Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi made headlines last year when they announced they were leaving the U.S. for a fresh start in the English countryside. But according to a new report, their transition has been far from seamless.
The longtime couple, married for 16 years, relocated to the Cotswolds in late 2024, aiming to start a new chapter after the cancellation of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. While Ellen has recently shared light-hearted farming content from their new life abroad, a source close to the pair told In Touch Weekly that the move has come with its fair share of challenges.
“They knew it wasn’t going to be completely smooth sailing,” the insider said. “Taking on a major renovation in a foreign country is tough — even for people like Ellen and Portia, who are both passionate about home projects.”
One major setback reportedly occurred shortly after they arrived, when their property was damaged by flooding. The source noted that they’ve faced “plenty of hiccups” as they tried to settle into their new environment.
Beyond home repairs and renovations, adjusting to life outside the U.S. has been emotionally challenging as well. The couple had spent over a decade living in California, where they were known for their elegant home and close-knit circle — not to mention their dogs, who were often featured in social media posts.
Their decision to leave came after a wave of controversy surrounding Ellen in 2022, when allegations of a toxic workplace culture emerged behind the scenes of her daytime show. Ellen later addressed the situation in a comedy special, saying she had been “kicked out of show business.”
Speculation also swirled when the couple listed their Montecito mansion, with rumors linking the sale to Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024. Regardless of the reason, the source claimed the couple has mixed feelings about leaving the U.S.
“It’s been difficult at times because they miss the comforts of home,” the insider said. “But they’re also excited to embrace this new chapter.”
Despite the rocky start, the source said Ellen and Portia are now beginning to feel more at home in their new community.
“They’re getting to know the locals and really falling in love with the property and the area.”
While it’s unclear whether Ellen will speak publicly about the move or the struggles that came with it, her recent posts suggest she’s finding humor and joy in their countryside life. Whether this marks a quiet retirement or the beginning of a new creative venture remains to be seen — but for now, the couple appears to be settling in.
