Ellen DeGeneres Purchases New Montecito Home, Splitting Time Between U.S. and U.K.
MONTECITO, Calif. — Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have acquired a new residence in Montecito, California, signaling a renewed connection to the United States while maintaining their established life in the United Kingdom. According to reports from People magazine, the couple purchased the property for approximately $27.4 million, marking a significant real estate investment after their previous home sale in California in August 2024.
DeGeneres and de Rossi initially relocated to the Cotswolds in England following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a move DeGeneres described as a response to the political climate. Speaking at a July 2025 event, DeGeneres shared, “We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, ‘He got in.’ And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.'” She also expressed admiration for the U.K., noting, “We love it here… Everything here is just better — the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here.”
Nevertheless, sources close to the couple have revealed that DeGeneres eventually “grew tired” of the U.K., prompting the decision to purchase a new home in Montecito. A real estate insider told People that while the couple is not planning a full-time move back to the U.S., they intend to divide their time between their British residence and California.
One of the driving factors behind the renewed California presence is the couple’s affinity for the state’s weather and equestrian culture. Portia de Rossi, an avid horse enthusiast, has a particular passion for polo and her horses, which the couple can more readily enjoy in Montecito’s favorable climate. The area’s reputation as a haven for celebrities and horse lovers alike makes it an ideal location for the couple.
Details about the Montecito property remain limited, but the purchase price aligns with the luxury market in the region. Montecito, situated near Santa Barbara, is known for its privacy and scenic beauty, attracting many high-profile residents.
This development reflects a broader trend of celebrities balancing international lifestyles with roots in California, a state renowned for its entertainment industry and favorable living conditions. DeGeneres and de Rossi’s move underscores the personal and professional factors influencing such decisions.
For more information about Montecito and California real estate trends, visit the State of California official site and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for travel and residency guidelines. Insights into animal welfare, a subject close to DeGeneres’s heart, can be found through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. For updates on U.K.-U.S. relations and expatriate considerations, the U.S. Department of State provides comprehensive resources.
BuzzFeed and People have reported extensively on the couple’s moves, but representatives for DeGeneres have yet to comment publicly on the recent purchase.
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