Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have made headlines with their recent return to the United States after an extended stay in England following Donald Trump’s presidential victory. The couple purchased a stunning $27.4 million mansion in Montecito, California, marking a striking turnaround from their initial decision to leave America due to political concerns.
Their return signifies the end of what they had envisioned as a permanent retreat from the political climate that prompted their departure. DeGeneres confirmed that their decision to leave was directly influenced by Trump’s 2024 election win, which left them feeling unsettled. “We got here the day before the election, and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis… and we decided to stay,” she remarked during the early days of their escape.
Initially settling in the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside, the couple embraced a simpler life filled with farm animals and the tranquility of village living. DeGeneres fondly recalled her experiences, such as witnessing snow for the first time and enjoying pastoral serenity. However, the harsh British winters along with the social and professional isolation began to weigh heavily on them. Friends revealed that DeGeneres expressed homesickness and a longing for the warmth of California, while de Rossi became eager to return to acting.
The couple’s recent purchase, an impressive 8,700-square-foot estate, features luxury amenities such as a tennis court and expansive gardens across three acres. Acquired from Hollywood producer Brian Grazer, this property stands as a testament to their reconnection with the life they had temporarily left behind. Their journey illustrates how political anxieties can, over time, be overshadowed by the warmth of home, friendships, and professional aspirations.
As they transition back into their California lifestyle, DeGeneres and de Rossi’s story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal passions and broader societal issues, showcasing the enduring pull of home even amid turbulent times.