A Life-Changing Decision
After decades in the spotlight, Ellen DeGeneres embraced a quieter life far from cameras. She revealed that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, moved to the UK shortly after Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024. Ellen confirmed their relocation during a recent appearance in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
We moved here in November,” she told the audience. “It wasn’t the ideal time, but I saw snow for the first time in my life.”
Embracing Countryside Charm
The couple now lives in the peaceful English countryside. Ellen described their new home as beautiful and charming—a refreshing change from busy life in the U.S.
We’re just not used to seeing this kind of beauty,” she said. “The villages, towns, and architecture—everything feels simpler and more peaceful.”
Their new routine includes caring for chickens and, briefly, some sheep who kept escaping. Portia even flew her horses across the Atlantic.
Loving British Life
Ellen praised many aspects of British living. “Everything here is just better—the way animals are treated, how polite people are. I just love it here,” she said.
The couple is even considering renewing their vows in England. Ellen cited concerns over potential rollbacks of same-sex marriage rights in the U.S. as part of their decision.
“America can still be scary for people to be who they are,” she added.
A Quiet Start to the Move
Ellen’s transition began quietly in late 2024. Sources revealed she was house hunting in England by October and soon purchased a home she loved. They sold their California estate in Carpinteria for $96 million just months earlier.
From Luxury Homes to Simple Living
Known for her passion for real estate, Ellen has flipped over 50 homes, including high-profile properties in Montecito and Malibu. Yet, her new home in the Cotswolds marks a major lifestyle shift—from California luxury to rural England’s quiet charm.
The Cotswolds are popular with British celebrities like the Beckhams and Kate Moss. Even King Charles owns an estate nearby.
Sharing Her New Life Online
Since settling in, Ellen has shared glimpses of her new life on social media. Videos show her landscaping, feeding chickens, and caring for animals. “Some people dream of farming,” she joked. “Ours was to become a landscape maintenance crew with a little farming on the side.”
She introduced her growing flock of chickens and shared moments of the escaping sheep they brought in to manage grass. “I’m not sure if this is easier than using a lawnmower,” she laughed.
New Hobbies and Happy Moments
Ellen has also taken up rowing with Portia. In May, she posted a video of them learning the ropes on the water. In April, she shared a sweet photo of Portia photographing a rainbow with the caption, “3 things that make me happy: My wife, a rainbow, and my wife taking a photograph of a rainbow.”
Celebrating 20 Years Together
In December 2024, Ellen marked 20 years with Portia by posting a heartfelt selfie. She expressed gratitude for their journey and looked forward to exploring the world together. “So happy we get to travel and explore in the next 20 years,” she wrote, “and looking forward to our first snowy Christmas.”