Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have faced a watery setback in their new life abroad. Just weeks after the former talk show host revealed her decision to leave the United States following Donald Trump’s reelection, their recently purchased multi-million-dollar estate in the United Kingdom’s Cotswolds region was inundated by floodwaters.
The picturesque property, which spans 43 acres in one of England’s most idyllic regions, became a victim of Storm Bert, which unleashed heavy rain and caused the River Thames to overflow its banks. What began as a peaceful retreat has turned into a soggy ordeal, with images showing parts of the estate submerged under several feet of water.
Ellen and Portia reportedly moved to the Cotswolds with plans to make it their primary residence throughout Trump’s second term. The region, known for its rolling hills and quintessentially English charm, seemed like the perfect escape. However, Storm Bert had other plans.
According to reports, the River Thames’ tributary running through the area surged dramatically due to torrential rain, transforming their sprawling property into a waterlogged expanse. Roads surrounding the estate became impassable as floodwaters reached heights of up to five feet, stranding many local residents in their homes.
The Daily Mail described the flooding as one of the worst the region has seen in years, leaving Ellen’s estate among numerous properties devastated by the storm.
This isn’t the first time Ellen has dealt with extreme weather wreaking havoc on her homes. Her California mansion in Montecito narrowly avoided severe flooding last year when a storm caused the creek behind the property to rise by nine feet, threatening the estate.
The Montecito incident, coupled with this latest flooding, underscores the challenges of maintaining luxury properties in areas prone to environmental disruptions. While the Cotswolds is less known for extreme weather compared to California, recent climate patterns have shown that no region is immune to such risks.
Ellen and Portia’s move to the UK followed Ellen’s announcement of her disillusionment with the political climate in the United States after Trump’s reelection. The couple’s decision to relocate to the Cotswolds was reportedly driven by a desire for privacy, tranquility, and distance from the heated political landscape.
However, the timing of the move has drawn mixed reactions online. Some supporters have praised the couple for seeking a fresh start, while critics have pointed out the irony of their struggles abroad, suggesting that their decision to leave the U.S. was overly dramatic.
Ellen’s flooding woes are part of a larger crisis that has affected the Cotswolds region. The storm left several areas waterlogged, with local authorities issuing warnings and urging residents to stay indoors.
Reports indicate that many families in the area have been stranded in their homes due to the impassable roads and rising water levels. Emergency services have been working to rescue those in immediate danger and provide support to affected communities.
Montecito is under mandatory evacuation. We are on higher ground so they asked us to shelter in place. Please stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/7dv5wfNSzG
— The Ellen Show (@EllenDeGeneres) January 9, 2023
The UK’s unpredictable weather patterns, exacerbated by climate change, have made flooding a growing concern. The Cotswolds, while generally known for its serene beauty, is not immune to such challenges.
The challenges posed by the flooding mark an unexpected twist in Ellen and Portia’s new chapter abroad. While the couple has yet to make a public statement about the incident, the images of their waterlogged estate have sparked widespread discussion on social media.
As cleanup efforts begin, Ellen and Portia will likely face the logistical and financial challenges of repairing their flooded estate. For now, their focus will likely be on assessing the damage and ensuring the property is restored to its former glory.
While the flooding is undoubtedly a setback, it’s unlikely to derail the couple’s plans to make the Cotswolds their long-term home. The region remains one of England’s most sought-after locales, offering a serene lifestyle that contrasts sharply with the frenetic pace of Hollywood.
This latest chapter in Ellen’s life serves as a reminder that even the most idyllic escapes are not without their share of challenges. As Ellen and Portia navigate this ordeal, their journey continues to capture public interest, proving once again that their lives remain as eventful off-screen as they ever were on it.
