Ellen DeGeneres' Sunny Hopes Dashed by Rain on California Return
Ellen DeGeneres may have left the United Kingdom for Santa Barbara anticipating sunshine, but her arrival was met with a persistent downpour instead. The former talk show host, 68, ventured out to the gym for a morning workout on Thursday, only to be caught in heavy rain without an umbrella.
Casual Gym Attire Amid the Deluge
DeGeneres emerged from one of her several Porsches dressed in a baggy sweatshirt layered over a dark T-shirt, paired with comfortable-looking trousers. She wore a baseball cap, squinting beneath it as she likely made a swift dash for cover. Completing her outfit were trendy Nike athletic shoes, which probably aided her sprint to the gym's entrance with ease.
Surprising Real Estate Move and Ongoing UK Commitment
This sighting comes three months after DeGeneres and her longtime partner, Portia de Rossi, 53, purchased a $27.4 million home in Montecito, California. This acquisition raised eyebrows, given their previous emphasis on making the UK their primary home base. However, sources clarify that the couple has not abandoned their adopted home country.
According to Us Weekly, a source revealed: 'They are still planning to live full-time in the UK but will spend a few months of the year in Montecito.' This indicates a part-time arrangement rather than a permanent relocation.
Recent Activities and Social Media Glimpses
Earlier this month, the couple made their first appearance since the real estate purchase, sharing humorous photos on social media. In the images, they are seen goofing around in costumes in the backyard of their new mansion. DeGeneres captioned the post, '6-7 is out. 6-8 is in. @yourchilltias,' referencing her favorite media account as a source of amusement.
In recent weeks, DeGeneres has been spotted in California's upscale Central Coast region, an area known for celebrity neighbors like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The comedian and de Rossi initially moved to the Cotswolds in November 2024, shortly after the US presidential election.
Love for the UK Lifestyle and Political Motivations
A source explained their UK move: 'They had visited before and looked at homes but weren't sure when they would do it. When they found the right place, they jumped on it.' DeGeneres has publicly praised life in the UK, telling broadcaster Richard Bacon, 'It's absolutely beautiful... everything here is just better - the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here.'
Initially viewed as a transatlantic getaway, DeGeneres confirmed that the relocation was motivated by President Donald Trump's re-election. She recounted, 'We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, "He got in". And we're like, "We're staying here."'
Potential Expansion of Real Estate Portfolio
The couple's real estate activities may not be over. On January 30, DeGeneres was reportedly seen touring another $35 million beachfront mansion in Montecito, according to the New York Post. This suggests she might be considering adding to her property holdings in the area, further blending her time between the UK and California.
