Ellen DeGeneres, the iconic talk show host, has made an unexpected return to the United States after months of living in rural England with her wife, Portia de Rossi.
The 66-year-old comedian, who famously declared her intention to leave the U.S. following Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential election victory,
has been spotted back in California, particularly in Montecito, where she and Portia once resided before relocating overseas.
In an exclusive report by DailyMail.com, DeGeneres was seen at Casa Dorinda, an upscale retirement community in Montecito, on Friday.
Sporting a casual look—gray sweater, blue jeans, and sneakers—DeGeneres was photographed arriving at the luxury community,
known for housing notable figures like chef Julia Child in her later years.
While it remains unclear who DeGeneres was visiting, some speculate that it could be her mother-in-law, Margaret Rogers, who might have moved to Casa Dorinda after selling her Westlake Village townhome a few years ago.
This visit comes after Ellen and Portia’s move to the Cotswolds in England, a picturesque region in Southwest England known for its rolling hills and idyllic countryside. The couple is said to have fallen in love with a multi-million-pound farmhouse, which they purchased in the fall of 2024. Sources close to the couple revealed they were so eager to make the property their own that they paid approximately $3 million over the asking price. The home, which is now a modern luxury retreat, includes stunning features such as a helicopter pad and a swimming pool, set on 43 acres of lush land. The Cotswolds is a popular area among celebrities and affluent individuals seeking a peaceful getaway from the hustle of city life, with notable residents including David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and Jeremy Clarkson.
However, despite their new life in England, it seems the U.S. still holds strong ties for DeGeneres and de Rossi. They continue to maintain connections to Montecito, where they previously lived in a sprawling Bali-inspired mansion. After purchasing the property in 2019 for $27 million, the couple reportedly listed the mansion for sale after their move to the UK. The 8,188 square-foot home, featuring luxurious finishes such as bamboo ceilings and distressed oak floors, included five bedrooms and ten bathrooms. The couple’s relocation to the U.K. seemed to align with their desire for a fresh start, following the controversies surrounding DeGeneres’ talk show and the toxic workplace accusations that ultimately led to the show’s cancellation in 2022.
For DeGeneres, the move to the U.K. was also about leaving behind a difficult chapter in her career. In her stand-up special “For Your Approval,” which premiered in late September 2024, she humorously reflected on being “kicked out of show business” after the negative fallout from allegations of fostering a toxic environment on the set of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” DeGeneres jokingly described how she’s been spending her time since the end of her talk show, while also alluding to her new life in England.
While living in the countryside has had its perks, including a peaceful retreat away from the spotlight, DeGeneres and de Rossi were recently affected by severe weather conditions in the area. Following Storm Bert in November 2024, which brought massive flooding to the UK, the couple found their property near the 43-acre estate submerged in water. However, in an Instagram post, DeGeneres assured fans that their new farmhouse was unaffected by the storm, sharing a photo of her and Portia celebrating their 20th anniversary in the scenic countryside. Despite the challenges posed by extreme weather, it’s clear that DeGeneres and de Rossi are embracing their new chapter in England.
Though their time in the U.S. may be less frequent, the couple still appears to have a strong connection to California, particularly Montecito, where they have deep ties. Their visit to Casa Dorinda is just one example of their enduring roots in the U.S. Despite their move across the pond, it’s evident that DeGeneres and de Rossi have managed to create a balanced life between their new home in the Cotswolds and the family connections they continue to cherish in California.
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