Even the most picturesque retreats can’t always quiet the pull of home.
For Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, a move to the English countryside once promised distance—from political unrest, public scrutiny, and the relentless pace of American life. But time, seasons, and longing have a way of reshaping intentions, and the couple now appears ready to return to familiar ground.
A Retreat Across the Atlantic
Roughly a year ago, DeGeneres and de Rossi settled into the rolling landscape of the Cotswolds, embracing a slower, pastoral lifestyle. Their British home offered more than scenic beauty—it represented a reset. Ellen spoke warmly of the area’s civility, its respect for animals, and the sense of calm she found there. The couple kept chickens, sheep, and horses, leaning into a version of life far removed from Hollywood.
For Ellen, the relocation also served as a step back from the political climate in the United States and from the public eye following her departure from daytime television. England, at least initially, felt like refuge.
When Distance Becomes Disconnection
But even the most charming escape comes with trade-offs. According to reports, the couple has increasingly found themselves traveling back to the U.S., drawn by friendships, routine, and the familiarity of California life. The cold, gray British winters reportedly took their toll, and the absence of a close-knit social circle began to outweigh the tranquility they once cherished.
While Ellen had previously expressed concern about remaining in the U.S. during the Trump era—particularly around social and LGBTQ+ issues—those anxieties now appear secondary to comfort, warmth, and connection.
A Change in Direction
The couple sold their expansive 43-acre Oxfordshire property for £22.5 million and moved into a hilltop residence better suited for their horses. What once seemed like a permanent relocation has gradually shifted into something more temporary.
Friends say Ellen has shared plans to return to California, especially to spend the holidays stateside. The move signals a change in focus—from distancing herself from political turbulence to rediscovering the emotional ease of home.
Final Thoughts
Ellen DeGeneres’ time in the UK offered space to reflect, heal, and slow down. But ultimately, the comforts of home—sunshine, community, and long-standing relationships—proved hard to replace. As she and Portia prepare to head back to California, their journey underscores a simple truth: no matter how beautiful the escape, home has a gravity all its own.