
Arnold Schwarzenegger Lives a Quiet Life at 78 in an L.A. House with His Girlfriend and Six Pets – 30+ Photos
Homemade oatmeal cookies, a pig with a taste for soup, and multiple pets with free rein over a multimillion-dollar estate — this is not a children's fable. It's everyday life for Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Terminator turned tender-hearted animal dad.
At 78, action star Arnold Schwarzenegger lives far from the red carpet and closer to the rustle of hooves and squeals of joy. Sharing his Mediterranean-style mansion with his partner and a parade of beloved animals, Arnold's life is now ruled by oatmeal, routine, and unconditional love.

Arnold Schwarzenegger shares a cookie with his pig in a photo posted on January 17, 2024 | Source: Facebook/arnold
With more than 30 photos offering a rare look inside this personal world, the setting reveals a different side of Arnold not often seen by the public.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Heather Milligan attend the opening day of the Munich Oktoberfest on September 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Welcome to Arnold's Private Animal Sanctuary
Nestled in the Pacific Palisades, one of L.A.'s most elite gated neighborhoods, Arnold's Mediterranean-style estate sprawls across more than two and a half acres, offering sweeping views of the ocean and canyons alike.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Pacific Palisades estate, from a video dated December 26, 2021 | Source: YouTube/@estatecentralyt

Arnold Schwarzenegger locks in during a chess match at home in a photo posted on January 12, 2024 | Source: Facebook/arnold

Arnold Schwarzenegger enjoys a sunny outdoor chess match in a photo posted on August 7, 2025 | Source: Facebook/arnold
The house once served as a bustling home base for a high-profile family. Today, it's a more private space, shared with his longtime partner, Heather Milligan, and six animals who move between the house and grounds with apparent freedom.

Arnold Schwarzenegger prepares to speak on camera in a photo posted on October 17, 2020 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger
Heather, a physical therapist, has stood by Arnold's side in both public and private chapters. Together, the couple live a life far removed from Hollywood glamour — one focused instead on daily habits, animal feeding schedules, and homemade treats.

Arnold Schwarzenegger talks to his dog and donkey while using a tablet in a photo posted on July 30, 2021 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger
The Pig Who Loves Soup and the Horse Who Gets Cookies
Miniature horse Whiskey, donkey Lulu, a pig with a discerning palate, and a crew of loyal dogs aren't just pets — they're family. And each one gets star treatment worthy of a Schwarzenegger production.

Arnold Schwarzenegger cradles his pig while relaxing with his dogs in a photo posted on July 8, 2023 | Source: Facebook/arnold
In one adorable Instagram snap, Lulu leans lovingly toward Arnold’s drink, and he captions it, "Lulu wants me to share absolutely everything with her. Lockdown has spoiled her."

Arnold Schwarzenegger holds a drink as his donkey Lulu leans in for a sip in a photo posted on May 15, 2021 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger
Spoiled is putting it mildly. Arnold's son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, once painted a scene straight out of a Disney film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger works out with his donkey by his side in a photo from a clip dated May 28, 2020 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger poses with a donkey, a guest, and an Oscar at the dinner table in a photo posted on April 29, 2023 | Source: Facebook/arnold
"He's got the oatmeal cookies, the homemade oatmeal cookies that are good for the horses," he shared. "He's got the special meals for the dog. He's got the soup that the pig loves. It's just like — it's out of a movie. It really is."

Arnold Schwarzenegger beams with his dog and pig in a photo posted on August 6, 2023 | Source: Facebook/arnold
Even actor and longtime friend Rob Lowe couldn't help but swoon, "I love that Arnold has the mini horse and the pig, and it's so... makes me want to do that."

Arnold Schwarzenegger appears to teach his pig chess in a photo posted on August 15, 2023 | Source: Facebook/arnold

Arnold Schwarzenegger relaxes in a hot tub with his dog standing guard in a photo posted on January 2, 2021 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger
The animals surround Arnold during meals, walks, and quiet afternoons, creating what Patrick called "such a Dr. Doolittle meets just kind of like this midlife crisis but happiness and calmer side of life."

Arnold Schwarzenegger with his miniature horse and donkey in a photo posted on March 16, 2020 | Source: Facebook/arnold

Arnold Schwarzenegger cuddles his dog in a photo posted on February 22, 2022 | Source: Facebook/arnold
A Gated Estate Still Filled with Family
While Arnold now lives a more secluded life, his home remains a hub for family. His five adult children — Katherine, Christina, Patrick, Christopher, and Joseph — visit regularly.

Arnold Schwarzenegger holds his dog and daughter Katherine’s book "Maverick and Me" in a photo posted on September 5, 2017 | Source: Facebook/arnold

Arnold Schwarzenegger stands with his miniature horse and donkey in a photo posted on April 4, 2020 | Source: Facebook/arnold
The seven-bedroom estate easily accommodates their stays, offering space for shared meals, casual gatherings, and time outdoors.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reads Battle for the Soul in a photo posted on May 27, 2021 | Source: Facebook/arnold

Arnold Schwarzenegger poses with a guest in a photo posted on July 23, 2021 | Source: Facebook/arnold
Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher are Arnold's children with Maria Shriver, his former wife of 25 years. Their highly publicized marriage ended when their divorce was finalized in December 2021, after ten and a half years of legal delays.

A view from Arnold Schwarzenegger's estate looking out toward the hills in a post dated April 9, 2024 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger prepares treats for his animals in the kitchen in a photo from a clip dated September 8, 2023 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger
According to TMZ, it became one of Hollywood's most prolonged splits due to a complicated property settlement and a reported mutual "lack of motivation."

Arnold Schwarzenegger walks through his estate with his pig following behind in a video posted on April 9, 2024 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger spends time with his miniature horse and donkey in a clip posted on October 3, 2023 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger
Even after the split, Arnold and Maria have remained cordial, frequently appearing together at family functions. The divorce followed the public revelation that Arnold had fathered a child, Joseph Baena, with the family's housekeeper.

Arnold Schwarzenegger snaps a selfie with his miniature horse in a photo posted on June 22, 2018 | Source: Facebook/arnold

Arnold Schwarzenegger shares a carrot with his miniature horse in a photo posted on November 14, 2014 | Source: Facebook/arnold
In her 2025 book, "I Am Maria," Maria reflected on the collapse of their 25-year marriage. "Honestly, it was brutal, and I was terrified," she wrote.

Dogs watch ducks swim in Arnold Schwarzenegger's pool in a photo from a clip dated March 18, 2023 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger stands with his donkey in the courtyard of his estate in a photo from a clip dated March 18, 2023 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger
Daily Glimpses of Life Inside
Online photos offer rare peeks into this highly private world — and they reveal a man deeply immersed in his surroundings. Whether he's feeding animals, preparing meals from scratch, or relaxing outdoors with pets nearby, the images show a slower, more grounded pace.

Arnold Schwarzenegger lies on the grass with his dog Dutch in a photo posted on July 28, 2020 | Source: Instagram/schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger sits at the table with his dog, miniature horse, and donkey in a photo posted on January 14, 2020 | Source: Facebook/arnold
The images carry a striking consistency — not polished or promotional, but habitual. A window into a home that's structured around care, routine, and a surprising amount of oatmeal.