Ellen DeGeneres Takes Major Steps Toward New Life in UK, Sells Second Montecito Property Amid Controversy

In a significant shift that underscores her determination to embrace a fresh start abroad, former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has recently sold her second property in the affluent Montecito area, California. This decisive move follows her and wife Portia de Rossi’s high-profile relocation to the United Kingdom in 2024. The decision comes after a tumultuous period marked by allegations of fostering a toxic workplace culture that severely impacted Ellen’s previously pristine reputation.

Details of Ellen DeGeneres’s Montecito Property Sale

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Ellen DeGeneres officially listed her cozy, Spanish-style bungalow in Montecito on March 10, 2025, at an asking price of $4,995,000. Astonishingly, the property sold in under two weeks, reportedly fetching a price slightly above the initial listing—approximately $5.2 million.

This compact yet luxurious bungalow spans 1,691 square feet and features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Designed to provide comfort and privacy, the property’s main highlights include a secluded primary suite complete with its own private patio, an indulgent spa-inspired bathroom, and ample closet space. A high-quality sound fence enhances the home’s tranquility, creating an environment of peace and seclusion.

Moreover, the property’s outdoor area offers significant potential for development, with enough space for installing a pool or constructing a guest house. Situated within close proximity to picturesque beaches, the prestigious Coral Casino, and Montecito’s charming Lower Village, the home is perfectly positioned to provide residents with the best of Californian coastal living.

The Couple’s Major Real Estate Moves

The recent sale of this Spanish bungalow represents only one aspect of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s comprehensive plan to divest their American real estate holdings as they settle into their new life overseas. Prior to this transaction, the couple had already relisted their primary Montecito home in January 2025 at a staggering $29.9 million. This much larger property includes five bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and a range of luxury features befitting the star couple’s tastes.

Historically, Ellen and Portia have been known as active players in the real estate market, frequently buying, renovating, and flipping properties for profit. However, their latest sales indicate a clear shift away from American luxury real estate toward embracing a quieter, more private life across the Atlantic.

Transitioning to Life in the UK

Since relocating to the UK in 2024, DeGeneres and de Rossi have been living in an $18 million countryside farmhouse located in the picturesque Cotswolds region. This rural estate represents a significant departure from their former high-profile lifestyle in California. Friends and insiders have shared that the couple is thoroughly enjoying their new life away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood, immersed in the peaceful English countryside.

A source close to the couple told InTouch Weekly earlier this year, “Ellen was just done with America, and Portia was also ready to turn the page. But make no mistake, they left behind millions of dollars in possessions and collections to make this move, and because it was Ellen’s idea, you have to peel back the layers a little bit.”

Leaving Behind a Complicated Legacy

Ellen DeGeneres’s decision to sell her Montecito properties and relocate abroad was significantly influenced by the fallout from the 2020 workplace scandal that engulfed her talk show. Allegations emerged accusing Ellen of fostering a toxic, stressful work environment, leading to widespread criticism and negative press coverage. The scandal ultimately contributed to the end of her long-running and beloved daytime show, prompting Ellen to reevaluate her public image and personal life.

Following these developments, DeGeneres took a noticeable step back from the media spotlight, seemingly favoring privacy and quiet reflection over her previous high-profile public persona. Her move to the UK appears to be a deliberate effort to reset and rebuild, distanced from the pressures and scrutiny that accompanied her career in American television.

A New Chapter in the United Kingdom

Life in the Cotswolds offers Ellen and Portia the seclusion and tranquility they were seeking. The region, known for its rolling green hills, historic villages, and charming lifestyle, is popular among celebrities seeking escape from public scrutiny. Ellen has reportedly embraced the rural lifestyle, finding comfort and rejuvenation in gardening, countryside walks, and quiet community interactions far removed from her former Hollywood lifestyle.

While the couple enjoys their new serene surroundings, speculation continues about their future projects. Ellen, known for her creativity and business acumen, might leverage her new life to pursue fresh ventures or contribute to local community initiatives. However, sources indicate that her primary focus remains personal happiness and emotional recovery from the intense scrutiny of recent years.

Final Reflections

Ellen DeGeneres’s journey from Hollywood royalty to rural tranquility symbolizes a remarkable personal transformation. By divesting her substantial real estate assets in Montecito, Ellen has clearly signaled a meaningful shift toward prioritizing peace, privacy, and personal growth over public acclaim and commercial success.

This dramatic change reflects Ellen’s ongoing search for renewal and authenticity in her life, a journey many find relatable and inspiring. Regardless of public perception or past controversies, Ellen DeGeneres’s bold decision to start anew in the United Kingdom highlights the importance of personal resilience and the transformative power of new beginnings.