In her first interview since the conclusion of her long-running talk show in May 2022, Ellen DeGeneres opens up about her love for designing and flipping homes. Speaking with The RIV Magazine, Montecito Journal's design and architecture publication, the seasoned host and comedian shares insights into her new Montecito, California home in the Spring 2023 issue.
DeGeneres tells the outlet, "This place is all about the spot. The house needed a lot of work, but the spot was always amazing." She recalls that this was the first property she and wife Portia de Rossi considered when they began looking in the area.
The 5-bedroom, 8-bathroom mansion sits on 10 acres and offers breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, the Pacific Ocean, and horse pastures. Despite its many advantages, DeGeneres was initially hesitant to buy the property. She explains, "Truthfully, I didn't even want to see the place. It's the longest I've ever deliberated on a property. Because the site was incredible but the house, while good bones, basically didn't have a single surface I could live with and everything clashed with everything. Even the ceilings."
Undeterred by the challenge, DeGeneres embraced the "total package" of the property, acknowledging that a "massive effort" and "massive reimagining" would be required to transform the space.
DeGeneres took charge of the home's revamp, with de Rossi content to take a backseat. DeGeneres shares, "She's as passionate about horses as I am about houses. But we don't delve into each other's silos. In fact, I can't really get her to go into a furniture store with me. Unless there's a horse in there somewhere."
The couple, married for over 14 years, initially believed their previous home would be their permanent residence due to its horse facilities and access to a trail. DeGeneres says, "That's really important to Portia. I mean the place was a little public but more than made up for by the fact that we really liked the surrounding community. We've always loved it up here. But in this case, we had particularly great neighbors. Kind of a little pickleball league."
DeGeneres has bought and sold over 50 houses and estates in Southern California. She regards her residential projects as a lifelong passion, saying, "I don't really travel a lot. So, house flipping is my version of travel. With house flipping, the scenery changes though I stay in the same general area. Only in a new place and from a new perspective."
For DeGeneres and de Rossi, home is truly where the heart lies. In January, they surprised their loved ones with a vow renewal ceremony at their residence, initially believed to be a 50th birthday party for de Rossi. Their close friend Kris Jenner officiated the ceremony celebrating their years of marriage.
In a 2011 interview with AD, DeGeneres stated, "The first thing I did when I made money was buy a house. And then…" to which de Rossi added, "Another one, and another one, and another one, and another one."