1776Reporting
After making headlines for leaving the United States and moving to rural England following Donald Trump’s election victory, Ellen DeGeneres has been seen back in Montecito, California. The former talk show host, 66, was photographed last Friday visiting Casa Dorinda, a high-end retirement community in the area.
The sighting comes just months after DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, reportedly relocated to the UK to start a new chapter. The couple’s new home is a luxurious farmhouse in the picturesque Cotswolds, an area known for its rolling countryside and celebrity residents. Despite their vows to “get the hell out” of the US post-election, it seems the allure of their Montecito roots was hard to resist.
A Quiet Visit Back Home
Dressed casually in a gray sweater, jeans, and sneakers, DeGeneres was spotted parking in a visitor’s spot at Casa Dorinda before entering one of the resident buildings. It’s unclear who she was visiting, but some speculate it might be related to de Rossi’s mother, Margaret Rogers, who sold her Westlake Village townhome in 2020. Notably, de Rossi, 51, was not seen accompanying her wife during this outing.
Casa Dorinda, renowned for its luxurious amenities and celebrity clientele, has hosted notable figures such as Julia Child in their final years. Whether the visit was personal or professional remains undisclosed, but it has sparked curiosity about DeGeneres’ connection to the community.
A Fresh Start Across the Pond
In late 2023, DeGeneres and de Rossi reportedly “fell in love” with a multimillion-pound farmhouse in the Cotswolds, located about 100 miles from London. Their new estate boasts sprawling acres, a swimming pool, and even a helicopter pad. The couple’s swift purchase saw them paying £2.5 million ($3 million) above the asking price to secure their dream home.
“P.S. for those of you concerned, our UK farmhouse did NOT flood,” DeGeneres assured fans on Instagram after Storm Bert caused severe flooding near their 43-acre property. Sharing a selfie with de Rossi to mark their 20th anniversary, she called her wife the “best friend” and “love of my life.”
Escaping Controversy and the US
DeGeneres’ departure from the US wasn’t solely about political disillusionment. Her career took a significant hit following allegations of a toxic workplace environment on her long-running talk show, which aired its final episode in May 2022. Addressing her fall from grace in her Netflix stand-up special For Your Approval, she joked about being “kicked out of show business.”
The Cotswolds’ serene landscape and celebrity-filled community have provided the couple a much-needed retreat. The area is home to stars like David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and Jeremy Clarkson, and even houses royalty such as King Charles at Highgrove House. With their rural haven, DeGeneres and de Rossi seemed poised to embrace a quieter life.
Still Tied to Montecito
Despite their move, the couple retains strong ties to Montecito, where they own a $27 million Bali-inspired mansion. The 8,188-square-foot home includes five bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and exotic features like bamboo ceilings and distressed oak floors. Reports suggest the couple has either “pocket-listed” the mansion or plans to sell it soon, signaling a potential long-term commitment to their UK lifestyle.
Will They Stay or Go?
DeGeneres’ unexpected visit raises questions about whether their move to England is permanent. While many celebrities have threatened to leave the US post-election, few have followed through. For DeGeneres, the transition to a new country seemed like a definitive step. However, her recent appearance in Montecito hints that her connection to the US, particularly California, is far from severed.
As fans and critics alike speculate about her next move, one thing is clear: Ellen DeGeneres continues to surprise, whether in her career or personal life.
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