Ellen DeGeneres And Portia de Rossi Sell $32 Million Pompeiian Court Estate in Montecito
Television icon Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have a reputation for transforming and flipping some of the most iconic properties in California. Their former estate, known as Pompeiian Court, is no exception.
Nestled in the heart of Montecito, this historic property, built in 1919, was originally listed for $46.5 million and is celebrated for its exquisite Roman-inspired design and sprawling 8-acre grounds.
After an extensive renovation, the couple sold the estate in 2024 for $32 million to billionaire Robert Friedman, adding to their legacy as high-profile real estate investors.
Property Highlights
- Price: $32 million
- Location: Montecito, California
- Size: Approximately 11,530 square feet
- Land Area: 8 acres
- Notable Features: Six structures, central courtyard with Roman columns, pool house, art studio, staff office, private vineyard, swimming pool, and tennis court
Our Estate Highlights
Ellen and Portia’s home is a Roman-inspired architectural masterpiece, but a few standout spaces truly capture the essence of its design and have earned a spot as our top highlights of the estate, which you can see in these pins from Architectural Digest, Apple News, and Robb Report.
Central Courtyard
Designed with classic Mediterranean influences, the Pompeiian Court estate centers around a striking courtyard framed by Roman columns and centered around an outdoor fireplace.
The courtyard acts as the heart of the home, connecting the estate’s six unique structures, including the main house, two guesthouses, a pool house, an art studio, and a staff office.
Main Living Room
Our next highlight is the main living room, whose design is a blend of sophistication and comfort, accentuated by vaulted coffered ceilings and striking wrought-iron chandeliers.
French doors open to the outdoors, filling the space with natural light, while a grand fireplace serves as the room’s centerpiece opposite neutral-toned furnishings.
Octagonal Dining Room
One of the most unique spaces is the octagonal dining room, a standout for its graceful balance of elegance and warmth, framed by tall French doors and windows draped in flowing white curtains.
At its center, a round wooden table surrounded by plush blue chairs creates the perfect setting for intimate gatherings next to the detailed fireplace.
Modern Kitchen
Our final interior highlight is the kitchen, where a weathered wood island adds a rustic charm to the space, set in striking contrast to the sleek black cabinetry and stone countertops.
A statement lantern overhead adds a warm glow, while open shelving showcases fine ceramics and oversized windows bring in soft natural light and tranquil views, making this one of the most inviting rooms in the home.
Outdoor Dining
One of the standout outdoor features is the green-framed dining area, where a rustic wooden table and matching chairs sit beneath manicured hedges and lush greenery. The setup creates a serene, intimate setting that feels like a hidden garden room, perfect for long, leisurely meals in the open air.
Tennis Court
Rounding out our highlights of the Pompeiian Court estate is the private tennis court, nestled within a lush canopy of greenery that creates a secluded, picture-perfect setting for a casual rally or competitive match.
Explore the Full Estate
While we’ve highlighted a few standout features, Ellen and Portia’s former home is filled with countless other spaces worth admiring.
In a video posted to the Riskin Partners Instagram page, you can take a look at even more standout spaces throughout the estate, including the koi pond and vineyard.
To explore the full scope of the estate, check out the complete tour in this YouTube video from Riskin Partners Estate Group, which offers an inside look at the pool, primary suite, pool house, and more.
Final Thoughts
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s departure from Montecito marks the close of yet another celebrated chapter in their ongoing love affair with architecture and design.
Their $32 million sale of the Pompeiian Court estate, a meticulously restored property that balanced classical grandeur with contemporary elegance, is another example of their refined real estate taste.
But this sale wasn’t just another flip. Following Donald Trump’s 2024 election win, the couple made the personal decision to leave the U.S. and start new in the English countryside.
Having also sold off other California properties, including their Montecito bungalow, it’s clear they’re fully committing to life abroad.
