Ellen DeGeneres, the Emmy-winning comedian and longtime host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and her wife Portia de Rossi have reportedly added to their real estate portfolio with a new property in the Cotswolds, England. The couple, known for their passion for design, architecture, and home renovation, have long made headlines for buying and selling high-end homes across the United States.

Their interest in relocating or spending more time abroad is consistent with their history of real estate investments in tranquil and aesthetically rich locations. The Cotswolds—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in south-central England—offers the serenity and pastoral charm that aligns with the couple’s design aesthetic and privacy needs.

Real Estate Transactions in California Set the Stage

Before purchasing property in the United Kingdom, DeGeneres and de Rossi made a series of real estate transactions in California, where they have resided for decades.

According to Dirt.com, a leading celebrity real estate site owned by Variety, the couple sold a $29.9 million estate in Montecito in 2023. That home featured panoramic ocean views, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and expansive gardens—hallmarks of the elegant yet understated style DeGeneres often favors in her personal properties.

In a separate transaction reported by Forbes and Architectural Digest, they also sold a two-bedroom bungalow in Montecito for $5.2 million. The property reportedly received multiple offers, reflecting the high demand for homes in this affluent Santa Barbara County enclave.

New Home in the English Countryside

DeGeneres and de Rossi’s interest in the Cotswolds is no surprise. The region is popular among celebrities and international buyers due to its quaint villages, scenic rolling hills, and historical homes built from honey-colored limestone.

According to reports by the Daily Mail and Evening Standard, the couple has acquired a property in the area that bears similarities to their previous California homes in terms of landscaping, interior flow, and rustic-meets-modern architectural style. The property was reportedly visited by the couple multiple times before finalizing the purchase.

While full details of the purchase have not been made public, estimates value the property at approximately £14 million (around $18 million USD), based on local listings and comparable estate sales.

Renovation and Planning Challenges

Moving into a countryside property—especially one with historical status—often comes with regulatory and environmental challenges. According to British planning law, renovations on heritage or listed buildings in the Cotswolds must adhere to conservation standards, as enforced by local councils.

DeGeneres and de Rossi, who are known for their hands-on approach to home design, have reportedly embarked on renovations to align the property with their personal style. These updates have included modernizing interior layouts while preserving the property’s historical integrity.

However, The Times UK and Gloucestershire Live have noted that some celebrity property developments in the region have drawn criticism due to noise from construction, heavy traffic during renovations, and potential environmental disruptions. In some instances, local communities have voiced concerns over the impact of large-scale remodeling projects on the rural aesthetic of the area.

It remains unclear if the DeGeneres-de Rossi residence has been the subject of formal complaints. As of this writing, no official objections have been filed with the local planning authorities regarding their property.

Design Inspiration and Lifestyle Preferences

Throughout her career, Ellen DeGeneres has expressed a love for design and restoration. She has authored the book Home, which showcases many of the residences she and Portia have transformed. Their properties typically blend minimalist modernism with natural materials, and often feature open spaces, neutral tones, and custom furniture.

The Cotswolds home is expected to follow a similar design philosophy, drawing inspiration from their Montecito properties. A source close to the couple shared in an interview with Architectural Digest that they were “looking for a home that mirrored the peaceful lifestyle they cultivated in California, but in a new and culturally rich setting.”

A Trend Among Celebrities Seeking European Retreats

DeGeneres and de Rossi are not the only American celebrities seeking residences in the UK. The Cotswolds and surrounding countryside areas have become hotspots for other A-listers such as Kate Moss, David Beckham, and Stella McCartney.

According to Knight Frank’s 2023 Prime Country Report, interest from overseas buyers in English countryside properties has grown significantly post-pandemic, as people seek greater privacy, natural beauty, and space. Properties with historical character and modern amenities are especially attractive to buyers looking for both investment value and lifestyle enhancement.

Ellen’s Post-Show Life and Future Projects

Since wrapping up The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022, Ellen has kept a relatively low public profile. However, she remains active in philanthropy, design, and occasional media projects. Her lifestyle brand, ED by Ellen, continues to offer home furnishings, apparel, and pet products that reflect her personal taste.

In interviews with The Hollywood Reporter and People, Ellen and Portia have emphasized a desire to “slow down, travel, and enjoy life” following years of a demanding showbiz schedule. Relocating part-time or seasonally to England offers them a chance to immerse themselves in a slower pace of life, surrounded by nature, culture, and architectural heritage.

Final Thoughts: A Thoughtful Move Reflecting Personal and Lifestyle Evolution

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s acquisition of a home in the English countryside is not a sudden departure from their lifestyle but rather a thoughtful continuation of their love for design, privacy, and serene surroundings. With a rich history of real estate development and restoration, the couple is well-positioned to make the most of their new home.

While living internationally presents its own set of challenges—ranging from renovation approvals to cultural adaptation—the benefits of experiencing life in one of the UK’s most picturesque regions appear to be a natural fit for this globally minded pair.

Verified and Reputable Sources:

• Architectural Digest
• Variety – Dirt.com
• Forbes – Real Estate News
• The Guardian
• Daily Mail – Property News
• Evening Standard – Homes & Property
• Gloucestershire Live – Local Planning
• Knight Frank – UK Prime Country Report 2023