Former US chat-show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, are reportedly planning a festive escape from their life in the Cotswolds, choosing to return to California for Christmas rather than endure another British winter.
A Festive Flight from Picture-Perfect Scenery
The couple, who became some of the area's most high-profile residents, moved to a seven-bedroom stone farmhouse in Oxfordshire in November 2024, the day after Donald Trump's re-election. Their original stated intention was to remain in the UK until his presidency concluded. Despite since relocating to another property half an hour's drive away, they have told friends they dread the prospect of another British winter and intend to spend more time in the 'sunshine state' after all.
This decision comes after they placed their previous sprawling 43-acre estate, Kitesbridge Farm in Swinbrook, on the market last summer. They listed it for a full £7.5 million more than the £22.5 million they paid, after the property experienced flooding.
The Cotswolds' Unmatched Christmas Allure
For long-term residents, the couple's planned departure during the festive season is baffling. This is the time when the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty spanning six counties and almost 800 square miles, truly shines.
From the floating Christmas tree in Bourton-on-the-Water and the majestic lights at Blenheim Palace to carol singing with real reindeer at Soho Farmhouse, the region offers a uniquely British festive experience. It boasts chocolate-box cottages, independent boutiques, and even what some call the world's most luxurious farm shop.
"It’s festive, charming and delightfully eccentric – exactly what you’d hope for," says Georgina Fuller, a 15-year resident. She argues that if the couple can't appreciate the area now, they never will.
Muddy Boots Versus Golden Cobbles
While acknowledging that December downpours can lead to muddy conditions—a particular challenge for dog and horse owners like DeGeneres and de Rossi—advocates say it's a small price for the glorious valleys, bridle paths, and breathtaking views.
The couple had previously seemed to embrace local life, being warmly welcomed in pubs like The Falkland Arms in Great Tew, near the Beckhams, and Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog in Asthall. Their access to a helicopter also presumably eased any concerns about rural travel.
Ultimately, their choice highlights a divide in expat experience. As Fuller notes, having spent time in both locations, she would always choose the golden, cobbled streets of the Cotswolds over the homogenous malls and highways of California. The region, she insists, is far more diverse than the celebrity-heavy 'Chipping Norton set' stereotype, offering a genuine community beyond the Range Rovers and fur gilets.
So, as DeGeneres and de Rossi head potentially to reunite with friends like Meghan and Harry in Montecito, the Cotswolds will continue its festive traditions, its picture-postcard charm undimmed for the many who consider it the perfect place to spend the most wonderful time of the year.
