The pronouncements were dramatic: Ellen DeGeneres, visibly distressed, declared she could no longer remain in the United States following the 2016 election results. She and her wife, Portia de Rossi, announced a departure, framing it as an exile from a country transformed.
That grand exit, however, proved remarkably brief. Reports surfaced of a $27 million purchase – a sprawling estate in Montecito, California – signaling a return to the very shores she’d publicly lamented leaving. The move sparked questions about the sincerity of her earlier statements.
Just over a year prior, DeGeneres had painted a picture of unbearable conditions under the new administration, even describing emotional distress from friends sending “texts with crying emojis.” The political climate, she insisted, necessitated a complete relocation.
England, specifically the idyllic Cotswolds, was initially presented as a sanctuary. DeGeneres spoke of its unparalleled beauty, a “simpler way of life,” and a marked improvement in everything from animal welfare to basic politeness. It was, she claimed, simply “better.”
The fairytale didn’t last. Shortly after settling into their English countryside home, the property was struck by a significant flood, adding an unexpected complication to their new life. The timing felt, to some, pointedly ironic.
The Montecito purchase, while substantial, is now described as a temporary arrangement. Sources indicate a longing for the California sunshine and, crucially, for Portia de Rossi’s equestrian pursuits – a passion difficult to fully satisfy in England.
Locals in the Cotswolds have noted a distinct absence of the comedian in recent months. Once a frequent presence in the village, DeGeneres’ sightings became increasingly rare, hinting at a growing disconnect from her adopted English life.
The narrative now suggests a seasonal return, a winter escape to familiar comforts. While DeGeneres and de Rossi maintain their affection for the Cotswolds, the pull of California – and its lifestyle – proved too strong to resist for long.
