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Creative image showing Ellen DeGeneres headshot in front of Montecito stock image© Getty

Ellen DeGeneres officially cuts ties with the US and lists Montecito villa with chef's kitchen

The former talk show host and wife Porta de Rossi relocated last year  

Francesca Shillcock
Digital Travel Editor
Updated: March 21, 2025
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Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi swapped California dreaming for serenity in the British countryside when they relocated across the pond last year.

The former talk show host, who wed the Arrested Development actress in 2008, moved into a farmhouse in the celeb-adored Cotswolds area after deciding to flee the States.

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Now, Ellen and Portia have made their emigration more official by listing the last remaining home in their US property portfolio – specifically, their former Montecito beach bungalow.

Ellen and Portia celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in the UK© Instagram
Ellen and Portia moved to the UK last year

Though it wasn't always Ellen and Portia's primary residence in the States – they have owned multiple other properties with heftier price tags in different parts of California that have either already been listed or sold – the couple no doubt relished spending time at this serene, villa-style hideaway just a few steps from Butterfly Beach.

Ellen DeGeneres' surprisingly humble beach house they're selling

According to Riskin Partners Estate Group, the lavish mid-century-style property was built in the 1950s but was remodeled in 2012. 

Judging by the photographs, the home was redesigned completely but interior experts seemingly kept to its mid-century roots by way of décor.

Ellen DeGeneres' villa in Montecito is up for sale
View post on Instagram
 

In comparison with other neighbouring properties, Ellen and Portia's former beachfront haven is surprisingly humble. 

It comes with just two bedrooms and two bathrooms, which is perhaps why they treated it as a secondary, more intimate residence.

However, it's not short on luxury.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi attend the 26th annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2015
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

The specifications listed on the website describe the house as having a chef-style kitchen, fitted with Portuguese limestone countertops, a private terrace, a primary suite with a spa-like bathroom and free-standing bath, plus its own enclosed patio.

The villa also comes with a "garden oasis", complete with fruit trees, tall palms and plenty more greenery, adding a luxury botanical feel to the entire outside space, as well as total privacy from neighbors and beachgoers.

Ellen Degeneres shared a photograph of the view from her sprawling Cotswolds home© Instagram
Ellen shared this photograph of the view from her new home in the Cotswolds

Ellen DeGeneres' expansive property portfolio

In addition to their pared-back bungalow, Ellen and Portia have owned more generously sized properties in Montecito: one they sold for $33m in 2017 that Ellen had previously described as their 'forever home', and another they bought in 2019 and later sold for $32m in 2024. 

They also had a home in Bel-Air that came with an interesting story in their portfolio.

The historic house, known as The Brown House, was built by famed architect Richard Neutra and was made up of five bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms, an enormous modern kitchen and plenty of space for hosting both inside and outside.

Montecito beach front© Getty
Ellen and Portia's former villa is close to the beach

Similar to their villa, the mansion was built in the 1950s and, structurally, is a mid-century architecture lover's dream. 

The house has only changed owners a handful of times since, meaning it has even more exclusivity.

Ellen DeGeneres: 5 top facts 

Ellen Degeneres hosts 'The Ellen Degeneres Show' Season 13 Bi-Coastal Premiere at Rockefeller Center on September 8, 2015 in New York City© Getty Images

1. Stand-up comedian

Ellen began performing stand-up aged 23, at a local coffee house. Her big break came five years later when James Carson sent a booking agent to one of her improv shows, leading to her appearance on The Tonight Show.

2. Show scandal 

The Ellen DeGeneres Show became the center of controversy in 2020 when several current and former staffers accused Ellen of creating a ''toxic work environment.'' Two years later, the show aired its final season. 

3. No more Ellen 

After releasing her last Netflix special in 2024, Ellen announced she wouldn't be returning to TV anytime soon following the allegations. At her SF Bay Arena show, she told the crowd: "This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done." 

4. Lifestyle brand 

She has her own lifestyle brand called Ed by Ellen, which sells shoes, home and baby items, accessories, and a pet line. 

5. The feeling's mutual 

Ellen met her wife, Portia de Rossi backstage at a 2001 Rock the Vote concert. At the time, Portia was not openly gay and Ellen wasn't sure if the feelings were mutual. However, in 2004, the pair reconnected at a party and started officially dating. 

Selling the house hasn't been straightforward, however. Ellen and Portia originally listed the house back in 2022 for $29 million. 

Portia de Rossi in a black suit and Ellen DeGeneres in a sparkly grey suit attend the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards 2020© Getty
Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres have officially cut ties with the US

Eighteen months later, they put it back on the market at a higher price of $33.9 million.

After failing to nail down a buyer, they relisted in 2024 – around the same time they laid down roots in the UK – for the original, lower price of $29million.

According to Realtor.com, as of January, the house has still not been officially sold. 

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