The ranch is also home to Silverado, a complete western movie town. Originally built in 1984 as a set for the Lawrence Kasdan epic, “Silverado,” it has since been used as a location for such classic westerns as “Lonesome Dove,” “All The Pretty Horses,” “Cowboys and Aliens” and “3:10 to Yuma.” In 2011, it was used in the Marvel romp “Thor” with Chris Hemsworth.

Originally known as Cook Ranch, the entire 22,000-acre spread was previously owned by Montana rancher Bill Cook and his wife Marian. In 2001, they sold it to Ford, who official changed its name to Cerro Pelon Ranch. “Cerro Pelon” means, rather unflatteringly, Bald Hill.  

He immediately brought-in Pritzker Prize-winner Ando to create a main residence that would complement the surrounding rugged landscape. The self-taught architect is best-known for his work on the Armani Teatro in Milan, Fort Worth’s Modern Art Museum and the Ground Zero Project in lower Manhattan.

The extraordinarily long, flat-roofed, bunker-like home features floor-to-ceiling glass and appears to float above a shallow, lake-like reflecting pool. The completely unstructured, open-plan design features a living area that flows seamlessly into a bedroom area.

Adjoining the home, however, is an eight-stall, ultra-modern horse barn and indoor/outdoor riding arenas, designed to satisfy Ford’s passion for riding. Along with it are literally hundreds of miles of trails.

Close by are two private, stand-alone guest houses, designed and built by internationally-recognized architects Marmot Radziner, who also oversaw the construction of the main house.

The property also includes a tennis court, four staff quarters, an office building, hidden warehouses and even a private runway and hangar.

Tom Ford

Famous owners