S Poddar
Ellen DeGeneres is said to have fallen out with her neighbors over a fence and property extension at her lavish £15 million estate in the Cotswolds. The former talk-show host, who recently moved to the UK, is accused of raising fears over potential flooding risks and the disturbance of ancient Roman ruins.
A Row to Leave in the UK
DeGeneres, 67, and her wife, Portia de Rossi, 52, relocated to their rural abode in November 2024. The couple easily settled into their idyllic farm after news of Donald Trump’s re-election as president of the United States. Sources reveal that Ellen is unlikely to move back to the United States and seems disappointed about the American political scene.
Despite their best efforts to lead a peaceful rural life, locals and regional representatives have not avoided noticing them. Parish councillors, including Rosie Pearson, are claiming that house alterations pose an essential flood risk hazard and threaten heritage sources.
Concerns Over Flood Risks and Heritage Sites
According to reports, DeGeneres and de Rossi made what is being described as a “technical breach” by constructing a single-story extension to their estate. The changes have drawn criticism from local planning enforcement officers and environmental advocates, who fear the new structures could exacerbate flooding in the area.
Apparently, Rosie Pearson, a local influential figure and daughter of the late Viscount Cowdray, has been taking measures to raise awareness among the authorities. She feared that the new hedge and wire fence imposed by the couple could act as an obstruction where debris might be trapped and hinder water flow across the fields. Such an issue could raise the flood risks in the village.
Moreover, as the estate has been located beside ancient Roman remains, there was a concern with the possible devastation of historical evidences. An entry in the parish council meeting minutes pointed that it is actually the property owners’ duty to report any form of historic sites discovered during excavation work.
Speaking on the topic, one presenter said that Ellen’s property lies more than 200 yards from the ruins. He also gave assurance that they have done great work in excavating the properties.
Adjusting to a New Lifestyle
Ellen and Portia, famous for their outrageous real estate ventures in the States, have found a more laid-back lifestyle in the English countryside. The Cotswolds is an area of rolling green hills and historic charm that is dotted with A-list celebrities, such as Kate Moss, Amanda Holden, and the Beckham family. Even pop star Taylor Swift was said to have rented a home in the area during her Eras Tour.
While Ellen is best known for her long-running daytime talk show, her reputation took a hit in 2020 following allegations from former staff members and guests about a toxic workplace environment. After wrapping up her final season in 2022, she hinted at a retreat from the spotlight, joking about being “kicked out of show business.”
In her latest Netflix comedy special, For Your Approval, she openly spoke about her career change, jokingly referring to her new hobbies.
“I decided to take up gardening. I got chickens. Let me see what else I can tell you about that’s been going on. Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business. Yeah, the ‘Be kind’ girl wasn’t kind. That was the headline.”
A Permanent Goodbye to Hollywood?
Ellen is said to be preparing to split from her $27 million Montecito mansion in California as she reportedly moves to the UK. According to sources, the luxurious property has been quietly put on the market, which further solidifies speculation that she intends to make her British residence a more permanent home.
Despite the outcry over her moving and property construction, the husband seems to settle into his new environment. While the countryside can be a welcome change for Ellen, only time will tell whether the tension among the locals decreases or increases further.
