecting her prioritization of family and partnership over the trappings of luxury. This move suggests that she values the proximity and the potential ease it brings to their relationship and their respective children’s lives.
In the backdrop of her divorce from Costner, which has been anything but private, Baumgartner’s new chapter with Connor represents a significant shift. It’s a move away from the tumult of a highly publicized separation towards what she hopes will be a more stable and supportive environment. Despite the luxury that still surrounds her, the choice to downsize indicates a prioritization of personal connections and family harmony over the sheer extravagance of her previous lifestyle.
As Baumgartner continues to navigate her new life, it remains to be seen how this relationship will evolve and how the blended family dynamics will play out. For now, her decision to move closer to Connor and adjust her living situation reflects a deep commitment to her new relationship and her children’s well-being, showcasing her readiness to embrace a new chapter with a blend of pragmatism and optimism.