Ali Larter on Leaving L.A. for Idaho with Husband Hayes MacArthur: See Inside Her Home

Ali Larter has built her dream home far from the lights of Hollywood.

Despite having always lived in big cities, the actress — whose new Paramount+ series Landman premieres in November — unexpectedly found her place in the small town of Sun Valley, Idaho, with her husband Hayes MacArthur and their two kids.

“We fell in love with the beauty of the mountains and their quiet grandness,” Larter explains in a cover story for the new issue of Rue Magazine. “Neither of us had ever lived in a small town before,” says the Legally Blonde and Varsity Blues alum. “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 addition to the close-knit feel, the couple agree that the scenery often serves as a gentle reminder to live in the moment.

“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,” the actress notes.

MacArthur, who next appears alongside Jack Black in the holiday movie Dear Santa, adds, “The mountains have a way of grounding you and slowing you down—especially when you’re stuck in traffic because there’s a herd of elk blocking the road.” 

The couple unexpectedly ended up in Idaho after they set out on a road trip from Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic with their kids, Theodore and Vivienne, and their dog Nala.

Since the movie business was “at a total standstill” at the time, Larter says, “We figured it was an opportunity to go on an adventure as a family. And we just started driving north.”

By 2022, they got to work building their dream home in Sun Valley, which they finished almost one year ago. The newly-constructed, 4,400-square-foot property is spread out across two acres of land.

While constructing the home, Larter knew she wanted to create something that “fit into the natural geography of Sun Valley but didn’t have that traditional ‘cabiny’ feel,” she says. “We wanted walls of glass that showcase and invite the gorgeous scenery into the home.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

They brought their vision for the interiors to life with the help of designer Amanda Masters, who also designed their first home in the Hollywood Hills nearly 15 years earlier. 

The actress was drawn to a neutral color palette to help amplify the home’s natural light and bring warmth into the space, which is why they chose white oak wood paneling throughout.

One of Larter’s favorite rooms is the kitchen, which features an Italian marble island with a waterfall countertop. The space also offers a stunning view of the mountains that Larter especially appreciates as it draws her entire family together for meals.

“We believe in the importance of family dinner and it’s great when the kitchen is flooded with light. It becomes the most beautiful part of the home,” she says.

Read the full article about Ali Larter’s Idaho home on ruemag.com and on newsstands Sept. 17.