Josh Connor, the fiancé of Christine Baumgartner, has made headlines by listing his Montecito home for $7.3 million, just days after he proposed to her during an intimate beach dinner on January 26, 2025. This move signals both his commitment to Baumgartner and his desire to begin their new chapter together, following her contentious divorce from actor Kevin Costner.
The five-bedroom, five-bathroom property spans 2,899 square feet and boasts luxurious amenities. Features such as a spacious spa, outdoor heaters for entertaining, and electric vehicle charging stations add appeal to the listing. According to reports, Connor purchased the home for $2.2 million back in March 2022, indicating the potential for significant profit should he sell it at the current asking price.
Located just 7.5 miles from Costner’s own home in Carpinteria, the couple might be hoping the distance helps them avoid any awkward run-ins with Baumgartner's ex-husband. Baumgartner and Costner finalized their divorce nearly a year ago, after 19 years of marriage during which they welcomed three children together. Costner's $145 million property, with its vast estate, marked the spot where their family life unfolded, making the emotional shift to new beginnings for both parties especially poignant.
Connor's recent engagement to Baumgartner appears to wrap up quite swiftly after her divorce. According to sources, the couple's engagement was not unexpected among their inner circle. One insider noted, "They are both over the moon and excited for their future together." Just as the rain began to fall on the beach where Connor proposed, it seemed perfect timing for their commitment to each other.
Both Baumgartner and Connor are parents themselves; she shares her three children—Cayden, 17; Hayes, 15; and Grace, 14—with Costner; meanwhile, Connor has two children from his previous marriage. Their respective experiences of parenthood will undoubtedly play a significant role as they navigate their new relationship together, prompting thoughts on how best to merge their families.
Although the couple had known each other through prior connections—Connor being mutual friends with Baumgartner and Costner—it wasn't until recently, amid the finalization of Baumgartner's divorce, when their relationship blossomed. TMZ reported on Connor's motivations behind listing the home, implying it may be part of their efforts to start fresh.
The newly engaged couple's plan to establish privacy could be beneficial as they move forward together, especially considering Baumgartner's history with Costner, who has made comments on the emotional toll the divorce has taken on him. He expressed feeling "powerful" emotions during the split and acknowledged the challenges involved, particularly for their children. His focus remains on providing stability for them during this transitional phase.
This move to sell the Montecito property, paired with the opportunity for Baumgartner and Connor to create new memories, signifies not just new beginnings but perhaps the formation of new family dynamics as well. Their mutual support appears to be at the core of their relationship, particularly as they take on blended family challenges.
The couple hasn't commented publicly on their future plans, but their engagement and the sale of Connor's home undeniably paint the picture of moving forward with both intention and excitement. Reflecting on Baumgartner's tough experiences from her years with Costner, indications suggest she has found someone who aligns more closely with her values, including shared principles on family.
The community of Montecito, known for its celebrity residents and luxury properties, could see considerable interest from prospective buyers drawn to the elegant features of Connor's home. With its listing announced only days after the engagement, observers are watching closely as the couple embarks on this new life chapter together.
Now, as they look to the future, Baumgartner and Connor seem ready to chart their own course together, separating themselves from the past. It's another look at the resilience of relationships, particularly those forged from the ashes of past struggles.
Both have faced their share of challenges; Baumgartner's divorce was fraught with disputes over child custody and financial arrangements. Meanwhile, Connor's decision to sell marks a definitive step toward commitment. The upcoming transition brings curiosity about how they will navigate life as partners and parents moving forward.
Their story continues to evolve, with people hopeful for this fresh start, emphasizing love and the pursuit of happiness beyond previous marital difficulties. It remains to be seen how their plans will take shape and what this next chapter will hold.
For now, the couple’s supporters celebrate their union and anticipate what new adventures lie ahead for Josh and Christine as they carve out their place together amid past narratives.