Ellen DeGeneres: the ultimate property flipper?
See inside Ellen's new home

Known for being quite the property flipper, Ellen DeGeneres has been up to her old tricks again adding a new property to her already extensive collection in the Montecito area of California. Shelling out a reported $21 million (£16m) for the Californian retreat, click or scroll to take a look inside the comedian and chat show host's stunning new home...
A bargain price

The long-time talk show host splashed out $21 million (£16m) on her new home, according to the New York Post. First put on the market for $35 million (£26.7m) back in the summer of 2019, it seems that the stylish property was hard to shift for the seller, leaving Ellen with quite the bargain. However, there looks to be a reason for the slow sale, according to Dirt. Spread over a whopping 12,000 square feet, the palatial home reportedly only has three bedrooms!
A unique design

Built and designed in 2014 by the director, Kinka Usher, Villa Tragara, as it is named, is set in a prime location on the knoll above the Pacific Ocean. Offering its new owner the utmost in luxury, Ellen and wife Portia will be greeted by this wood-coffered library when they walk through the front doors.
Luxurious living spaces

Blending Moorish, Spanish and Italiante architecture, Villa Tragara’s design influence is said to come from the Alhambra palace in Granada in Spain. Full of vast open living spaces, one of the stand-out rooms is the great room. Boasting towering Corinthian columns, glass-and-steel doors and walls of glass on three sides with ocean views, the stunning space is simply jaw-dropping.
State-of-the-art design

Elsewhere, Ellen will have access to everything she needs. Known for her love of cooking, the star can spend time in her start-of-the-art kitchen which is attached to the family room. The perfect place for entertaining!
Luxurious touches

With four and a half bathrooms, the property boasts more bathrooms than bedrooms! Located in one of two master suites, this Hamman-inspired bathroom features his and hers sinks as well as a stunning hand-carved Alabaster bathtub.
Jaw-dropping amenities

Of course, what celebrity homes go without some jaw-dropping amenities? As well as a games room, the property boasts a home theatre with surround sound and a DLP cinema projector, for a truly authentic experience. And what's more, there's an elevator to provide easy access from the living room.
Heading outside

Just as spectacular on the outside as it is inside, the home boasts an attached guest house with a living room, kitchen and a bedroom suite. But this isn't all! There's also a Japanese pavilion, heated pool, a swimming pond, numerous sports courts and extravagant outdoor eating space with a 16-seat covered pergola pizza oven and barbecue.
READ MORE: Ellen and her enviable real estate empire

It's known that Ellen DeGeneres has a keen eye for real estate, transforming lacklustre properties into envy-inducing luxury homes, before selling them on for millions. Admitting she's lost track of all the residences she's flipped over the decades, in 2021 the New York Post estimated that the comedian has bought and sold more than $450 million (£326m) in homes. Let's take a look at some of the incredible houses she's bought, owned and flipped...
Ellen's first real estate purchase

Not long after the launch of her eponymous sitcom, Ellen, in 1994, the star snapped up her first home in a long line of many – a small Spanish-style house in West Hollywood. Since meeting her wife, Portia de Rossi, in 2005, the pair have amassed nothing short of a property empire, renovating and selling an enormous array of homes in the process, often buying and selling dozens in the space of a year. No wonder she's gained herself a reputation as the ultimate celebrity house flipper.
2004: Ellen's Laurel Canyon bungalow

Ellen bought this property in Laurel Canyon in 2004 for just shy of $1.3 million (£941k). Nicknamed 'The Treehouse' after its private and elevated location, she reportedly renovated the bungalow, giving it a modern zen-style makeover. The star sold it for $2.1 million (£1.5m) to director David Weissman a year later, but since then it has had a long list of famous owners, including the late Heath Ledger and Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson.
2004: Ellen's Laurel Canyon bungalow

Inside, the single-storey, two-bed home features polished concrete floors, wood-beamed ceilings and a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe. The perfect celebrity sanctuary, the private bungalow has spacious living areas with views out across the surrounding tree canopy.
2004: Ellen's Laurel Canyon bungalow

The stand-out feature of the home has to be the huge 2,500-square-foot outdoor deck. Perfect for entertaining, it's shrouded by trees and features an outdoor grill and screening facilities. We bet it's seen its fair share of star-studded movie nights!
2005: Ellen's twice-flipped Hollywood house

The talk show host loved this next Hollywood home so much, she bought it twice. First snapping it up in 2005 for an undisclosed amount, she also purchased the neighbouring house, selling both in 2007 for around $10 million (£7.2m), according to public records. Completely renovated by famed designer Marmol Radziner, the home is the perfect example of the Hollywood Regency style.
2005: Ellen's twice-flipped Hollywood house

In September 2014, Ellen and wife Portia de Rossi decided to buy the property for the second time for the sum of $8.8 million (£6.4m). Two years later, property records show that the couple offloaded the sleek and stylish pad once more, this time for $10 million (£7.2m). Talk about deja vu!
2005: Ellen's twice-flipped Hollywood house

Measuring 5,100 square foot, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom home offers breathtaking views from the living room and rear covered patio, which features an array of terraces and a luxury swimming pool. Located in the well-known Trousdale Estates neighbourhood, it still has many features from the original design, such as wood-panelled ceilings, bay windows and patio columns.
2006: Ellen's Montecito mansion

This sprawling American estate was bought by Ellen in 2006 for a reported $15.8 million (£11.4m), according to Variety. However, the comedian didn't hang onto the vast Montecito mansion for long, selling it on the following year to former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, for a cool $20 million (£14.5m).
2006: Ellen's Montecito mansion

Sitting in over four acres of land, the house was built in 1926 and offers four luxurious bedrooms and four bathrooms, including the huge master suite, which has 1,300 square feet of floor space. If that wasn't enough, the significant property also comes with a guest house for hosting VIP visitors in style.
2006: Ellen's Montecito mansion

Outside within the manicured grounds, you'll also find a studio, tennis court and extensive gardens with a meditation area. With a history steeped in celebrity names, the property is famously the location of Kim Kardashian's lavish wedding to former professional basketball player Kris Humphries in August 2011.
2007: Ellen's Beverly Hills estate

This ultra-private modern estate in Beverly Hills was Ellen's next purchase in 2007. She shelled out nearly $29 million (£21m) for the pad and over the next few years, bought up the surrounding properties at a cost of around $50 million (£36m). The couple decided to list the estate in 2011, putting it on the market for $49 million (£35.5m). However, they ended up selling at a loss, to the man behind Keeping up with the Kardashians, Ryan Seacrest.
2007: Ellen's Beverly Hills estate

Seacrest snapped the compound up for a cool $37 million (£27m) in 2012, and he certainly had the last laugh. After owning the near three-acre compound for eight years, the TV star decided to wave goodbye, placing it on the market with an $85 million (£62m) asking price. As one of the most expensive celebrity homes of all time, the 9,200-square-foot main property was later reduced to just shy of $70 million (£53.2m) and is currently still on the market. Yet, thanks to its size and stunning finish, it isn't hard to believe the price.
2007: Ellen's Beverly Hills estate

The estate sits on its very own street in Beverly Hills and features a 9,200-square-foot main property, two guest houses and a further three-bedroom house. Overall, the acreage offers a total of nine bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, plus a fitness facility and an underground garage. Surrounded by lavishly landscaped grounds, the property has a pond, infinity pool, spa and a state-of-the-art security system – a must for any A-lister.
2008: Ellen's Thousand Oaks ranch

With Portia being an avid equestrian, the couple next purchased this 26-acre horse ranch just north of Los Angeles in 2008 for $8.5 million (£6.2m). The stunning home was built in the 1920s for actor William Powell, having also served as both a monastery and a rehab centre in the past, according to Vogue.
2008: Ellen's Thousand Oaks ranch

Overall, the palatial country property has eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The grounds are filled with billionaire bling, including two entertaining barns, eight cabins, a yoga pavilion, treehouse, tennis court and state-of-the-art horse facilities, which include a dressage arena, hay barn and tack room. What more could anyone need?
2008: Ellen's Thousand Oaks ranch

The huge home was completely overhauled by Ellen and Portia, with the couple spending time living in each of the eight cabins as they transformed them with different interior finishes, from sleek and contemporary to rustic and romantic. The celebrity ranch is one of their longest-kept properties, selling five years later in 2013 for a sizeable $10.9 million (£7.8m).
2011: Ellen's Malibu beach house

Ellen purchased this mid-century Malibu beach house in December 2011 for $12 million (£8.7m), from none other than actor Brad Pitt. One of Ellen's more successful flips, the talk show host sold it just six months later in June 2012 for $13 million (£19.4m). Brad Pitt, who's also no stranger to flipping homes, had spent many months renovating the house, which is maybe why it was sold in such a short time frame.
2011: Ellen's Malibu beach house

Built in 1962, the stylish house offers four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The main living spaces feature swathes of glass and dark bamboo flooring, as well as striking mid-century modern furniture and dramatic architectural features, such as the huge chandelier in the living room.
2011: Ellen's Malibu beach house

Sitting on 1.26-acres overlooking Malibu's breathtaking coastline, the amazing property has dreamy ocean views and comes with no end of luxury amenities, including a tennis court, lap pool and private beach access. Just imagine waking up to the ocean every morning!
2012: Ellen's Trousdale Estates mansion

Ellen scooped up this significant mid-century modern home in 2012 for a huge $17.4 million (£12.6m). Built by famous architect Hal Levitt in 1956, for the movie theatre mogul Charles Skouras Jr., it was once used as the backdrop for a Versace campaign. According to an interview with the New York Times, Ellen had her own decorators, Kathleen and Tommy Clements, completely re-do the interiors.
2012: Ellen's Trousdale Estates mansion

2012: Ellen's Trousdale Estates mansion

Two years after buying it, the property was sold on to Roger Birnbaum, the owner of Spyglass Entertainment, for $20 million (£14.5m), $2.6 million (£1.8m) more than Ellen paid for it. It looks like those extensive renovations were well worth the money!
2013: Ellen's Santa Barbara Estate

In 2013, the couple bought this remarkable historic home for a whopping $26.5 million (£19.2m). A homage to 17th-century Italian villas, the stone house was designed in the 1930s by architect Wallace Frost, as his very own home, and later renovated by interior designer John Saladino, followed by Ellen and Portia.
2013: Ellen's Santa Barbara Estate

2013: Ellen's Santa Barbara Estate

The extended house went back on the market in March 2017 for an enormous $45 million (£33m). Sadly, it sold in July 2018 to Netflix exec Ted Sarandos for more than $10 million (£7.2m) less than the original asking price, eventually going for $34 million (£25m). Still, it was another huge profit for Ellen and Portia...
2014: Ellen's Holmby Hills house

One of Ellen's most successful house flips is the Brody House in Holmby Hills, California. It was built in 1949 for wealthy art-collecting couple Sidney and Frances Brody, with Ellen splashing out a staggering $40 million (£29m) for the property in 2014. A magnificent piece of architecture, the Modernist home is rumoured to have been one of Ellen's favourite projects.
2014: Ellen's Holmby Hills house

While the home may sit on a modest two acres of land, the main residence isn't short on space, with just less than 12,500 square feet of accommodation. The nine-bedroom, eight-bathroom house also has a wow-factor open-plan living room, with a library and stylish chef's kitchen. Meanwhile, the outside area offers a swimming pool, guest house and professional-style tennis court.
2014: Ellen's Holmby Hills house

When the couple moved in, the mid-century property was said to be in good shape, so they didn't have much to do in terms of renovations. Getting a good deal on the Brody House in the first place, they sold up to Napster co-founder Sean Parker for a sweet profit, with the property going for an astronomical $50 million (£38m) in July 2014. How's that for property appreciation?
2014: Ellen's LA condos

One of Ellen's more unusual and less successful investments was two luxury condos in the heart of Los Angeles. In 2014, she decided to snap up the entire 12th floor of the super-posh Beverly West building in Westwood for $13.2 million (£9.6m). But the purchase didn't quite go to plan...
2014: Ellen's LA condos

With two separate apartments on the floor, Ellen is reported to have splashed out lots of money renovating both units. The sleek, modern spaces were fitted out with stone finishes, wide-plank oak flooring and custom panelling – the perfect luxury pads for LA's elite.
2014: Ellen's LA condos

However, when it came to selling the lavish apartments, it was far from plain sailing. Ellen listed the two units in 2017 for an ambitious $15.5 million (£11.2m), but ended up making a loss of over $1 million (£724k), when they both finally sold for an underwhelming total price of $11.9 million (£8.6m).
2017: Ellen's Montecito ranch

Rancho San Leandro, Ellen and Portia's second equestrian purchase, was made in October 2017, with $7.2 million (£5.2m) spent on the sizeable property. The estate has a bounty of natural beauty, with extensive olive groves, rose gardens, private courtyards, verandas and equestrian facilities making it the perfect country retreat for the couple.
2017: Ellen's Montecito ranch

The classic main house was built in 1850 and has just over 3,100 square feet of living space and a total of four bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite fit for a VIP. Outside, there's also a 3,600-square-foot guest house with three lavish bedroom suites and a three-car garage.
2017: Ellen's Montecito ranch

As well as stunning grounds, the breathtaking compound also includes a subterranean wine cellar, gym, games room and a paddock. As usual though, Ellen didn't hang on to the property for long – in May 2018, the ranch was listed for $11 million (£7.9m), bagging her a sizeable $3.8 million (£2.7m) profit.
2017: Ellen’s Carpinteria beach house

Ellen struck real estate gold when she bought this stunning beach house in Carpinteria, California, for $18.6 million (£13.5m) in October 2017. It was previously owned by the LA developer Robert F Maguire III, but was seized by the banks after it went into foreclosure, which worked out well for our house-flipping couple. While it needed a dose of DeGeneres' interior design flair, the one-acre plot in this exclusive location almost guaranteed a profit…
2017: Ellen’s Carpinteria beach house

And so it turned out to be. After extensive redecorating and some remodelling, it was transformed into a stylish high-end beach house – and two years later it was back on the market. With 6,862 square feet of living space, four bedrooms and a guesthouse plus its stylish new look, it was listed for $24 million (£17.4m) and sold within days to a cash buyer.
2017: Ellen’s Carpinteria beach house

The new buyer was named as IT cosmetics tycoon Jamie Kern Lima and her husband, Paulo Lima, who had their offer of $23 million (£16.6m) accepted by DeGeneres and Rossi – netting them a tidy profit of $4.4 million (£3.2m). The Limas added the Carpinteria residence to their growing collection of uber-expensive properties – which includes a huge Montecito compound next door to Oprah Winfrey’s Promised Land estate. Nice for some!
2019: Ellen's Balinese-style property

Ellen and Portia snapped up this breathtaking Balinese-style mansion in February 2019 for a huge $27 million (£19.6m), despite the fact it was originally listed for $40 million (£29m) the year before. The property sits on over nine acres and combines three parcels of land, encompassing an 8,188-square-foot bungalow, a 1,400-square-foot guest house, a security office and a gym. Complete with a stunning infinity pond, the estate makes a wow-factor first impression.
2019: Ellen's Balinese-style property

The main home has three bedrooms and four bathrooms, which have been decked out in lavish Bali-style furnishings with a contemporary twist. Following an extensive renovation, each room now features high-end materials and dramatic ocean views. The great room boasts a ceiling trimmed in exotic wood, while the kitchen is finished with black marble and designer appliances. The bedrooms are just as stunning, with high ceilings and glass doors opening out onto a large terrace.
2019: Ellen's Balinese-style property

Step outside and you'll find incredible landscaping and unobstructed coastal panorama, as well as a stylish 1,400-square-foot guest house, a private cabana for soaking up the scenery, a tennis court, koi pond and numerous dining patios. In October 2020 the couple listed the home for $39.9 million (£28.8m) and it sold just a few weeks later for $33.3 million (£24m) – not bad for a year's work!
2019: Ellen's Beverly Hills mansion

Just three months later, savvy Ellen snapped up this grand Beverly Hills mansion for an eye-watering $45 million (£33m). According to Architectural Digest, the property had just been renovated by its previous owner, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, who reportedly spent $7 million (£5m) sprucing it up – although clearly not to Ellen's standards!
2019: Ellen's Beverly Hills mansion

2019: Ellen's Beverly Hills mansion

The outside space on offer is no less lavish, with a wood-fired oven and outdoor dining space for alfresco entertaining, plus a small swimming pool and a tennis court. So far, there are no signs of the property coming back to the market, but we're sure it won't take Ellen too long...
2020: Ellen's Tudor-style mansion

Ellen and Portia kick-started 2020 in style, snapping up this dreamy Tudor-style residence in January for around $3.6 million (£2.6m). The Montecito mansion, known as Porter House, boasts a 5,500-square-foot interior, three bathrooms and two bedrooms. The house began life as two English barns from the 1700s. They were dismantled and shipped to California to be rebuilt into the mansion we see today.
2020: Ellen's Tudor-style mansion

Full of stunning décor and design, the home features vaulted ceilings and cosy fireplaces in the main living spaces, while the home's two kitchens are kitted out with the latest smart technology, including a huge glass-fronted fridge that is reportedly worth more than a BMW 3-series.
2020: Ellen's Tudor-style mansion

The master bedroom is equally as breathtaking and features an ensuite bathroom with dual vanities and a soaking tub that sits in front of a large picture window. In June 2020, just months after Ellen purchased the compound, she sold it to pint-size pop star, Ariana Grande, for $6.75 million (£4.8m). After getting engaged in December 2020, Ariana tied the knot with Dalton Gomez in an intimate ceremony in the home, attended by less than 20 people.
2021: Ellen's mid-century masterpiece

Ellen's latest real estate investment is this chic mid-century masterpiece in the Hidden Valley Estates neighbourhood of Beverly Hills. In August 2021, the talk show icon dropped $8.5 million (£6.2m) on the esteemed estate, which was designed in 1961 by famed architect, Robert Skinner.
2021: Ellen's mid-century masterpiece

Spanning more than 4,000 square feet, the characterful home offers five bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as light-filled living areas that seamlessly flow into one another. The ultimate historic hideaway, the pad is overflowing with elegant mid-century fixtures, including Douglas fir built-ins, terrazzo floors and redwood tongue-and-groove paneling. The home's sleek kitchen also boasts Calacatta gold and salt marble countertops.
2021: Ellen's mid-century masterpiece

Many of the rooms also open out to a secluded courtyard, where a lush garden and swimming pool can be found. Just before Ellen purchased the pad, it was completely restored by architect John Bertram and designer Sarah Shetter, according to Realtor. Despite this, and the millions likely already spent on a makeover, we're sure the chat show star is about to embark on an impressive renovation of her own – and we can't wait to see what she does with the place...
Ellen's spare Montecito estate

In late September 2021, Ellen snapped up her latest property reportedly for $12 million (£9.1m) in an off-market deal. Despite the hefty price tag, the Montecito home is spread over just one floor and has just 4,700 square feet of living space. Much smaller than what the comedian is normally used to!
Ellen's spare Montecito estate

Ellen's spare Montecito estate

Located within a discreet and privately gated community, the home also boasts a garden dotted with picturesque fountains and greenery as well as a studio, that could be used as a recreational space. However, ever the house flipper, the home was back on the market just four months later after Ellen had refreshed the interior with her laid-back style. Currently, with a pending offer for $13.9 million (£10.5m), it looks like Ellen is set to make a quick buck on her latest project.
So, what's next for Ellen?

There's no doubt that Ellen will be eyeing up her next real estate move, especially given that her long-running talk show is drawing to an end. The New York Post estimated that in 2021 the star owned $70 million (£51m) in homes, each paid for with the profits she's made from real estate investments over the last 17 years. While anyone can steal her signature style, thanks to ED Ellen DeGeneres, sadly the luxury houses may still be slightly out of reach...
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