Inside Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s Move to England: A New Chapter in the Countryside
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi — one of Hollywood’s longest-standing couples — have made a significant life change in the past year: they traded the sunny California coast for a quieter existence in the English countryside. After decades in the public eye, the pair have rebuilt their life in the Cotswolds, embracing a slower pace, new passions, and a fresh beginning far from the celebrity bustle that once defined them.
From Montecito to the Cotswolds: Why They Moved
The couple’s decision to relocate abroad grew from a combination of personal and cultural factors. Having lived in Montecito, California, for many years — a region known for its luxury estates and celebrity residents — Ellen and Portia began contemplating life beyond the American West Coast following major life events, such as the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022 and Ellen’s farewell stand-up tour.
According to Ellen herself, the timing of the move coincided with the U.S. presidential election in late 2024. The pair arrived in the UK just before the election results were announced and — after reflecting on changes in the American social and political landscape — chose to stay. Ellen has publicly said that certain developments back home, especially around LGBTQ+ rights and the overall political climate, influenced their choice to make England their permanent home.
Her remarks echoed a desire for an environment that felt more inclusive and peaceful, where they could raise their animals, enjoy open space, and connect with community life. In interviews, Ellen has praised the friendliness, politeness, and natural beauty of the UK’s countryside while contrasting it with the intensity of life in the United States.
Life in the Countryside: Simpler Days and Animal Companions
Once settled in the Cotswolds — a region known for rolling green hills, classic villages, and historic stone homes — Ellen and Portia began to explore the routines of rural living. Their days now include activities like caring for horses, tending to chickens, and simply enjoying the quiet rhythms of country life.
Portia de Rossi, an avid equestrian, has particularly embraced this new lifestyle. Ellen has shared candid glimpses of Portia riding through scenic trails and celebrating how “living her dream” among horses has brought joy to their daily life. For the couple, having space for animals and room to roam has become an emotionally grounding and meaningful part of their new home.
Despite the idyllic setting, rural life hasn’t been without its quirks. In interviews, Ellen has jokingly recounted challenges like keeping sheep contained in pastures and learning the demands of constant property maintenance — a level of work quite different from their previous California lifestyle.
Homes and Property: Renovation and Real Estate Adventures
One of the cornerstones of Ellen and Portia’s life together has long been their passion for real estate. Both are seasoned home flippers, having bought, renovated, and sold numerous properties in California over the years. This shared interest made the Cotswolds — with its wealth of historic homes and rustic estates — a natural fit.
In spring 2024, the couple purchased a sprawling 43-acre farmhouse in Oxfordshire, known as Kitesbridge Farm. They invested significant effort into renovating the property, melding the charm of English countryside architecture with modern amenities. However, after deciding to live in England full time — and after realizing their original purchase lacked sufficient facilities for Portia’s horses — they opted to sell the estate and relocate to a larger nearby home better suited to their lifestyle needs.
The original property they listed had become a stunning example of restoration, complete with landscaped grounds, luxurious interiors, and expansive living spaces. While the farmhouse drew attention due to its size and design, the couple’s ongoing quest for a home that perfectly matched their vision reflects a deeper commitment to embracing this new chapter thoughtfully.
Adjusting to European Life and Cultural Differences
Adapting to life in rural England has meant more than just switching homes — it has involved adjusting to a different pace, culture, and way of living. Ellen has commented on how everyday interactions in the UK feel easier and more considerate compared with her experiences in the U.S., particularly in social settings. In contrast to fast-paced celebrity life, she has described village life as welcoming and grounded, from polite neighbors to friendly pub visits.
These cultural shifts have helped the couple connect more deeply with their surroundings and form a meaningful routine. For many Americans transplanted abroad, learning to appreciate seasonal changes — including England’s famously gray winters and sudden snowfalls — has become part of the adventure. Ellen herself mentioned experiencing snow for the first time in her life after the move.
Reflection and Personal Growth
For Ellen DeGeneres, this move represents more than a geographic change — it’s a chapter of reflection, growth, and recalibration. After more than 19 seasons on her popular daytime show, which ended amid workplace controversy and public scrutiny, Ellen has publicly acknowledged how her on-screen persona sometimes overshadowed her true self. She has stated that the experience taught her much about perception, misunderstandings, and the complexities of public life.
Moving abroad, stepping away from Hollywood’s spotlight, and re-establishing a simpler routine have given both Ellen and Portia space to explore interests that aren’t tied to fame or entertainment. Whether through renovating homes, spending time outdoors, or caring for animals, the couple appears intent on creating a life centered on connection, well-being, and shared purpose.
A New Era Together
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s relocation to England underscores how life priorities can shift dramatically over time. For a couple known around the world for their careers and personalities, choosing a quieter existence — and making it work with purpose and intention — speaks to the deeply personal nature of defining happiness and fulfillment.
Their story, from long Hollywood careers to countryside horse trails, illustrates how reinvention is possible at any stage of life. In many ways, their move to England isn’t just a change of address — it’s a reinvention of identity, community, and what it means to build a life together beyond the spotlight.