Acting legend Brooke Shields has candidly opened up about how becoming an “empty nester” has helped her “rekindle” the passion in her marriage with husband Chris Henchy—four months after her daughters moved out of the family’s $6 million Hamptons home.

Shields, 59, who shot to fame at the tender age of 12 while starring in the controversial movie, “Pretty Baby,” was left devastated when her younger daughter, Grier, 18, flew the nest in September to start her freshman year at college, joining elder sister, Rowan, 21, at Wake Forest University.

However, she has since come to realize that there are advantages to once again having the house to herself—particularly after she and Henchy, who wed in 2001, spent 21 years devoting so much of their time and energy to their kids.

“My older daughter said, ‘Alright mom, time to rekindle [your relationship] with dad,’” Shields recalled in an interview with Parents. “It was such an interesting concept. It’s been over 21 years that we’ve been obsessed with them and now we have to remind ourselves why we fell in love. And I’ve changed a lot, so it requires patience.

“He needs to know that it’s not a bait and switch but that I’ve grown since we first met, and that takes time.”

Although she and Henchy have had the house to themselves since the end of August, for the past few weeks, Shields has not spent much time there—having embarked on a press tour to publicize her upcoming memoir, “Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman.”

In the book, she also addresses the idea of becoming an “empty nester,” admitting that she has learned to embrace the “freedom” that comes with having your children move out of the family home.

“Sending them both off to college has been the beginning of a whole new phase of life,” she writes in an excerpt published by DailyMail.com. “One that comes with the same fear and uncertainty my daughters are grappling with, but also the same exhilaration and freedom.

“Because suddenly I can do anything. No longer do I need to worry about picking them up, or about taking a job that will force me to travel. I also don’t have to worry about accidentally contradicting myself or opening the apps on my phone too slowly or inadvertently making a hypocritical decision or simply breathing wrong.”

Shields’ so-called “empty nest” is in fact a stunning property in Southampton, NY, which she and Henchy purchased in 2013 for just over $4 million.

Two years later, she showcased the property in a shoot with Better Homes and Gardens, while also opening up about the design process that inspired her renovations.

She wanted to achieve a “classic” style with a “contemporary edge,” she noted. She did that by creating a neutral backdrop with whitewashed floors and muted walls, while adding pops of color in the form of vibrant furniture pieces and funky artwork.

Built in 1996, the six-bedroom, eight-bath, 4,500-square-foot retreat features a paneled entry foyer, a mudroom with a washer and dryer, a living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, den, and a chef’s kitchen with a family room and fireplace.

The primary suite features a gas fireplace and marble bath with a steam shower and a heated floor. The lower level contains a separate entrance, a media room, and a walk-in cedar closet.

Outside, the half-acre landscaped grounds include vegetable gardens, a pool, and a pool house with a covered porch, bath, and kitchenette. The property comes with an outdoor shower and a garage.

Realtor.com® estimates suggest the home is now valued at about $6 million. It offers a desirable in-town location that is close to the ocean beaches.

Shields, who also owns a Greenwich Village townhouse, recently shared a rare glimpse inside her Southampton home while filming a video for Architectural Digest and BMW.

Of late, however, the actress’s focus has been turned towards her book, which is set to be released Jan. 14. However, days ahead of its publication, Shields had already caused a stir after details were released about the sensitive topics she will cover.

In addition to her thoughts on empty nesting and motherhood, Shields will also open up about her thoughts on aging and sex, while also detailing a horrifying moment when she learned that an OGBYN had carried out a medical procedure without her consent.