Ellen DeGeneres Flips Century-Old Montecito Cottage Back Onto the Market

“Good things come in small packages,” proclaims the listing for Ellen DeGeneres’ charming cottage in the coveted Hedgerow District of Montecito, currently on the market for just over $5.8 million. And in this case, that old adage proves very true — built in 1915 and spanning barely 1,900 square feet, the fully renovated pre-Craftsman home welcomes visitors with its crimson front door; inside, the casually luxe interiors sport a mix of original built-ins and contemporary finishes.

Should the house sell within the next few weeks, it will be DeGeneres’ eighth real estate transaction of 2022 — a volume that translates into one multimillion-dollar deal inked nearly every month. The former talk show host and Portia de Rossi acquired the property barely six months ago, paying $5.4 million, though it’s not clear what renovations they’ve made since. A photo comparison reveals the exterior and parts of the interior are virtually unchanged.

Hardwood floors and wainscoting define most of the interior spaces, while vaulted ceilings and large windows make the structure feel larger than its actual size. The kitchen offers granite countertops and newer cabinetry, the bathrooms have been fully modernized, and there are two fireplaces on the premises. Out back, a tranquil courtyard-style seating area is accented by a gurgling fountain, and there are two tiny accessory structures on the lot — a guest cottage and another detached building that could be an office, screening room or storage unit.

And like many properties in the Hedgerow District, where other homeowners have included Ariana Grande and Larry David, the property is mostly obscured from view behind a neat row of privet hedges.

Per the listing, potential buyers also have the opportunity to live just like DeGeneres, if they desire — all of this home’s furnishings, art, kitchenware and knick-knacks are also separately available for purchase.

Other properties currently in the de Rossi-DeGeneres stable include two other petite Montecito cottages and a stunning horse ranch that dates to the 1800s. Earlier this month, DeGeneres also paid $29 million for Tom Ford’s former Bel Air estate.

Riskin Partners at Village Properties holds the listing.