Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Ellen DeGeneres' New Life in the UK: From Hollywood to Cotswolds

Ellen DeGeneres' life in the UK with her wife Portia de Rossi is coming into clearer focus after insiders spoke about how the two are adapting in a new cover story from Us Weekly

Ellen DeGeneres Trades Hollywood Glamour for Charming Countryside Life in UK

It's been two years since Ellen DeGeneres bid adieu to the United States, fleeing the country after a tumultuous 2024 presidential election. The comedian and talk show host, 67, packed up her bags with wife Portia de Rossi, 52, and made the dramatic move to the UK in search of a quieter life. And it seems she's found her happy haven - or has she?

DeGeneres' new life in the idyllic Cotswolds region is taking shape, with the couple settling into their stunning 10,000-square-foot home, Hiaven, which they purchased for a whopping $26 million. The property, nestled in the rolling hills of South West England, boasts breathtaking views and an air of tranquility that seems to have soothed DeGeneres' frazzled nerves.

DeGeneres, 67, and Rossi, 52, fled the US for the UK in the wake of Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election; pictured Monday in Washington, DC

In a surprise Q&A session at the Cheltenham Everyman Theatre last month, DeGeneres opened up about her new life, revealing she's been feeling "bored" since leaving the spotlight behind. The controversy surrounding her show, which ultimately led to its demise in 2022, still seems to be weighing on her mind. "I do like my chickens here," she admitted to the audience, "but I am a little bit bored."

The usually effervescent star seemed subdued, but sources close to the couple insist that DeGeneres has never been happier. "She's left the Hollywood drama behind for a more peaceful life," an insider gushed to The Scholarly Note.com. "Everything about her new life is better - the people, the landscape, the pace of life. She's embracing this reinvention."

DeGeneres and de Rossi have quickly settled into their new community, befriending local celebrities like Jeremy Clarkson and James Corden, who lives nearby in Great Tew. The couple has even started a Sunday lunch tradition at the historic Falkland Arms pub, which dates back to the 16th century.

The move followed a 2020 investigation into misconduct and sexual harassment claims on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which led to the firing of three top producers, and the subsequent end of the series in 2022

However, it's not all smooth sailing for the power couple. DeGeneres has confessed that adapting to life without household staff has been an adjustment. "Things aren't as luxurious" as they were in Southern California, a source noted wryly. "They now have to do things like placing their garbage bins at the end of their driveway."

The couple's penchant for large vehicles also caused a stir when they discovered their Land Rovers were too wide and heavy to drive over the bridge between their home and town. The solution? Take the long way around - or simply walk.

Despite these minor hiccups, DeGeneres is clearly loving her new life in the UK. "I'm always happiest on stage," she admitted during her Q&A session. "It's the best feeling." Could this be a hint that the comedian is itching to return to the spotlight? Only time will tell.

Since moving across the pond, DeGeneres has reportedly fallen in love with the rural nature of the Cotswolds, and she regularly documents herself riding her lawnmower and feeding her chickens and sheep on Instagram

DeGeneres' decision to leave the US was likely influenced by the controversy surrounding her show, which led to the firing of three top producers in 2020. The scandal sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many questioning DeGeneres' handling of the situation.

The comedian has since spoken publicly about the toll the controversy took on her mental health. "I feel very burned by how the world turned on me," she confessed during a recent interview.

While DeGeneres and de Rossi have been enjoying their new life in the UK, they haven't completely severed ties with their Hollywood past. The couple has traveled back to the US multiple times since their move, attending events and visiting friends and family.

'It’s a different lifestyle for her,' a source told Us Weekly. They added that the former talk show host was able to be 'chill' and at ease in her adopted home

In a surprising development, Deadline reported last month that DeGeneres had signed with the high-profile talent agency WME, sparking rumors that she might be preparing for a return to the entertainment industry. When asked about her next move during her Q&A session, DeGeneres coyly replied, "I'm very carefully planning it out."

As DeGeneres continues to navigate her new life in the UK, one thing is clear: this chapter of her journey will be filled with twists and turns. Will she find a way back onto the stage, or will she continue to soak up the peace and quiet of the Cotswolds? Only time - and the spotlight - will tell.

Sources:

They bought a modern $26M home named Hiaven after putting their first UK home, Kitesbridge Farm, on the market for $30M. They purchased it in 2024 for around $10M less

  • Us Weekly
  • The Scholarly Note.com
  • Deadline

DeGeneres, who reportedly felt 'pushed out' of Hollywood after the investigation into her show, admitted last month at a Q&A that she feels 'bored' now

DeGeneres is reportedly considering a new career move after signing with the talent agency WME, but she hasn't settle on anything yet

Since moving to the Cotswolds, she and de Rossi enjoying visiting a 16th-century pub for lunch on Sundays and going to the exclusive members-only club Soho Farmhouse

Things aren't as 'luxurious' as they were for the two in Southern California,' the insider noted, adding that they now have to do things that were once handled by household staff, including placing their garbage bins at the end of their long driveway

They also reportedly had to get used to walking into town or taking a three-mile detour, as their Land Rover SUVs are too wide and heavy to drive over the bridge to town