Vampire Diaries Star Ian Somerhalder Reveals What He Traded Hollywood Fame For, Says Only A Few Would Understand

Former Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder has traded Hollywood glamour for the simplicity of farm living—and he wouldn’t have it any other way. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the Brother’s Bond Bourbon co-founder reflected on the demanding, yet rewarding, lifestyle he shares with his family on their farm.

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‎”Living on a farm is tough, but there’s a deep respect for the land that you just don’t experience in urban areas,” Somerhalder said. “It’s a lot of work, but it keeps me balanced. Growing up in Louisiana, this way of life feels natural to me.”

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‎He noted that many Americans embrace this lifestyle, even if people in busy cities don’t fully understand it. “Urban areas might not get it, but they benefit from the high-quality produce and products that come from farms. There’s a beautiful, mutual respect that flows between these worlds.”

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‎Somerhalder, along with his wife, Twilight actress Nikki Reed, their two children, and nearly 20 animals, left Los Angeles behind in 2019. Their farm is now home to cows, mini-donkeys, goats, and a flourishing herb garden with rosemary and lavender. Raising their daughter Bodhi and their one-year-old son on the land has deepened the couple’s appreciation for nature.

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‎”Walking through the farm with the kids and dogs, pulling fresh food off trees and out of the ground—it’s an incredible experience,” Somerhalder shared. “Seeing how all these amazing creatures coexist is truly special.”

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‎Since stepping away from acting over five years ago, Somerhalder has focused on growing Brother’s Bond Bourbon, which he co-founded with Vampire Diaries co-star Paul Wesley in 2021. While the farm life is demanding, it’s exactly where he wants to be. “We produce most of our own food, I live in my cowboy boots, and honestly, I love it,” he said.

Good luck to Ian Somerhalder and his gorgeous wife Nikki Reed