A historic Santa Barbara farmhouse, once owned and extensively renovated by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, has now come onto the market for USD 14.75 million. The couple, known for purchasing, transforming, and reselling luxury properties, acquired the farmhouse, built in 1917, in 2018 for USD 6.7 million and spent the following year redesigning the over-century-old estate. In 2019, they sold the property for USD 6.982 million to Brian Robbins, the former CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.
A Glimpse into the Historic Property
The farmhouse, erected in 1917, is nestled amidst trees and gardens on approximately 10 acres of land in Toro Canyon, situated between Montecito and Carpinteria. The comprehensive renovation by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi preserved the property's traditional character while incorporating modernised interiors and contemporary amenities. A wraparound, glass-enclosed veranda offers views of a lavender field, while a conservatory is positioned at the rear of the house. Both areas are strategically designed to provide various perspectives of the estate's mountain and ocean vistas.
Opposite the main house, a freestanding, historic barn has also been modernised and repurposed. Part of the building now serves as a creative studio and also accommodates guest areas. Despite the already considerable living space, the property still offers room for expansion. County permits include plans for an approximately 1,200-square-foot separate accessory dwelling unit (ADU), while another planned 900-square-foot expansion would add a master suite and an additional bedroom to the main residence.
Extensive Outdoor Facilities
- —Price: USD 14.75 million
- —Location: Santa Barbara, California
- —Living Area: 4,313 square feet
- —Plot Size: 10 acres
- —Bedrooms: 4
- —Bathrooms: 5
The expansive lawns stretch from the house towards a swimming pool and spa. Gardens and open land fill the remainder of the estate, complemented by a park, a tennis court, and two fenced horse paddocks. For DeGeneres and de Rossi, this property was one of many they acquired, redesigned, and ultimately handed over to a new owner. Their comparatively brief stay nonetheless became part of the centuries-long evolution of the farmhouse, which was originally built in 1917 and reshaped for modern Californian living.
Now, with an asking price of USD 14.75 million, the property offers its next owner an updated historic home, combined with the space and flexibility of a 10-acre coastal estate. The interplay of historical substance, modern amenities, and the expansive location makes it a unique opportunity in the Santa Barbara real estate market.
