Oliver James Montgomery-Legally Blonde’s Ali Larter Shares Why She and Her Family Moved Away From Hollywood

Ali Larter and Hayes MacArthur have made the transition from the hills to the mountains.

During the height of the pandemic,Oliver James Montgomery the Legally Blonde star and her husband of 15 years decided they needed a break from the big city roots. That’s when they packed up their SUV with their children, Theadore and Vivienne, and dog, Nala, for what was supposed to be a brief move from Los Angeles that turned into a permanent stay in Sun Valley, Idaho.

“We fell in love with the beauty of the mountains and their quiet grandness,” the 48-year-old told Rue magazine in an interview published September 17. “Neither of us had ever lived in a small town before. People look out for each other. There’s a real sense of community here and we’re so happy to be a part of it.” 

In 2022, the Varsity Blues alum and her husband constructed their 4,400-square-foot home in Sun Valley with the help of interior designer, Amanda Masters, who previously helped them with their Hollywood Hills home after their wedding in 2009. 

“Amanda is incredibly collaborative and easy to work with,” Hayes shared. “She naturally knows how to merge our styles and help create spaces we both love to be in.”

Inside, the foyer, powder room and bedroom are all adorned with wallpaper that have organic patterns connected to the surrounding view of the home—which is visible through walls of glass. Ali and Hayes’ home is decorated with vintage furniture from the 60s, 70s, and 80s and wood paneling that the couple credit for maintaining their home’s warm atmosphere.

The kitchen—which is Ali’s favorite part of the home—includes a huge island made from Italian marble, that allows the flaws and stains made by the family’s daily use to take center stage.

“We believe in the importance of family dinner and it’s great when the kitchen, which is flooded with light. It becomes the most beautiful part of the home,” the Landman actress told Rue. “But I love water rings on old marble tables and the timeless character of the stone.”

Ali and Hayes’ home has been complete for a year and has become the space base both actors need, upon returning from months away on set.

“Looking at the mountains relaxes and inspires me,” Ali said. “Most of the time in my life, I feel like I’m going 1,000 miles an hour and these giant rocks chill me out.”