Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are embracing life across the pond, trading the glitz of Montecito, California, for the serene charm of England’s Cotswolds. The Emmy-winning host and her actress-turned-entrepreneur wife have been spotted regularly in their picturesque village, blending into the community while celebrating both their love and their new surroundings.
Their relocation comes after decades of high-profile living and a milestone-filled career for Ellen.
From Hollywood to the Cotswolds: A Fresh Start
In 2024, Ellen and Portia made the surprising decision to leave their Montecito estate behind and relocate to the Cotswolds, a region famed for its rolling hills, historic stone cottages, and quintessentially English charm. Known for attracting affluent homeowners like Kate Moss, Hugh Grant, and Jamie Dornan, the area offered the couple both privacy and the appeal of picturesque countryside life.
The pair have already begun flipping a local home, demonstrating that their love for real estate isn’t tied to any one country. “I don’t really travel a lot. So, house flipping is my version of travel,” Ellen previously told Montecito Journal. “With house flipping, the scenery changes though I stay in the same general area. Only in a new place and from a new perspective.”
The couple’s move coincides with key anniversaries in their life together. On Aug. 16, they celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary, having first become a couple on Dec. 1, 2004. Ellen shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute: “You are a beautiful soul that I am so very grateful to have as a partner to navigate this crazy life with… looking forward to our first snowy Christmas.”
Life in England: Blending In
Despite the high-profile move, Ellen and Portia have embraced a low-key lifestyle in their new village. They were spotted enjoying live music at The Farmer’s Dog pub in Burford, Oxfordshire, mingling discreetly with locals while catching a set by The Corrs.
Even Jeremy Clarkson, the pub’s owner, noted Ellen’s friendly and approachable demeanor: “Everyone said she has been canceled but she seemed nice… very friendly and lovely.”
The couple has been seen taking casual walks around the village, dressed like locals in coats and wellies, demonstrating a commitment to a more grounded, private life. Portia, who founded the art curation company General Public, continues to pursue creative projects that can be managed remotely.
Their new home has not only offered privacy but also relief from the weather concerns that occasionally affected Montecito, as Ellen confirmed the farmhouse did not flood during torrential rains in November 2024, despite some reports suggesting otherwise.
Reflecting on a Public Life
Ellen’s departure from Hollywood follows the end of her eponymous talk show in 2022, a 19-season run shadowed by controversy over a toxic workplace culture. In 2024, she returned briefly to the spotlight with her stand-up special Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval on Netflix, reflecting candidly on her career and public perception. “The ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind,” she admitted, highlighting the disconnect between her television persona and reality.
During her final tour, she indicated she would be stepping back from public life: “This is the last time you’re going to see me… After my Netflix special, I’m done.” True to her word, Ellen and Portia relocated internationally just months later, leaving the U.S. behind in November 2024 after the presidential election.
A New Chapter Together
Now settled into England, Ellen has embraced subtle changes in her appearance, including letting her hair go gray, signaling a fresh phase of life. Both she and Portia appear committed to exploring a quieter, more fulfilling lifestyle that balances personal happiness with professional creativity. From house flipping to supporting animal rescues and art curation, their days are filled with meaningful pursuits away from the constant scrutiny of Hollywood.
As they navigate life in the Cotswolds, Ellen and Portia exemplify a graceful transition from global fame to private contentment—proving that reinvention is possible at any stage, and that love, partnership, and creativity can flourish anywhere.