Ellen DeGeneres’ House Portfolio: Real Estate Magnate

‘We buy a house, and we love it, and we stay in it, and then we get a little bored because we like a different style or a different aesthetic, and I love furniture and decorating. So if I find something else and we make money, it turns out, why not move to another house?’ 

Wait up, let us understand this, did she just say she moves houses out of sheer boredom? Fascinating? What is she like? Some sort of a multi-millionaire comedian-talk show host with enough real estate to make Pablo Escobar frown?

Well, that is exactly who this stunner is! Throughout her career, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia De Rossi, have together owned many jaw-dropping properties. The pair have amassed quite a reputation for being two of Hollywood’s most prolific property buyers and sellers of multi-million dollar homes in the district of Southern California. 

The Many Moods and Mansions of a Talk Show Icon 

‘I somehow manage to find out what’s on the market everywhere. People come to me. I like looking at whether I’m buying or not. I love real estate.

You don’t say, Ellen, you don’t say! Early in her career, the comedian only wanted a house she could call her own. Little did she know that this dream could turn into a rather profitable passion. 

Over the years, she has accumulated a portfolio of properties worth over USD 480 million. Her two current properties, Rancho San Leandro and the Dennis Miller House, both in Montecito, California are worth a staggering USD 63.5 million combined.

Together with her wife Portia De Rossi, Ellen was reportedly making a net profit of over USD 80 million from the sale of their previously owned properties. (Quite a whopping number!) Ironically enough, DeGeneres does not see herself as a house flipper. In a lot of interviews, she has stated that she enjoys decorating and investing in real estate. The money made is purely incidental (of course). Credit, where credit is due, is some solid financial investment. 

Now, let us walk through a million-dollar landscape on a private gravel driveway while admiring a classic California sunset as we make pitstops to some of the most stunning homes owned by the couple. 

Rancho San Leandro 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Westside Estate Agency (@weahomes)

Purchased in 2021 by the couple for USD 14.3 million, this 6,800 square foot 5.8-acre estate has two houses. It also comprises a four-stall stable and a tack room that overlooks a dressage area and paddocks. The main driveway is flanked by 50 old olive trees, leading to a large covered motor room and an entrance fountain. 

The Adobe House offers seclusion to a single primary suite with two bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a breakfast room, an underground wine cellar and a game room. 

On the other hand, The Monterey House has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a dining area, a library and a gym with a terrace. Defining luxury at its peak? You got it!  Not to forget the stunning views, as this property looks out to the mountains. 

The Dennis Miller House 

What you see here is a whopper. In 2020, DeGeneres shelled USD 49 million in all-cash to purchase this mammoth 16,000 square foot 4.3-acre private estate from the fellow talk show host and political commentator Dennis Miller. The homestead was never officially put for sale, and the deal was off-market. Hence, not much regarding its interiors are known. 

The walled-gated property has a guest house, an automated garage, an infinity pool, a barn and a pool house designed by renowned architect Tom Kundig. 

Not to forget a 9,000 square foot mansion designed in South African Cape Dutch architectural style. Its stand out feature you ask? A private lily pond stocked with fish and a rowboat. A pond, yes, let that sink in for a moment. (no pun intended). 

The estate also consists of gravel walkways, organic vegetable gardens, parking for over 30 cars and hidden outdoor seating areas. Of course, it almost feels like a James Bond set sans the world domination plot. At USD 49 million, this was one of the most expensive sales in the Montecito area.  

The Hollywood Hills Mansion, aka “The Treehouse” 

The couple purchased this Hollywood Hills mansion way back in 2004 for a reported price tag of USD 1.275 million. The property is nicknamed “The Treehouse” due to its 2,000 square feet of outdoor living space. This cosy two-bedroom, two-bath hideaway was eventually sold by Ellen in June 2008 for USD 2.5 million.

A very Shambala-like remodel with absolute privacy, breathtaking and rich in greenery views from the observation deck, an outdoor grill, and an outdoor screening room make this a celebrity sanctuary. This house makes you feel as if you are close to everything, along with the feeling of a zen retreat. Built way back in 1951, it features natural textures and materials and wood-beam ceilings with polished concrete flooring. The main suite features a massive walk-in closet, and the surrounding nature is complemented by a glass wall frame that provides searing views of the valley.  

The Tudor House in Montecito, California

Another addition to the Ellen DeGeneres House portfolio was this Tudor-style estate she purchased in 2020 for USD 3.5 million. Consequently, she sold it off to singer Ariana Grande a few months later for USD 6.75 million. This was the first of her properties that the couple had intended to renovate and sell. This mansion consists of three bedrooms, two baths and two powder rooms. Comprising a total area of 5,500 square feet, this is an actual English Tudor house constructed in the 1700s and flown over from England in the 1980s. 

The property consists of an octagonal library, a gym, two kitchens, exposed fire brick walls and a workshop. This picturesque 1.3-acre land consists of a 3-car garage incorporating lush gardens and a stone walkway. It reminds us of the French Chateau in Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. 

The Salt Hill House: Santa Barbara, California 

In 2019, Ellen DeGeneres’ house portfolio multiplied to include a 10,700 square feet property purchased by the couple for USD 29 million. The five-bedroom, ten bathrooms and two office Balinese influenced contemporary design was constructed in 2011. The compound is spread across four components expanding over an oceanfront view. 

The main house measures 8,188 square feet, including three bedrooms and an expansive living area. Floor to ceiling glazing keeps the interior connected to the landscape with spectacular views of the Pacific. Sliding doors inside lead towards a sheltered terrace and an open infinity pool. A guesthouse, fitness cabana and a pickleball court are the other structures in this estate. Oh, and not to forget another private pond. Ellen sold this property in 2020 for USD 33.3 million following an unfortunate break-in. 

The Beginning of a Real Estate Empire 

Let’s go back to the year 2003. The Ellen Show has just taken off, and we are at the cusp of history being made. The scene: sunny California. The location: In the affluent neighbourhood of Hollywood Hills, Ellen DeGeneres purchased her first big property for USD 6 million, which featured four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. 

Not much information about this property is available other than the fact that she later sold it to actor Will Ferrell for USD 9 million in 2006. 

In the image, you see an outdoor deck with long seamless hardwood floor panelling and complementing furniture and a screening space decked up with fairy lights. This layout amidst nature provides a ‘House in the Yosemite’ vibe.

Ellen DeGeneres – The Samaritan Who Inspires

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Children’s Health Fund (@chfund)

The legend that Ellen is, she has donated to numerous charities throughout her career. Recently, the actor learned about the organisation called ‘The Gentle Barn‘- a home and hospital for abused animals. She uses her official website and regularly urges her fans to donate and support the cause. 

Along with actor Ben Affleck, she launched the “Small Change Campaign” to benefit Feeding America. Some other charities she donates to include: 

• The Children’s Health Fund, 
• Andre Agassi Foundation For Education
• Everyone Matters and Habitat For Humanity
• Boys & Girls Club of America 
• GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)

Ellen Lives Life on the Fast Lane 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RETROSPECTIVE GARAGE ?? (@retrospectiveg)

Her love for real estate aside, Ellen DeGeneres has one of the finest collections of supercars and SUVs. And one more thing, to date, the Countess of Louisiana possesses a Porsche collection worth over USD 1.5 million, which is nothing compared to her USD 490 million net worth. 

Put your keys in the ignition, and fasten your seatbelts as we drive through this megastars garage:

Curtain Call: The Jester’s Final Hurrah!

As the curtain falls, one thing is sure the jester master has enough money to purchase land on the moon or even Twitter from Musk himself. But then again, why would she? All the love and admiration from her fans is enough to become the Countess of Tuscany. Ah Toscana, mama mia! From her humble beginnings as an MC at Clyde’s Comedy Club in 1981, which transitioned into a nationwide tour, to a breakthrough stand-up routine on the Johnny Carson show circa 1986 (A pioneer in comedy himself, rest well, Mr Carson). 

To her very own network sitcom tentatively titled ‘Ellen’, she has indeed come a long way. 

But what catapulted her to fame and admiration was The Ellen Show (2003-2022). A talk show adored and watched by millions of people worldwide, screen by screen viewers fell in love with her poise, charisma and hosting style. Her fun pranks and gaming segments with celebrity guests left a mark on her audiences. This reminds us, of her foray onto the big screen with voice acting roles in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory made millions at the box office and bestowed her with numerous awards and praise. 

It all comes down to, What’s next, Ellen? And that, folks, is a question only a jester like her can answer. Godspeed, DeGeneres.

“Be Kind To One Another”  

Stories you may also like