Ellen Degeneres Montecito House

The Montecito celebrity resident, Ellen DeGeneres, might be famous for her TV shows all over the world, but in Montecito she is mostly known for her real estate ventures, particularly her strategy to flip luxury properties. She often purchases, renovates, and then sells high-end estates for a profit. The couple purchased a notable Beverly Hills mansion before, showcasing their taste for luxury properties and their willingness to invest in exclusive real estate. Ellen and Portia frequently sell properties for a profit, cementing their reputation as savvy real estate investors.

Although she hasn’t made a profit on every project, overall she has earned an exuberant amount profit on her projects and she has made a mark on our local real estate market. Last year, Ellen purchased and renovated another Montecito mansion before listing it for sale.

Ellen recently acquired the iconic estate off of San Ysidro road in June of 2023 in an off market deal and quickly turned it around and relisted it for $46,500,000 in November of this year. This was the asking price for the property, and the final sale price may have differed depending on negotiations. The sale occurred in March, highlighting the active luxury real estate market during that time. The buyer was a high-profile individual, reflecting the exclusivity and desirability of Montecito estates. She paid a significant price for the property before putting it back on the market. The mansion was previously owned by another celebrity, adding to its history and appeal.

The estate spans over eight acres of prime Montecito land, centrally located in Montecito between the upper village and the lower village and located near Butterfly Beach. Situated down a private lane behind its gates, the estate offers the privacy and lifestyle that many dream of. The iconic Mediterranean architecture of the abode offers that lifestyle and feel that many seek for in Montecito. The property was renovated to include modern amenities while preserving its historic charm. A grand entrance door welcomes guests, enhancing the estate's appeal and setting the tone for the luxurious interiors. The estate features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a separate three-bedroom guest cottage, providing ample space for family and guests. The lush gardens with multiple sections of sitting areas with fruit trees and fountains offers an exceptional tranquil experience to enjoy the outdoor spaces. Luxury amenities include a pool, sunken tennis court, badminton court, tennis court, guest cottage, art studio, and lush gardens, making it a truly unique and desirable property. The estate was featured in several luxury real estate publications due to its unique design and amenities. The bucolic setting of the property is reminiscent of estates in the English countryside, offering a peaceful retreat similar to those found in the Cotswolds.

Ellen's taste in architecture can be compared to homes designed by John Elgin Woolf, known for his Hollywood Regency style and celebrity clientele. Similarly, properties designed by Wallace Frost are highly sought after by luxury buyers for their architectural significance and timeless appeal. The Montecito market has also seen high-profile transactions involving the Tinder founder, with Sean Rad, the Tinder founder, purchasing Rancho San Leandro from celebrities, further illustrating the exclusivity of the area. Celebrity weddings have also taken place in Montecito mansions, such as Kim Kardashian's wedding to Kris Humphries at a notable estate. Ellen's Montecito house rivals her Beverly Hills mansion in terms of luxury and history, and Ellen and Portia were married at their Beverly Hills estate, connecting their personal milestones to their impressive real estate holdings.

More information about this one-of-a-kind estate can be found in the link below or contact Sina Omidi directly at 805.689.7700 - [email protected]

Link: Ellen DeGeneres Montecito Estate

PROPERTY RESTORATION AND DESIGN

Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved former talk show host, and her wife Portia de Rossi have become synonymous with sophisticated property restoration and design, particularly in the exclusive enclaves of Montecito and Beverly Hills. Their real estate ventures are defined by a unique ability to honor a home’s original character while seamlessly introducing contemporary luxury—a balance that has set their projects apart in the world of high-end real estate.

One of their most celebrated undertakings was the restoration of the Brown-Sidney House, a midcentury masterpiece designed by Richard Neutra. With its three bedrooms and six bathrooms, this estate was transformed under Ellen and Portia’s guidance, preserving Neutra’s iconic open floor plan while updating the interiors with modern finishes and amenities. Their commitment to architectural integrity is a hallmark of their approach, whether they are reviving a classic estate or reimagining a modernist gem.

The couple’s design philosophy extends to their work on the Brody House, a renowned property in Holmby Hills. Here, they collaborated with top architects and designers to restore the estate’s original grandeur, resulting in a five-bedroom, six-bathroom showpiece complete with a sunken tennis court and a charming guest cottage. Their attention to detail is evident in every space, from the meticulously landscaped gardens to the thoughtfully curated interiors.

In Montecito, Ellen and Portia’s restoration of the Pompeiian Court estate stands as a testament to their love for blending old-world elegance with modern comfort. The property’s Mediterranean architecture was carefully preserved, while enhancements like a lush chardonnay vineyard and a beautifully restored art studio brought new life to the estate. Their Beverly Hills villa, meanwhile, showcases their signature style—airy, light-filled rooms, expansive windows, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Whether they are flipping houses or settling into a new home, Ellen and Portia’s projects are always marked by a refined aesthetic and a deep respect for each property’s history. Their Montecito home, purchased in June, features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a host of luxurious amenities, all restored with the same care and vision that have made their previous properties so sought after. Their work has been featured in leading design publications, further cementing their status as tastemakers in the world of real estate.

Through their dedication to restoration and design, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have not only elevated the standard for luxury living in Beverly Hills and Montecito but have also contributed to the preservation of architectural treasures. Their legacy in real estate is defined by a passion for beautiful homes, a talent for transformation, and an unwavering commitment to quality—qualities that continue to inspire admiration from buyers, designers, and fans around the world.

DE ROSSI’S INFLUENCE

Portia de Rossi, wife of former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, has played a pivotal role in shaping the couple’s impressive real estate ventures. With her background as a model and actress, de Rossi brings a refined sense of style and a keen eye for design to every property they acquire. Whether it’s their elegant Beverly Hills villa or their serene Montecito home, de Rossi’s influence is evident in the thoughtful renovations and sophisticated touches that set their properties apart in the competitive world of luxury real estate.

Together, Ellen and de Rossi have become known for their strategic approach to flipping houses, often transforming iconic estates like the Brody House and the Brown-Sidney House into highly sought-after residences. Their knack for securing off-market deals—such as the purchase of a Santa Barbara ranch from Nickelodeon president Brian Robbins—demonstrates their deep connections and expertise in the real estate market. De Rossi’s passion for equestrian pursuits even inspired the acquisition of a Thousand Oaks horse ranch, which the couple later sold for a notable profit.

The couple’s real estate portfolio is as diverse as it is impressive, ranging from stylish two-bedroom condos to sprawling five-bedroom estates. De Rossi’s design sensibility shines through in their selection of properties with unique features, such as guest cottages, art studios, sunken tennis courts, and even a chardonnay vineyard. Their focus on Montecito real estate in recent years has led to the purchase of standout properties like Pompeiian Court and a three-bedroom estate with exceptional amenities.

De Rossi’s influence extends beyond aesthetics; her ability to spot investment opportunities and enhance a property’s appeal has been instrumental in the couple’s success. Whether buying, selling, or renovating, her partnership with Ellen DeGeneres has resulted in a series of high-profile sales and enviable homes, solidifying their reputation as some of the most savvy and stylish real estate investors in Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, and beyond.