Television icon Ellen DeGeneres has expanded her property portfolio with a significant acquisition in one of California's most exclusive enclaves. According to reports from People magazine and real estate platform Realtor.com, the veteran comedian and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, have purchased a luxurious mansion in Montecito, near Santa Barbara.
A Multi-Million Dollar Off-Market Deal
The transaction, which closed in November, was conducted discreetly off-market for a reported sum of $27.4 million. The seller was identified as renowned Hollywood movie producer Brian Grazer. This acquisition marks a notable addition to the couple's international real estate holdings, which already include a substantial property in the English countryside.
Transatlantic Lifestyle for the Celebrity Couple
Contrary to speculation about a permanent return, sources indicate that the 68-year-old DeGeneres and 53-year-old de Rossi are not abandoning their life in the United Kingdom. Instead, they plan to adopt a transatlantic lifestyle, splitting their time between their new Montecito residence and their home in the Cotswolds. People magazine quoted a source stating, 'She's not moving back to the U.S. but will continue to split her time between both the U.K. and Montecito.'
The move to Montecito places them in a celebrity-heavy neighbourhood. The area is already home to friends Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Yearning for the Golden State
Reports suggest that DeGeneres has been 'missing' California since relocating to England over a year ago, a move initially prompted by a desire for a different lifestyle. It has been widely reported that her departure from the United States was influenced by her dissatisfaction with the political climate following the 2024 presidential election. A real estate insider shared with People that the couple have been 'missing the California weather and horse scene' since settling in the rural Cotswolds.
This sentiment was seemingly corroborated by their recent activities; the couple were spotted in Santa Barbara in December, and DeGeneres shared a social media post from California around the same time. Furthermore, locals in their English village had reportedly not seen DeGeneres for several months, leading to speculation she had moved out.
A Complex Property History in England
The couple's property journey in England has been eventful. After moving over a year ago, they initially purchased a farmhouse for approximately $18 million. However, according to The Wall Street Journal, this property did not meet their needs. They subsequently moved to a more modern residence in the area, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and superior facilities for de Rossi's horses.
In a curious turn, the first English farmhouse was listed for sale in July with an asking price of $30.5 million. Realtor.com reported in late January that this listing has since been removed from the market, though the reasons behind this decision or whether a sale was secured remain unclear.
Life in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds, a picturesque region in south-central England, is known for its rolling hills, medieval villages, and stately homes. It has become a popular retreat for celebrities seeking privacy, including David and Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss. DeGeneres and de Rossi's current home there is described as a modern, hilltop property in Oxfordshire, estimated to be worth around $30 million.
DeGeneres has previously emphasised the importance of the property accommodating de Rossi's passion for horses and polo. 'When we decided to live here full time, we knew that Portia couldn't live without her horses. We needed a home that had a horse facility and pastures for them,' she explained. Their estate reportedly includes horse stalls, a chicken coop, and even sheep that DeGeneres jokingly said were purchased to mow the lawn.
This real estate news follows DeGeneres's recent public comments expressing support for anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis, reflecting her continued engagement with social issues in the United States. The comedian's long-running daytime talk show concluded its 19-year run in 2022.
