Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Say Goodbye to Montecito and Hello to the U.K.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have long been synonymous with Montecito, California, where their love for the region manifested in a remarkable real estate spree. Over the years, the couple has reportedly owned and flipped at least 21 properties in the Santa Barbara County enclave. But now, they’re bidding farewell to Montecito—and the United States altogether.
The reason? Political shifts in the U.S., notably the reelection of former President Donald Trump, appear to have motivated the pair to relocate to the U.K., according to The Wrap. DeGeneres and de Rossi are now settling into a new life in rural England, far from the sunny shores of California.
A Passion for Real Estate
Known for their insatiable appetite for high-end properties, DeGeneres and de Rossi have spent years buying and selling luxury homes, particularly in the Santa Barbara area. According to Site Line, the duo has invested at least $350 million in Montecito mansions since 2006.
Their attachment to the region was so strong that even natural disasters couldn’t drive them away. In January 2023, DeGeneres posted a video of extreme flooding near their home, coinciding with the five-year anniversary of deadly mudslides in the area. Yet, despite their resilience in the face of environmental challenges, the couple’s decision to leave the U.S. seems to stem from a deeper concern.
Preparing for a New Chapter
According to TMZ, DeGeneres and de Rossi had already purchased their new home in the U.K., located about two hours outside of London, well before the November election results. After Trump’s reelection, they made the swift decision to leave Montecito behind. While they haven’t yet listed their California property for sale, their focus now appears to be on embracing a quieter, more private lifestyle in the British countryside.
Finding Solace Abroad
For DeGeneres, the move may also represent a chance for personal growth and healing. The comedian and former talk show host faced significant public backlash in recent years following allegations of a toxic workplace environment on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Known for her iconic sign-off, “Be kind to one another,” DeGeneres reflected on the irony of the scandal during her Netflix special, For Your Approval, released in September.
“If I had ended my show by saying, ‘Go f*** yourselves,’ people would have been pleasantly surprised to find out I’m kind,” she joked, adding levity to a difficult period.
DeGeneres has openly acknowledged the toll that the controversy took on her ego and self-esteem, describing the entertainment industry’s extremes of adoration and criticism as uniquely challenging.
A Fresh Start in the Cotswolds
As they settle into their new home in the picturesque Cotswolds, DeGeneres and de Rossi may find the peace and balance they’ve been seeking. Surrounded by rolling hills and rural charm, the move marks a significant departure from their high-profile life in Montecito.
While their departure signals the end of an era for the Santa Barbara real estate scene, it also represents a bold new chapter for the couple—one driven by choice, resilience, and the pursuit of tranquility.
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