Ellen DeGeneres, television powerhouse and high-end house-flipper extraordinaire, and her wife, the actress Portia de Rossi, have put their 1930s Santa Barbara stone villa on the market for $45 million.
Prominently featured in Ellen’s 2015 book Home, The Villa, as its known, was designed by architect Wallace Frost as a residence for himself after returning from living in Italy. Many years later, acclaimed interior designer John Saladino undertook an extensive five-year restoration of the property for his personal use.
Featuring classical, Old World details reminiscent of 17th century Italian villas like a barrel-tiled roof, terracotta surfaces, and wide-plank hardwood floors, the 10,500-square-foot home includes six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, nine fireplaces, multiple libraries, and a guest annex. Not to mention expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, harbor, and mountains.
The couple first bought the home in 2013 for $26.5 million then acquired two adjacent properties to expand the estate to 16.88 acres. They made modernizing renovations and built an indoor-outdoor entertaining pavilion known as Jordan Hall, which features an infinity swimming pool, a sunken tennis court, and Japanese soaking tub, among other incredible amenities.
With grounds landscaped with mature olive and eucalyptus trees, aromatic plantings, and colorful gardens, and additionally decorated with fountains, statuary, and sculptures, the Montecito retreat is one-of-a-kind. Don’t believe us? Just ask Ellen:
The surrounding gardens and olive trees are almost as wonderful as the interior. The house truly feels like it was built out of the landscape, rather than plopped on a plot. It feels ancient, like it’s been there forever. Like that hill was never without the house. This is a home that honors nature, and I love that.
Take a look below, then head on over to the listing for the full gallery.
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