Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have encountered some friction 

with their British neighbors in the Cotswolds following a controversial home extension at their newly purchased farmhouse. 

The couple, who relocated to the picturesque region in November 2024, have found themselves embroiled in disputes with locals over their multimillion-dollar property modifications.

The couple’s decision to settle in the idyllic countryside comes after they purchased a stunning farmhouse for $18 million—a full $3 million above the asking price. 

The move marks a significant life change for the 67-year-old former talk show host and her actress wife, 

who decided to leave the United States in the wake of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, which left them disillusioned. 

Sources close to the pair revealed they chose to leave the country immediately following Donald Trump’s victory, with insiders claiming they are unlikely to return to the U.S. permanently.

While the stunning property seemed like the perfect escape, the couple’s efforts to renovate and expand their home have not been without controversy. The primary point of contention stems from their request to add a single-story extension to their property, which has caused some upset among their Cotswolds neighbors. Locals have raised concerns that the expansion could increase flood risks and potentially disturb nearby Roman ruins.

One significant issue involves the home’s landscaping and fencing. The installation of a hedge and wire fence surrounding the property has sparked worries that it could obstruct the flow of water in the area, contributing to flooding. Residents have expressed that trash could become trapped in the fence, potentially blocking the natural water flow across the fields.

Additionally, members of the local parish council have voiced concerns that the extension could negatively impact the nearby Roman remains, which are an important historical feature of the area. The council’s documents mention that it is the property owner’s responsibility to report any historic artifacts uncovered during construction. Three parish counselors specifically highlighted their fears that the Roman remains could be disrupted by the ongoing development.

However, these concerns were addressed by the West Oxfordshire District Council, which stated that the Roman remains in question are located over 200 yards away from the DeGeneres property. A council spokesperson confirmed that while the extension technically breached the permitted development rights, the work was completed to a high standard and had no significant impact on surrounding properties or amenities. Consequently, the case has been closed without any further enforcement action.

The council also clarified that no interference with the Roman road or any historic remains had been identified. As a result, despite the objections from some local residents, the extension was deemed acceptable in planning terms.

DeGeneres and de Rossi’s new life in the Cotswolds places them among a host of wealthy and famous neighbors, including David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Elizabeth Hurley, and even Jeremy Clarkson. The couple, who married in 2008, are reportedly looking to settle in the area for the long term, with sources suggesting they may never return to the U.S.

The couple has also been spotted enjoying the local area, including a visit to Clarkson’s pub, the Farmer’s Dog, which has become a popular haunt for both locals and celebrities. DeGeneres and de Rossi were seen sipping drinks and enjoying live music at the rustic pub, offering a glimpse into their quieter, more private life in the UK.

While the couple’s move to the Cotswolds has sparked some local tensions, the luxury farmhouse remains a symbol of their desire for a fresh start away from the spotlight of Hollywood. Despite the renovation issues, it’s clear that Ellen and Portia are committed to building a new life in the UK—one where they can enjoy the peace and serenity of the English countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of their former lives.

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