Ellen DeGeneres, the former daytime talk-show host, has found herself at the center of controversy following disputes with her neighbors over property modifications at her lavish £15 million estate in the Cotswolds. Since relocating to the UK with her wife, Portia de Rossi, concerns have been raised about potential flooding risks associated with recent home improvements, which may also disturb ancient Roman remains.
Deciding to move to the idyllic countryside of the Cotswolds, DeGeneres and de Rossi reportedly purchased the property prior to the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States back in November 2024. Despite seeking solace from American politics, the couple is facing scrutiny from local parish council members and residents.
At the heart of the issue lies the construction of a single-storey extension to their farmhouse. This modification has been labeled as a "technical breach" of planning regulations, prompting parish councillors, including Rosie Pearson, to express strong concerns about its potential impacts. Not only do they fear the alteration may increase flood risks, but they also worry it could disrupt nearby historical sites.
Minutes from the local parish council highlight these apprehensions: "Concern was expressed by residents... 'limiting flow across the field.'" Such fears were echoed by authorities who stated, "The onus is on the owner to report any historic remains uncovered." The local community, which has previously dealt with torrential rains and severe flooding, is understandably anxious about changes to the land.
During December 2024, the area experienced adverse weather causing extensive flooding, but DeGeneres took to Instagram to inform her followers, saying, "P.S. for those of you concerned, our UK farmhouse did NOT flood." This clear communication was intended to quell worries, but it seems the unrest among neighbors persists.
Local authorities have been closely monitoring the situation following multiple complaints. While the spokesperson for West Oxfordshire District Council clarified, “The Roman remains are more than 200 yards from their property, and the work was completed to a high standard,” the concerns from constituents remain palpable. Rosie Pearson herself addressed the community, explaining her motivations: "I was at the meeting when it was discussed and yes, I contacted the officer because an extension had gone up without permission."
Historically, the Cotswolds has attracted A-list celebrities, with DeGeneres and de Rossi adding to the charm of this rural English area known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Even with her high-profile residence, the couple is not immune to the intricacies and tensions of local planning disputes.
DeGeneres, who has often been open about her life changes since leaving show business, recently joked about her new hobbies during her latest Netflix special, noting, "I decided to take up gardening... I got chickens… Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business... Yeah, the 'be kind' girl wasn’t kind. That was the headline." These remarks, laced with humor, hint at her adjustment to this quieter lifestyle after years of being under the Hollywood spotlight.
Despite attempts to embrace the pastoral life, tension with local residents raises questions about the long-term viability of their stay. The couple, noted for their real estate ventures across the US, is dealing with pushback unlike anything they may have experienced previously. The added layer of issues concerning local history and environmental safety complicates their move.
Residents of the Cotswolds also point to the effects of Storm Bert, which recently inundated the countryside. Many local homeowners raised alarms about floodwaters entering their properties. Ellen’s reassurance on social media indicated her estate had avoided the same fate, yet with speculation surrounding her modifications still rife, uncertainty looms.
Is this just the beginning of DeGeneres's challenges with her new community? For now, the relationship with her neighbors remains fraught with tension. Only time will tell if the former chat show's host finds common ground with residents or if she retreats back to Hollywood altogether. With the idyllic charm of the Cotswolds and the luxe lifestyle they’ve embraced, there’s hope for reconciliation as both parties adjust to one another.