Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, recently made headlines by relocating from California to the tranquil English countryside, bypassing de Rossi’s home country, Australia. Their new home in the Cotswolds, which reportedly cost £2.5 million above the asking price, has charmed the couple with its quintessential English charm. But what drove the move to the UK instead of Down Under?
The reason lies in Ellen’s passion for her comedy career. According to an insider speaking to New Idea, the 66-year-old comedian is keen to immerse herself into Britain’s vibrant comedy scene. “Ellen wants to continue with her comedy work, and there is a huge scene in Britain. Sitting back and chilling on a beach in Australia is for when she’s ready to retire, and Ellen’s not there yet,” the source revealed.
Their dazzling new property spans 43 acres and features six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a gym, games rooms, swimming pool, helicopter pad, and even a one-bedroom cottage within its grounds. Despite its modern upgrades, the home retains its old-world charm, featuring outlying barns linked to the main building via glazed passageways. Joining their celebrity neighbors, including Victoria and David Beckham, Kate Moss, and Patrick Stewart, Ellen and Portia are settling into this idyllic corner of England.
However, the move has not been entirely smooth. Shortly after moving in, their multimillion-pound home was hit by severe flooding caused by Storm Bert. Torrential rains and winds of up to 80 mph left surrounding roads submerged under up to 5ft of water, trapping locals and swamping areas around their property. Images captured at the time showed significant flood damage, but it hasn’t dampened the spirit of the couple, who remain delighted with their modern Cotswolds retreat.
Adding to the narrative of her return to comedy, Ellen’s latest Netflix stand-up special, For Your Approval, offered some insight into her time away from the spotlight. The comedian addressed claims of workplace toxicity during her talk show era, joking about feeling “kicked out of show business.” The special has been another step in rebuilding her presence within the entertainment industry post-The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Ellen and Portia’s decision to retreat to the Cotswolds seems to be a combination of professional and personal priorities. The serene setting and deeply loved English charm offer a fresh slate for Ellen as she reignites her comedy career, while the area’s tranquil lifestyle might appeal to the couple in the long term.
For more on Ellen’s career resurgence, check out her Netflix comedy special, For Your Approval. Also, explore New Idea’s report for exclusive celebrity lifestyle updates.