Ellen DeGeneres is done. Not just "taking a break" or "on hiatus," but actually, physically gone from the American spotlight. If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the grainy shots of stone cottages and double rainbows. It’s a far cry from the sleek, mid-century modern aesthetic of Montecito. Honestly, the move to the Cotswolds felt like a fever dream when the news first broke in late 2024. People were asking, "Wait, is she actually moving to rural England, or is this just a long vacation?"
Well, it’s permanent.
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The comedian and her wife, Portia de Rossi, basically swapped the Hollywood hills for the rolling green pastures of South West England. They didn't just pack a couple of suitcases, either. They moved the whole circus—chickens, horses, and a massive real estate budget included. It’s been a wild ride of flooding houses, grumpy neighbors, and a very public retirement.
Why England and Why Now?
You’ve probably heard the rumors. Most people assume they fled because of the 2024 U.S. election. Ellen actually confirmed this during a chat with broadcaster Richard Bacon in Cheltenham back in July 2025. She admitted that while they’d bought a place in the UK months before the election, the results were the final push. They landed in England the day before the vote. When they woke up to a flurry of crying emojis from friends back home, they decided right then and there: "We're staying."
But it wasn't just politics.
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Let's be real—Ellen's brand took a massive hit after the toxic workplace allegations came out in 2020. She spent years being the "Be Kind" lady, and when that image shattered, the fall was heavy. In her final Netflix special, For Your Approval, she joked about being "kicked out of show business." England offered something California couldn't anymore: a fresh start where she wasn't just a "cancelled" talk show host.
The Real Estate Rollercoaster in the Cotswolds
If there is one thing Ellen and Portia love more than animals, it’s flipping houses. They couldn’t help themselves even in a foreign country. Their first stop was a place called Kitesbridge Farm in Oxfordshire. It was a stunning £15 million farmhouse, and they reportedly moved in a literal army of 70 builders to renovate it in record time.
But it wasn't perfect.
- The Flooding: Apparently, the English weather had other plans. The property dealt with some serious flooding issues shortly after they arrived.
- The Neighbor Feud: You’d think a world-famous celebrity moving next door would be exciting, but some locals weren't thrilled. There were complaints about a single-story extension they were building. Turns out, rural English villages have very strict rules about "historic character," and they don't care if you've won 30 Emmys.
- The Horse Problem: Portia is a serious equestrian. While Kitesbridge was beautiful, it didn't have the specific facilities her horses needed.
So, what did they do? They did what they always do—they bought another house. By April 2025, they had already moved into a new $30 million glass-fronted mansion nearby. This one is much more "Malibu" than "Middle Ages." It’s got floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete floors, and—most importantly—proper stables for the horses they flew over from the States.
Life as a "Country Lady"
It’s kind of hilarious to imagine Ellen DeGeneres dealing with sheep, but she’s leanng into it. She’s shared videos of herself on a riding mower, trying to keep the grass down. She even tried keeping "house sheep" for a while. That experiment lasted exactly two weeks. The sheep kept escaping over the fences, leading to a frantic purchase of electric fencing before they finally decided that maybe sheep weren't for them.
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The chickens, however, are a staple. They’ve got a massive coop that looks nicer than most apartments.
Is it actually better over there?
Ellen seems to think so. She’s been quoted saying "everything here is just better." She loves the architecture, the politeness of the people, and the way animals are treated. There’s a simplicity to it that clearly appeals to her after the chaos of the last few years in LA. She’s even mentioned that if LGBTQ+ rights are ever rolled back in the States, she and Portia would consider getting married again on British soil.
The "Boring" Rumors and the Reality of 2026
By the end of 2025, the tabloids started doing what they do best: stirring the pot. Some reports claimed the couple was getting "bored" with the quiet life. They said the rain was getting to Portia and that they missed their celebrity social circle.
But as of early 2026, those rumors seem a bit thin. Ellen is still posting from her Oxfordshire estate, showing off her new puppy, Sport. They’re often spotted at local haunts like Soho Farmhouse or Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog. They aren't exactly hiding, but they aren't chasing the paparazzi either.
What You Should Know If You're Following the Story
If you’re looking for a takeaway from Ellen’s big move, it’s that she’s successfully decoupled her identity from being a "boss." She’s retired. Truly.
- Don't expect a comeback: She’s been very clear that For Your Approval was her final bow. She’s focusing on her "home-flipping" side hustle, which has reportedly earned her and Portia nearly $190 million over the years.
- The Cotswolds are the new Hollywood North: She’s not alone out there. The Beckhams, Simon Cowell, and Kate Moss all have places in the area. It’s the go-to spot for celebrities who want to disappear into a Barbour jacket and wellies.
- The "Mean" label still stings: Even in interviews in England, she’s still addressing the workplace controversy. It’s clear that moving 5,000 miles away didn't magically erase the hurt, but it did give her the space to process it away from the 24-hour US news cycle.
If you’re planning to track her journey or perhaps visit the Cotswolds yourself, keep an eye on the property listings. Given their track record, they’ll probably be moving into a third house by next Christmas.
To stay updated on the latest celebrity relocations and lifestyle shifts, you can follow local Oxfordshire news outlets or property experts who track high-end sales in the "Golden Triangle" of the Cotswolds. Just don't expect to see her dancing up any steps anytime soon. She’s traded the stage for a Japanese-inspired gravel garden, and honestly? She looks a lot more relaxed because of it.