She once ruled daytime television, owned a vast portfolio of homes, and epitomized California cool. But now, Ellen DeGeneres has officially closed the chapter on her life in the United States. After selling her final American property, the former talk show host has fully relocated to the English countryside—and she’s not looking back.
From sunny Montecito to the storybook charm of the Cotswolds, Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have traded red carpets for rolling green hills. So, what led to this bold move? Let’s unpack the real story behind Ellen’s quiet but decisive exit from Hollywood.
A Final Goodbye to California
Earlier this month, Ellen sold her last known U.S. property—a 1,691-square-foot Spanish-style bungalow tucked away in Montecito, California. Originally purchased for $2.9 million, the home was listed for $4.99 million on March 10 and quickly found a buyer for $5.2 million.
Why the buzz? The home had serious appeal. Built in 1954 and remodeled in 2012, it boasted spa-like bathrooms, a cozy private courtyard, a charming terrace, and an enclosed patio—all wrapped in a classic, elegant design that echoed Ellen’s refined aesthetic.
Real estate insiders confirmed that the home received multiple offers within two days, proving Ellen’s name still carries serious weight in luxury real estate. But for her, it wasn’t just another sale—it was the final step in saying goodbye to the U.S. lifestyle.
A Love Affair with Real Estate
Let’s not forget, Ellen DeGeneres was more than just a TV personality—she was a serial home flipper. Over the years, she built one of the most admired celebrity real estate portfolios in California.
She wasn’t afraid to buy, renovate, and sell high-end properties, often adding her signature touch to every space. From Santa Barbara to Beverly Hills, Ellen and Portia turned luxury homes into works of art.
This recent Montecito sale marked the end of that era. With no more real estate ties to the States, Ellen has fully planted her roots across the Atlantic.
Video: Epic Real Estate Move: Ellen DeGeneres Sells Her Final U.S. Home for $5 Million!
A New Chapter in the Cotswolds
Back in November, Ellen and Portia purchased a $18 million countryside farmhouse in England’s idyllic Cotswolds region. Known for its picturesque villages, green pastures, and honey-colored stone cottages, the Cotswolds is about as far from Hollywood as it gets—and that’s the point.
The couple reportedly paid $3 million over asking price to secure their dream home. Surrounded by rolling hills and historic estates, they’ve joined a star-studded roster of neighbors that includes:
- David and Victoria Beckham
- Kate Moss
- Elizabeth Hurley
- Jeremy Clarkson
- Even King Charles and Queen Camilla, who own Highgrove House in nearby Gloucestershire
For Ellen and Portia, it seems they were ready for a slower pace, deeper privacy, and a new lifestyle altogether.
Why the Move to the UK?
Ellen’s decision to leave the U.S. wasn’t sudden. Sources close to the couple suggest that their move was in motion for years, quietly accelerated after political and social shifts in America.
They were reportedly disillusioned by the direction of U.S. politics following Donald Trump’s election, and the idea of starting fresh overseas became more appealing.
And let’s be honest—after decades in the spotlight, Ellen seemed ready for something completely different. The UK countryside offered that in spades: charm, history, and a community that values privacy.
Tensions Abroad: Not Everything Has Been Smooth
But paradise doesn’t come without a little drama.
Shortly after settling into their Cotswolds estate, Ellen and Portia reportedly clashed with British neighbors over renovation plans. Their proposed extension to the home triggered local resistance, with residents concerned about disruption in the sleepy area.
While the dust is still settling, it’s clear that the couple is learning how to balance their bold vision with the slower, more traditional pace of English village life. Still, that hasn’t stopped them from fully embracing their new chapter.
20 Years Together and Stronger Than Ever
Through it all, Ellen and Portia’s relationship remains the constant that grounds them. The couple recently celebrated 20 years together, posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“20 years together. Happy to be with you everywhere and always,” Ellen wrote, sharing a candid moment that reminded fans just how close their bond remains.
They married in 2008, and their shared adventures—from Hollywood deals to Cotswolds countryside walks—have kept them strong through every twist and turn.
Video: Ellen DeGeneres Quits Hollywood! Sells Last U.S. Property
What’s Next for Ellen DeGeneres?
While Ellen stepped away from her daytime show in 2022, she hasn’t disappeared entirely. She’s taken time to focus on her passions, including wildlife conservation, environmental advocacy, and art collecting.
Whether she returns to the screen in the future is still up in the air—but for now, it seems she’s finally living life on her terms, far from the pressures of the Hollywood spotlight.
And who could blame her? After decades of fame, she’s earned the peace and space that England’s countryside offers.
Conclusion
Ellen DeGeneres didn’t just move houses—she made a life-altering decision to walk away from the U.S. spotlight. Selling her final California home symbolized the end of one chapter and the start of another, quieter one in the English countryside.
With Portia by her side, a stunning farmhouse in the Cotswolds, and a new pace of life far from the public eye, Ellen is living proof that reinvention is always possible—even after decades in the limelight.
It’s the kind of move that feels both bold and refreshing. And honestly? It suits her.
