PEEK INSIDE ELLEN DEGENERES’S RANCH NESTLED IN CALIFORNIA’S SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS

Portia de Rossi quickly discovered Ellen DeGeneres’s deep passion for decorating shortly after they began dating. The actress remarks on receiving a thorough education in mid-20th-century French furniture within the first weeks of their relationship, highlighting Ellen’s keen interest in interior design. Ellen, a renowned television star and comedian, expresses her love for designing homes, and her penchant for it is evident in the numerous times she has moved residences.

Working alongside Los Angeles designer Cliff Fong, Ellen has embraced the challenge of creating unique and visually appealing spaces. While many might move homes with the intent of selling or flipping, Ellen’s motivation is different. She shares that she can only change the furniture so much before growing bored, prompting her to seek out new structures to work on. This passion for design and the constant quest for fresh projects reflect Ellen’s dynamic approach to her living spaces.

high ceilinged white barn room with long swedish table and black chairs pulled up to it on a thin rug and a rustic wood console with pigeon hold draws and a desk and artwork on the wood plant walls

In 2009, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi made a significant real estate investment—a ranch north of Los Angeles that came with multiple structures, including eight cabins. Initially, de Rossi believed this expansive property would keep DeGeneres occupied for about five years, but to their surprise, Ellen completed the project in just one year, leaving de Rossi amazed at the speed of her creative endeavors.

Situated in the upscale Hidden Valley, the 26-acre property has a storied history, once belonging to actor William Powell in the 1920s and later serving as a monastery and a rehabilitation center. Ellen speculates that parts of the film Seabiscuit may have been shot there. When they acquired the ranch, it functioned as a professional horse facility, albeit one that had fallen into disrepair. Despite the neglect, the couple was captivated by the stunning landscape. Nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains, the property boasts features like giant boulders, oak groves, and a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, mountain lions, and a few feral cats that DeGeneres and de Rossi adopted into their extended family.

horse barn divided into three large rooms one with a horse and the other two with rustic furniture and sliding barn doors

Portia de Rossi, originally from Australia, relocated to the United States in the 1990s to pursue her acting career. At their Hidden Valley ranch, de Rossi indulges in her personal passion for horseback riding. The property provides the perfect setting for this hobby, and she cares for two horses on-site. One of them is a Hanoverian named Maeby, affectionately named after the daughter of de Rossi’s character on “Arrested Development.” The second horse is a Dutch Warmblood named Mcy, pronounced Macy. Despite the formal name, de Rossi humorously notes that Mcy has a distinctive appearance resembling a cow, leading to the endearing nickname “Moo.”

white painted living room with wood beam ceiling and a black leather sofa at center and artwork in black frames on walls and a desk in the alcove corner by the window

Despite sharing the equestrian space, there’s a humorous clash of interests between Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres. At times, de Rossi discovers unexpected items in the barn, such as beautiful pieces of early American furniture, where her horses are groomed. She amusingly recounts having to explain to DeGeneres that the space needs to accommodate horses, not furniture. Nonetheless, DeGeneres did manage to create a stylish sitting room in one stall, where de Rossi found the inspiration to write part of her 2010 memoir, “Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain.”

Their renovation journey at the ranch involved significant changes, including the decision to demolish the main house due to deteriorating footings. De Rossi explains that it wasn’t worth salvaging. They also made improvements like removing plastic corral fencing and signs, replacing them with a more welcoming touch. DeGeneres humorously mentions the presence of a public restroom on the property, which they decided to keep. To add a playful element, they coated its interior with chalkboard paint, leaving chalk for visitors to draw and express themselves.

living area detail with a black leather egg chair with metal base and a worn out leather armchairs and a small stool and a rustic easel with a chalkboard and a piece of paper on which is written i'm glad i married you

Ellen DeGeneres aimed for a distinctive aesthetic at the ranch, desiring “a feeling of country and yet a relaxed sophistication.” Her design preferences lean towards sculptural pieces, simple forms, and a mix of 20th-century designs by Jean Prouvé and Arne Jacobsen with industrial furnishings. She has a penchant for collecting old portraits and fencing masks, creating an eclectic blend of styles. Portia de Rossi notes that DeGeneres appreciates a more natural and rustic ambiance.

Initially collaborating with Los Angeles decorator Jay Holman on the ranch’s design, DeGeneres later enlisted the help of Cliff Fong to further refine and tweak the spaces. The process remains ongoing, reflecting DeGeneres’s continuous interest and hands-on approach to the property’s aesthetic evolution.

TOUR ELLEN DEGENERES RANCH IN THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS

Art Barn:

A 17th-century Swedish farm table is the centerpiece, surrounded by circa-1930 Swedish armchairs.

An antique Spanish desk from the late 18th century and a 19th-century cabinet add historical charm.

The space features an antique speed bag and a photograph by an unknown artist.

Landscape:

California oak trees provide a scenic backdrop outside Cabin 5.

Art Barn (Continued):

A 19th-century Swedish chalkboard hangs above a 1900 French bluestone-top table.

The antique baker’s rack, sourced from Brenda Antin, complements the aesthetic.

Farrow & Ball’s All White paint enhances the walls.

Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres:

A casual outdoor shot featuring Portia de Rossi in jeans and a vest, with Ellen DeGeneres in yellow pants and a denim shirt, exuding a relaxed vibe.

Kitchen Area Cabin 6:

An Italian industrial light fixture illuminates an antique bluestone table with 19th-century American Windsor chairs.

A mix of modern and antique furniture, including an Ib Kofod-Larsen armchair and a midcentury Danish lounge chair, creates an eclectic kitchen space.

Bedroom Cabin 8:

The bedroom in Cabin 8 showcases a painting by Corey Daniels over the mantel.

Furniture pieces include a 19th-century chaise, a 1940 lamp by Jacques Adnet, chairs by Jean Prouvé, and a table by Axel Vervoordt.

Living Room Cabin 6:

A white-painted living room with wood beam ceilings features a 1960 Illum Wikkelso sofa and a 1965 Ib Kofod-Larsen armchair.

An 18th-century postal desk from Sweden and a floor lamp by Alison Berger add character to the space.

Living Room Cabin 8:

In the main cabin, a 1962 Fabricius & Kastholm chair faces a sofa covered in Belgian linen.

The fireplace is adorned with antique Belgian brick, and the room features artwork by Catherine Willis and Martin Mull.

Ellen DeGeneres aimed for distinct moods in each cabin, with Number 6 having a Belgian feel and Number 8 embracing a more contemporary vibe. They’ve lived in various cabins and recently returned to Number 5, featuring a screened porch and a view of the property’s significant rock. The Art Barn, an all-white space, functions as a living and dining area with unique features. The Romantic Barn, darker and symbolic of their first anniversary celebration, also serves as a games room. The ranch’s core revolves around these large barns, offering versatile spaces for entertaining guests like Diane Keaton and Jamie Foxx.