New reports claim that James Van Der Beek bought his rented Texas ranch for $4.76 million, just over a month before he died from colorectal cancer at age 48 on February 11.
According to Realtor.com, property records show that the late Dawson’s Creek star officially bought the sprawling property on January 9 through an LLC, which is managed by a California attorney.
There is no record of the property being publicly listed, as the deal is said to have taken place off-market.
News of the sale comes after donations for a GoFundMe campaign for James’ family, his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah, reached over $2.5 million.
The page was set up to help with the financial strain of his medical care, which has “left the family out of funds.”
“They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time,” the campaign description reads.
© InstagramJames reportedly bought his family’s rented Texas ranch for just under $4.8m
“The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead. Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.”
James and his family relocated from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020. The property is set on 36 acres in Spicewood, a rural town just outside of Austin.
© Getty ImagesKimberly said James’ medical bills ‘left the family out of funds’
The ranch has much more room for the children, including five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, balconies with views of the Pedernales River nearby, and a barn.
“The space available in Texas … where we’re at, it’s expansive, and there’s a lot of space, and I feel that for a big family … it was just really, really necessary for us,” Kimberly explained during an Instagram live.
The family relocated to Texas during the pandemic for a complete lifestyle overhaul. “We wanted to get the kids out of Los Angeles. We wanted to give them space, and we wanted them to live in nature,” James previously told Austin Life magazine.
James and his family previously lived in a two-storey Spanish colonial-inspired home in Beverly Hills, which featured four bedrooms, 3,134 square feet of living space, a chef’s kitchen, a spa, and a guesthouse.
The late actor opened up about moving his family to Austin in an Instagram post at the time, sharing several photos of their empty house in Beverly Hills. “Sometimes a fuller life begins with an empty house,” he penned.
© InstagramJames and his family relocated to Texas in 2020
“Leaving Los Angeles incredibly grateful for all the friends and memories we’ve made here. Onto the next big adventure!”
James revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in late 2024. Kimberly announced his death in a family statement on February 11.
© WireImageJames died on February 11, 2026
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” it read. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.
“For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” it concluded.