Ellen DeGeneres is already reportedly making waves in her new English countryside retreat—but not in the way she hoped. The former Ellen Show host, 67, and her wife, Portia de Rossi, swapped Hollywood for the rolling hills of the Cotswolds in November 2024, splurging $18 million—$3 million over the asking price—on a picturesque farmhouse in the exclusive enclave.
However, the comedian and Arrested Development alum‘s fresh start across the pond has hit a snag, as local residents are allegedly pushing back against their plans for a home extension.
According to the Daily Mail, neighbors argue that the proposed addition could increase the risk of flooding, sparking tension in their upscale new neighborhood. Some believe that the nearby Roman ruins will probably be disturbed by the extension.
Ellen DeGeneres Faces Backlash From Upscale Cotswolds Neighbors Over Pricey Home Expansion Plans
DeGeneres, who has been married to de Rossi, 52, since 2008, reportedly violated regulations while constructing their one-story addition, according to sources. Currently, the local parish council has apparently received numerous complaints from neighbors opposing the Finding Dory alum's property.
Council documents read: "The onus is on the owner to report any historic remains uncovered." Three parish council members, the outlet reported, voiced their worries that the nearby Roman ruins might be impacted. Some residents mentioned that the hedge and wire fence at DeGeneres’ property might heighten the flood risk in the village.
This, they said, is because trash might get "caught in the fence" and this could limit "flow across the field." However, a representative for the West Oxfordshire District Council stated that the Roman ruins are situated over 200 yards away from their premises. The rep added that the work was "completed to a high standard."
As a spokesperson for the council dished to the New York Post: "The works at the property involved a single-storey extension and garden landscaping. Although the extension technically breached permitted development rights, it was considered acceptable in planning terms."
They continued: "As the works were completed to a high standard with no impact on surrounding amenities or other planning concerns, no further enforcement action was necessary, and the case has been closed." They went on: "Regarding concerns about Roman remains on Akeman Street, the site is more than 200 meters away from the Roman road, and no interference was identified."
In November 2024, news broke that DeGeneres and de Rossi had moved to England following Donald Trump's presidential win against Kamala Harris. They acquired a home in the Cotswolds, roughly two hours from London, and are said to be aiming to establish a permanent residence there. Insiders revealed to TMZ that the couple chose to “get the hell out” of the country right after President Trump’s victory, as it left them feeling “very disillusioned.”
