PartnerRe chief executive officer Patrick Thiele and his wife Jane have bought a Minnesota property for $1.8 million from movie star Jessica Lange.

A report on the Associated Press wire yesterday said the Washington County Assessor's Office, had confirmed the insurance executive as the new owner.

The home of Lange and Sam Shepard was sold in September for $1.825 million. At that time, the names of the buyers weren't disclosed.

Mr. Thiele has been the chief executive officer of the Bermuda-based reinsurer since 2000.

He formally worked for Minnesota-based insurer The St. Paul, now Travelers, for 20 years, leaving his position as head of worldwide insurance operations in 1998.

Ms Lange bought the former bed-and-breakfast in 1994 for $415,000. She and Mr. Shepard lived there about nine years and raised their three children there.

The property includes a 6,000-square-foot home, tiered gardens and sweeping St. Croix River views. When the estate was offered for sale in 2004, the price was $3.3 million.