Ellen DeGeneres, 66, has been spotted back in Montecito, California, mere weeks after she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, reportedly left the United States to start a new life in rural England following Donald Trump’s reelection. Despite declaring her intent never to return, the talk show host was seen visiting familiar surroundings.
Ellen’s visit to Casa Dorinda raises questions
On Friday, DeGeneres was photographed visiting Casa Dorinda, an exclusive retirement community in Montecito. Known as a luxury home for celebrities such as Julia Child in her later years, the facility may now house someone close to the star. Dressed in a casual gray sweater, jeans, and sneakers, DeGeneres parked in a visitor’s spot before entering a resident building.
While DeGeneres’ visit sparked curiosity, it’s speculated she may have been visiting her wife’s mother, Margaret Rogers. Rogers sold her Westlake Village home in 2020, and it’s possible she has relocated to Casa Dorinda. De Rossi, however, was notably absent during the outing.
A life abroad, but ties remain in the U.S.
In November, reports surfaced that DeGeneres and de Rossi had purchased a multimillion-pound farmhouse in the Cotswolds, a picturesque area in rural England. The property, complete with a helicopter pad and swimming pool, became their haven after years of residing in Montecito. They reportedly paid £2.5 million (around $3 million) over the asking price to secure the estate.
The move followed their dissatisfaction with the political climate in the U.S., particularly after Trump’s reelection. DeGeneres and de Rossi reportedly declared their intent to “get the hell out” of the country, sources told TMZ.
However, despite their plans, their recent return to Montecito indicates they still maintain roots in the area.
Challenges and changes in Ellen’s life
Ellen’s relocation to the U.K. is not just about politics. The talk show host’s career faced turbulence following allegations of fostering a toxic workplace on her talk show, which concluded in 2022. Since then, DeGeneres has explored new ventures, including her stand-up special, For Your Approval, which aired on Netflix last September.
While the couple may be transitioning to a new chapter in England, their ties to Montecito suggest a balance between their old and new lives. Whether this recent visit marks a temporary return or a potential shift in their long-term plans remains to be seen.
