American television star Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, are reportedly planning a significant return to California, just one year after their high-profile relocation to the English countryside. The couple, who famously blamed Donald Trump for their initial move, now cite missing friends and dreading another British winter as their reasons for heading back to the United States.
From Political Protest to Country Living
The couple's transatlantic move was directly linked to the US political climate. Ellen DeGeneres stated she decided to settle in the Cotswolds the day after Donald Trump was re-elected President, declaring that life was 'just better' in the UK. They arrived in England in 2022, waking to news of the election result and texts from friends with 'crying emojis'. DeGeneres also referenced fears that 'the Baptist Church in America is trying to reverse gay marriage' as a factor in their decision.
Their UK property journey began at the 43-acre Kitesbridge Farm in Swinbrook, Oxfordshire, which they put on the market in July for £22.5 million. They subsequently moved into a hilltop mansion with sufficient land for horses, accommodating de Rossi's passion for riding. The property also provided ample space for their three dogs: Sport, Jinx, and Kid.
A Change of Heart and Climate
Despite seemingly adapting to country life—being spotted in local pubs like Jeremy Clarkson's The Farmer's Dog in Burford and The Falkland Arms in Great Tew—the couple's perspective has shifted. A source revealed that DeGeneres has told friends they are 'coming home soon' because they miss their social circle and 'can't take the winters over there'.
Portia de Rossi, 52, known for roles in Ally McBeal and Arrested Development, also wishes to resume her acting career. The source added: 'Ellen was adamant that she and Portia were going to stay in the UK while Trump was in the White House, but evidently she's changed her mind somewhat.'
Property and Future Plans
The potential move follows the couple's liquidation of their California real estate holdings, including the sale of a small investment property for $5.2 million reported in March. However, a source close to the presenter has denied the return to America is permanent, confirming only that the couple are returning for the holidays while declining to specify the duration of their visit.
This development comes after a challenging period for DeGeneres, whose long-running talk show ended in 2022 amid accusations of a toxic work environment. She later described the controversy as 'devastating' and joked in a 2024 Netflix special that she 'got kicked out of show business' for being 'mean'.
