Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Embrace a New Chapter in England’s Cotswolds

In a surprising yet serene turn of events, television personality Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress and businesswoman Portia de Rossi, have reportedly left the United States to begin a new chapter of their lives in the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds, England.

The couple’s decision came in the aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which saw former President Donald Trump return to office. While the pair have not spoken in depth publicly about their motivations, sources close to them suggest that the political climate played a role in their move, alongside a longstanding desire for a quieter, more private lifestyle.

A Peaceful Escape

The Cotswolds, known for its rolling green hills, quaint villages, and honey-colored stone cottages, has become a popular retreat for celebrities and creatives seeking tranquility away from the hustle and glare of city life. With its historic charm and artistic appeal, it’s easy to see why Ellen and Portia chose the region as their new home base.

“They’ve always talked about escaping to the countryside one day,” a source familiar with the couple said. “After years in the spotlight and the changes back home, it felt like the right time to actually do it.”

The couple reportedly purchased a restored 17th-century farmhouse on the edge of a small village, complete with sprawling gardens, a converted barn studio, and views that stretch for miles over the English hills. Local residents have already noticed the couple exploring nearby markets, walking their dogs along country lanes, and enjoying the understated charm of British village life.

From Hollywood to Harmony

Ellen DeGeneres, long known for her career in comedy and as the host of the Emmy-winning The Ellen DeGeneres Show, stepped away from daytime television in 2022. Since then, she and Portia have scaled back their public appearances and focused more on their personal lives, art collection, and philanthropic endeavors.

Portia de Rossi, best known for her roles in Arrested Development and Ally McBeal, has also shifted toward a more private life in recent years. She currently oversees an art curation business and continues to advocate for animal welfare and environmental sustainability — passions that align with the slower, nature-focused lifestyle the Cotswolds offers.

“They’re enjoying the freedom to live quietly and creatively,” another insider shared. “Their new home has space for Portia to pursue her art projects and for Ellen to write, think, and be close to nature.”

A Deliberate Life Reset

Although the political transition in the U.S. is widely believed to have influenced their move, Ellen and Portia have made it clear in past interviews that they’ve always envisioned retiring somewhere peaceful and grounded. The Cotswolds — with its proximity to London, yet world’s-away atmosphere — offers the perfect mix of seclusion and culture.

Their departure from the United States was not marked by fanfare or dramatic statements. Instead, the couple quietly finalized their move, with only a few close friends and confidants aware of their plans. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed their relocation but emphasized that it is “a personal decision focused on lifestyle and well-being.”

The choice echoes a trend among several high-profile figures seeking simplicity, wellness, and escape from the polarized climate that often surrounds public life in America. The Cotswolds, increasingly known as a “celebrity sanctuary,” has attracted other stars in recent years, including David Beckham, Kate Moss, and members of the British royal family.

What’s Next?

As for what comes next, Ellen has hinted in the past at a desire to write more — possibly memoirs or children’s books — and to pursue meaningful projects behind the scenes. Portia, too, has expressed interest in expanding her art brand and exploring eco-conscious business ventures.

While the couple is not retiring from life altogether, they seem to be transitioning into a slower, more intentional phase — one defined less by television appearances and red carpets and more by personal creativity and peace of mind.

“They’re not disappearing,” a friend close to the couple noted. “They’re just choosing to live differently — and to embrace a version of life that prioritizes calm, connection, and creativity.”

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Whether this is a permanent move or simply a long-term retreat remains to be seen. But for now, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi appear content, surrounded by rolling fields, ancient oaks, and the quiet rhythm of English country life.