Moving across the world isn’t exactly easy, even if you’re a multi-millionaire with a private jet. But doing it in a month? That's what Ellen DeGeneres did. Honestly, the whole saga of the Ellen DeGeneres house in England has been a bit of a whirlwind, even by Hollywood real estate standards. One minute she’s buying a "tired" farmhouse, the next she’s got 70 workers swarming the place like a beehive, and then—boom—it’s back on the market for a cool $10 million profit.
People were confused. Why buy a massive estate in the Cotswolds, renovate it at breakneck speed, and then leave after living there for only four weeks? It feels like something out of a reality show, but for Ellen and Portia de Rossi, it was basically just another Tuesday.
The First Move: Kitesbridge Farm
In early 2024, the couple snatched up Kitesbridge Farm. It’s this sprawling 43-acre estate in the heart of the Cotswolds, which is basically the "Beverly Hills of the British countryside." Think rolling hills, stone walls, and neighbors like David Beckham and Kate Moss.
The house itself was a historic 18th-century stone farmhouse. When they bought it for roughly $20 million (£15 million), it wasn't exactly "Architectural Digest" ready. Listing agents called it "quite tired." Basically, it needed a massive hug.
Ellen, being the serial house-flipper she is, didn't wait around. She hired a small army. While most British renovations take years because of, well, everything, she had a team of 70 people finish the entire job in about four and a half months. They added:
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- Glass walkways to connect the old stone buildings.
- A "party barn" (because obviously) with its own authentic British pub.
- A heated indoor pool and a gym.
- A helicopter shed. You know, for light travel.
They even paid about $3.3 million over the asking price just to make sure they got it. Talk about wanting a place badly.
Why the Ellen DeGeneres House in England Didn't Last
So, why did they bail? You’d think after all that work—and the 16,600 square feet of luxury—they’d want to stay and enjoy the pub. But life happens. Or rather, horses happen.
Portia de Rossi is a massive equestrian. When the couple decided to make England their permanent home—a decision Ellen confirmed was influenced by the 2024 U.S. election results—they realized Kitesbridge just didn't cut it for the animals. The acreage was there, but the facilities weren't "horse-ready" in the way they needed.
In July 2025, they listed Kitesbridge Farm for $30 million. Yes, $10 million more than they paid a year prior. Critics call it a "flip," but Ellen told The Wall Street Journal it was purely about the horses. They needed more pasture and proper stables.
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The "Malibu" Upgrade
They didn't go far. They moved just 30 minutes away to a new property in Oxfordshire. This second Ellen DeGeneres house in England is a total vibe shift. Instead of 1700s stone, it's a "Malibu-style" modern glass house.
It’s perched on a hill with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the English countryside. It’s got a Japanese-style courtyard and, most importantly, world-class horse facilities. Fans got a peek on Instagram when Ellen posted a video of their new puppy, Sport, running around the living room. The floors are polished concrete, the ceilings have exposed beams, and the walls are basically just giant sheets of glass. It’s stunning. And very un-British, which is probably why they love it.
The Reality of Living in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds isn't just a place; it's a lifestyle. It’s quiet. It’s rainy. It involves a lot of mud. Ellen has shared snippets of her "new life," including "house sheep" that occasionally wander into the kitchen and Portia riding through local villages in full equestrian gear.
It’s a massive change from Montecito.
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- The Pace: Everything is slower (unless you hire 70 contractors).
- The Privacy: British villagers are notoriously unimpressed by celebrities.
- The Weather: Ellen mentioned seeing snow for the first time in a meaningful way after moving in November.
Some locals were initially worried about the renovations at Kitesbridge, specifically regarding flood risks and potential Roman ruins on the property. However, planners eventually cleared the work, noting it was done to a "high standard."
Lessons from the Ellen England Move
If you're looking at the Ellen DeGeneres house in England as inspiration for your own relocation, there are some pretty clear takeaways.
First, the "tired" property with "good bones" is where the value is. Ellen has made a career out of seeing what a house could be. Even in a foreign country, she applied the same logic: buy the worst house on the best street (or in this case, the best county) and fix it fast.
Second, environment matters more than the building. They left a $30 million masterpiece because the land wasn't right for their lifestyle. It’s a reminder that no matter how beautiful the kitchen is, if you can't do what you love—like riding horses—you won't be happy.
Actionable Insights for Your Own "Escape"
- Research the Land, Not Just the House: If you have specific needs (hobbies, pets, gardening), check the soil and local zoning before you fall in love with a fireplace.
- Speed Costs Money: You can renovate a house in 10 weeks, but it requires a massive, coordinated team and a budget that would make most people faint.
- The "Flip" Mindset: Even if you aren't a celebrity, look for properties in "celebrity hotspots" like the Cotswolds if you want your investment to hold value.
The story of the Ellen DeGeneres house in England isn't over yet. While Kitesbridge Farm sits on the market waiting for its next billionaire owner, Ellen and Portia seem to have finally found their "forever" (or at least "for now") home in the glass-walled hills of Oxfordshire. It’s a bit of California cool dropped right into the middle of a rainy English sheep pasture. And honestly? It kind of works.
To track this move effectively, keep an eye on local Oxfordshire planning portals or high-end real estate listings like Sotheby’s International Realty. They often provide the first clues when a major celebrity property is about to change hands or undergo a massive shift in style.