Ellen DeGeneres Makes Major Real Estate Move Back to California
Just over a year after relocating to the United Kingdom in response to Donald Trump's return to the White House, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, have made a significant real estate investment that signals a partial return to American soil. The celebrity couple has reportedly purchased a stunning $27-million mansion in the exclusive Montecito community of California, according to sources close to the pair.
From English Countryside to California Sunshine
The move represents a notable shift for DeGeneres and de Rossi, who had established themselves in the English countryside following their departure from the United States. In 2024, shortly after Trump's inauguration, the couple acquired a $14-million farmhouse in the picturesque Cotswolds region of England. They later transitioned to another property in the same village to better accommodate their equestrian interests and horses.
According to PEOPLE magazine, which cited an insider familiar with the couple's plans, DeGeneres isn't completely abandoning her UK residence but will instead split her time between both countries. The decision appears driven by nostalgia for California's climate and equestrian culture, with a source noting the couple has been "missing the California weather and horse scene" since their transatlantic move.
Montecito's Celebrity Appeal
Montecito has long been a favored destination for Hollywood's elite, known for its luxurious properties and privacy. DeGeneres was reportedly spotted house hunting in the affluent community just last week, as noted in a New York Post report. The $27-million purchase price reflects the premium nature of Montecito real estate and the couple's continued investment in high-end properties.
The source further elaborated on the couple's motivations, explaining that "Portia loves polo and her horses," suggesting the California property will better serve their equestrian lifestyle. This represents a practical consideration alongside the emotional pull of returning to familiar surroundings.
Political Motivations Behind the Original Move
DeGeneres had been candid about her reasons for leaving the United States during a public appearance in Cheltenham, England, in July 2025. When questioned by broadcaster Richard Bacon about whether Trump's election prompted her relocation, she confirmed the reports were accurate. The BBC documented her response, where she revealed that she and de Rossi arrived in the UK just before the election results were finalized.
"We woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, 'He got in,'" DeGeneres recounted. "And we're like, 'We're staying here.'" This frank admission highlighted the political considerations that influenced their initial departure from American soil.
Diminished Presence in UK Village
Recent observations from locals in the English village where DeGeneres and de Rossi had been residing suggest their presence has diminished significantly in recent months. Villagers told PEOPLE they haven't seen the celebrity couple "in ages" and noted that DeGeneres hadn't visited a local pub in "several months." Another resident mentioned that while DeGeneres was frequently visible during the summer months, she hasn't been spotted since.
This reduced visibility in their UK community aligns with the timing of their California property acquisition and suggests a gradual shift in their residential priorities. The Montecito purchase represents not just a real estate transaction but a meaningful reconnection with the lifestyle and environment they left behind during a politically charged period.
The dual-residence approach allows DeGeneres and de Rossi to maintain their international footprint while satisfying their desire for California's distinctive climate and equestrian opportunities. This strategic real estate move demonstrates how celebrity lifestyles often span multiple continents while remaining responsive to both personal preferences and broader political landscapes.
