“Tom Selleck’s California Farm Devastated by Drought: ‘It Just Breaks Your Heart'”

Tom Selleck Finds Solace on His Ventura County Ranch Despite Drought Challenges

Tom Selleck once shared that his Ventura County ranch has been vital for his peace of mind. However, the property has faced significant hardships due to a series of droughts that devastated nearly all of his crops.

“That just breaks your heart,” the Blue Bloods star told People in an interview on April 16. Thankfully, after recent rains, he noted that the struggling plants are recovering, showing signs of healthy growth.

At 79, Tom purchased the estate in 1988, shortly after his time on Magnum, P.I. The ranch was originally a thriving avocado farm with over 1,500 trees, but droughts have severely impacted the landscape. Fortunately, his wildflowers have thrived, continuing to bloom in cycles despite the dry conditions. “I’ve planted them for years, and they bloom in cycles,” he explained. “When it’s coldest, one blooms, and then another follows. I know it sounds silly, but I just enjoy watching them grow.”

One of the greatest joys for Tom has been embracing a quieter life away from the spotlight. “I do grunt work and make the rounds,” he shared. “I like watching things grow. It’s a retreat.”

He lives on the ranch with his wife, Jillie Mack, and their daughter Hannah. Tom is also a father to son Kevin, from his first marriage to Jacqueline Ray. Reflecting on his choice to move away from Hollywood, he said, “I understood what being a public person entailed, but experiencing it was different. I had this feeling of, ‘I don’t think I’m cut out for this.’”

His commitment to family and his marriage influenced his decision to settle in such a private setting. “People would say, ‘He was bitten by the acting bug’ or ‘He wanted to be a star,’” Tom noted. “I’ve never thought that way. I just wanted to get a job and work.”

Describing his acting journey as “a long road,” Tom expressed gratitude for where life has led him. “A cigar and a glass of whiskey is a nice way to end the day,” he said. “I’ve had a very good life, a very lucky life. It’s not exactly what I envisioned, but I’m filled with gratitude.”