Ellen DeGeneres' $30 Million U.K. Farmhouse Experiences Further Flooding Despite Listing, Fueling Speculation of Return to U.S.

The expansive farmhouse that Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi purchased as their first base after relocating to the U.K. has reportedly been struck by floodwaters again, just five months after being listed for $30 million. The couple, aged 67 and 52 respectively, acquired the 43-acre estate in June 2024 for $20 million and undertook a significant renovation to start their new life in the British countryside.

Originally, the couple intended to split their time between the U.K. and California, using the Cotswolds farmhouse as a temporary residence. However, following Donald Trumps 2024 election win, DeGeneres and de Rossi decided to move to the U.K. permanently. This prompted them to search for a more suitable long-term property, ultimately purchasing a modern, glass-walled mansion nearby and relocating there shortly after renovations on the first home were finished.

They listed their initial U.K. property for $10 million above the purchase price despite reports of recurring flooding. Recent storms, including Storm Claudia, have reportedly caused the River Windrush to overflow, affecting the surrounding fields of the historical stone farmhouse, known as Kitesbridge Farm. While it is unclear if water has reached the main house, images show the farmland submerged in stagnant water.

Last November, DeGeneres denied flooding at the property on social media, despite visible water around the house. Recent reports suggest the couple is considering returning to the U.S. due to the harsh British winters, with sources indicating they may spend the holidays back in America.

The propertys listing by Sothebys International Realty highlights its positive features, including 43 acres of Cotswold countryside and a central landscaped courtyard. However, local residents had previously raised concerns over potential flood risks and construction impacts, including proximity to Roman remains and fencing that could obstruct water flow. Officials later confirmed that the site posed no threats and that renovations were completed to a high standard.

DeGeneres and de Rossi only lived in the farmhouse briefly before moving to their second home, which offers ample space for de Rossis horses. The new residence, perched on a hillside in Oxfordshire, features five bedrooms, a Japanese-style courtyard, and rolling pastures, reducing the risk of flooding and providing a modern contrast to the traditional stone farmhouse.

The original farmhouse, dating back to the 1700s, includes six bedrooms, a party barn with a pub, a pool, and a gym. DeGeneres first announced plans to sell Kitesbridge Farm in July, explaining that they had decided to relocate to the U.K. full-time after the 2024 election, and the farmhouse would no longer meet their needs.

Author: Sophia Brooks