Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi left the U.S. late last year in hopes of starting a fresh chapter in the U.K., but it hasn’t been “smooth sailing” since they arrived.
Outside of their entertainment careers, the couple spent much of their free time in California renovating homes. They made a fortune rehabbing properties in need of repair, turning them around, and selling them for a handsome profit. DeGeneres and de Rossi reportedly thought they could transfer those skills to their new country of residence, but they’ve encountered a few “setbacks,” according to In Touch Weekly.
They purchased a $15 million Cotswold residence which endured a series of floods last fall and pushback from the neighbors about renovation plans. The 67-year-old former talk show host and the 52-year-old actress found another luxurious $18 million farmhouse to call home in the meantime.
“They knew going into this that it wasn’t going to be totally smooth sailing, it was always going to be a challenge,” an insider told the media outlet. “Taking on a big renovation in a foreign country is not easy. But they’re both very skilled at renovation. It’s one of their passions.”
The major obstacle isn’t making them regret their move though, the “stumbling blocks” were expected by the seasoned house flippers.
“It’s been difficult at times because they do miss the comfort of things back in America, but more than anything they’re pleased to be embracing this new start,” the insider added. “They’re getting to know the people around them and loving the property and the area.”
The duo cut ties with the U.S. after Donald Trump won the election in November 2024. A source told The Wrap in late November that not only is DeGeneres “never coming back” to her home country, but she even parted ways with her publicist after seemingly quitting Hollywood after the conclusion of her For Your Approval Tour and Netflix special.
DeGeneres and de Rossi have stayed in touch with their fan base over social media, sharing anecdotes about life on their farm.
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