Ellen DeGeneres Reportedly Buys Lavish $27.4 Million LA Mansion, Hinting at a US Return Despite Previous Political Stance!
It seems the winds of change might be blowing back towards the United States for beloved television personality Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi. Recent reports from multiple US publications suggest the couple has acquired a stunning mansion in the exclusive Montecito, California, area for a cool $27.4 million. This impressive property was reportedly purchased from film producer Brian Grazer in a private, off-market deal that concluded last November.
This significant real estate move comes about 14 months after the couple made headlines for their departure from the US to the picturesque Cotswolds in England. At the time, their relocation was widely believed to be a direct response to Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election, a decision that sparked considerable discussion. Furthermore, the former chat show host, now 68, and the 53-year-old Arrested Development star were also reportedly seeking a fresh start following earlier allegations of a toxic workplace environment, which had led to her facing considerable public backlash.
But here's where it gets interesting: Despite this substantial investment in a California estate, sources close to the couple indicate that a full-time return to America is not on the cards. A confidante shared with People magazine, "She's not moving back to the US but will continue to split her time between both the UK and Montecito." It appears the allure of California's sunnier climate and its equestrian lifestyle has been calling to them, even as they settled into the English countryside.
An insider revealed, "Portia loves polo and her horses," suggesting that the move was partly driven by their passions. While Ellen DeGeneres was once a dominant force in American daytime television, her recent months have seen her less visible in her English neighborhood, leading some locals to speculate about her whereabouts.
And this is the part most people miss... The couple was actually spotted in Santa Barbara in December, and Ellen herself shared content from California on her Instagram account that same month, hinting at their renewed connection to the state. When they first moved to England over a year ago, they initially purchased a farmhouse for approximately $18 million. However, according to The Wall Street Journal, this property ultimately didn't meet their needs. They then acquired a second, more contemporary residence in the region, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and a prime hilltop location on the edge of an Oxfordshire village. This newer home proved to be a much better fit, especially for Portia's horses, offering suitable facilities and ample grazing land.
The original farmhouse was put on the market for $30.5 million in July, but reports from late January indicated it had been withdrawn from sale without any stated reason.
Their new Montecito address places Ellen and Portia among a constellation of high-profile neighbors, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston. Even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reside in this exclusive coastal enclave. It's worth noting that their former Cotswolds base was also a celebrity hotspot, with residents like Sir David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Patrick Stewart, Elizabeth Hurley, Jeremy Clarkson, and artist Damien Hirst. In fact, Ellen was even seen celebrating with Jeremy Clarkson and his partner Lisa Hogan at his pub shortly after he acquired it!
Now, here's a thought to ponder: Given Ellen's previous stance against Donald Trump's presidency, does this reported purchase signal a shift in her political sentiments, or is it purely a lifestyle choice driven by personal preferences and a desire for a dual residence? What do you think about celebrities using their wealth to create these international, dual-location lives? Share your agreement or disagreement in the comments below!
