Ellen DeGeneres Settles into Life in the English Countryside

Ellen DeGeneres, the former talk show host, and her wife Portia de Rossi have embraced a quieter lifestyle in the picturesque Cotswolds region of the UK. The couple moved from California and purchased a sprawling farmhouse for approximately $18 million, reportedly overshooting the asking price by $3 million. In a recent Instagram post, DeGeneres humorously shared her first experience mowing the lawn, stating, 'Portia thought it would be fun to film my first time on the mower. She was right.' The video showcases DeGeneres attempting to navigate the ride-on mower, which comically struggles going uphill, necessitating assistance from nearby friends. Despite the charming images of rural life, the transition has not been without challenges. Earlier this year, DeGeneres and de Rossi reportedly faced conflicts with local neighbors regarding renovations to their property, indicating that adapting to country living can come with its own set of hurdles. Interestingly, their move has been linked by some sources to a desire to escape the political atmosphere in the United States following Donald Trump's election, with DeGeneres allegedly expressing a longing to live in a place with more sociopolitical comfort. However, conflicting reports suggest that their decision was set prior to the election. DeGeneres’ lifestyle change marks a significant pivot from her previous high-profile presence in Hollywood, where she faced scrutiny and controversy over her show's alleged toxic work environment. Following the end of her television career in 2022, her current life appears to focus on tranquility, family, and personal growth, in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of her former life in the entertainment industry. In commentary on this shift, it can be acknowledged that celebrities moving abroad or downsizing their lives isn’t novel; however, the nuance of how political climate influences personal choices adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Ellen and Portia are not alone; Rosie O'Donnell has also made a notable move to Ireland, citing similar motivations sparked by recent political events, bringing attention to the ongoing discourse about celebrity activism and personal liberties influenced by governmental changes.