Hollywood Exiles: Which American Stars Have Moved to Europe in Recent Years?
Over the past couple of years, more than a few American celebrities have decided that Europe isn't just for vacations — it's where they want to live. Drawn by the countryside, a slower pace of life, and more privacy (and in some cases, a break from U.S. politics), these stars have traded Hollywood homes for farms in the English countryside, villas in Spain, or even rentals by the sea.
Here's a look at who moved, where they settled, and the kinds of homes they now call their own.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
1. Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi — Cotswolds, England, U.K.
When and why they moved
Ellen and Portia relocated from California to the U.K. full time in late 2024.
Their motivation was the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. They moved after finding a house they loved and decided to stay.
"We fell in love with the peace of the countryside—there was no going back." — Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi on moving to England.
Where they live
Purchased Kitesbridge Farm, a 43-acre estate in the Cotswolds (in the Windrush Valley, near Asthall, Oxfordshire), in spring 2024 for about £15 million (~US$20 million).
The estate included a main farmhouse (dating to the 1700s), several outbuildings (guest house, party barn), gardens and pasture.
They renovated it very rapidly: a 4.5-month restoration by ~70 people. The property was described as "tired, with basic finish" before that.Less than a year after moving in, they listed Kitesbridge Farm for sale (approx £22.5 million) (~US$30 million) because Portia de Rossi needed more stabling / pasture space for her animals. They also bought another larger, more modern estate nearby.
Wikimedia Commons
2. Richard Gere & Alejandra Silva — Spain (Madrid / Oleiros)
When and why they moved
Around late 2024, Richard, his wife Alejandra (who is Spanish), and their children moved from the U.S. to Spain to be closer to Silva's family, culture, and roots.
"The Spanish coast, the gardens, the idea of planting roots in a place that already feels like home." — Richard Gere
Where they live
Sold their Connecticut estate (32-acre, 5-bed, 9-bath main house + guest cottage) in October/November 2024 for about US$10.75 million. This was the Paul Simon / Edie Brickell estate.
Bought a home in Madrid's La Moraleja area for ~US$12.7 million (≈€11 million). The new property reportedly spans ~1,000 m², includes a heated pool and private wine cellar.
Also recently bought another mansion in Oleiros (near A Coruña) valued around US$11.7 million (~€10 million). It has the trimmings you'd expect in luxury coastal Spanish homes.
Wikimedia Commons
3. Robin Wright — U.K. (English Seaside)
When and why she moved
Wright has lived in the U.K. for nearly three years as of mid-2025. She works often in British/English productions (benefiting from tax incentives) and has expressed that she has found a calmer, more tranquil life there.
Where she lives
She is renting a home on the English seaside with her partner (architect Henry Smith) and their two dogs.
No confirmed purchase or major property bought (as of the most recent reports).
Wikimedia Commons
4. Rosie O'Donnell — Ireland (Howth)
When and why she moved
Rosie relocated to Howth, Ireland in January 2025 with her youngest child. She cited both personal safety, family, and ancestral ties among her reasons.
"Ireland felt like a return, a way to keep connected to heritage while making new memories." — Rosie O'Donnell on her move to Ireland
Where she lives
Rosie listed her New York City penthouse (a 3-, nearly 3,400 square foot triplex in Turtle Bay, Midtown) for sale. It was first listed in May 2023 (~US$8.3 million), later relisted at ~$6.9 million as she pursued the move. The condo has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large roof deck (~1,620 sq ft), etc.
She first looked at homes in places like Glengarry, Ireland, then eventually settled in Howth, a seaside village near Dublin.
No confirmed reports yet of a purchased permanent residence in Ireland.
Image Credit: Fly_dragonfly/istockphoto.
FAQs
Q: Where in Europe has Ellen DeGeneres (and Portia de Rossi) moved?A: They relocated to theCotswolds, Englandin 2024, first buyingKitesbridge Farm, a43-acre estatewith a 1700s farmhouse, guest cottages, and large gardens. After a quick renovation, they listed it again for resale and bought alarger estate nearbyto better accommodate Portia's animals and need for more pasture.
Q: Where in Europe did Richard Gere move?A: Gere and wife Alejandra Silva settled inSpain, dividing their time between avilla in Madrid's La Moraleja(≈1,000 m² with heated pool and wine cellar) and acoastal mansion in Oleiros, near A Coruña, worth about €10 million. Both properties provide space, privacy, and a strong family connection to Silva's Spanish roots.
Q: Where is Rosie O'Donnell living now?A: In early 2025, Rosie moved toIrelandwith her youngest child, selling her New York City triplex penthouse (with a 1,600 sq ft roof deck). While her permanent Irish property hasn't been confirmed publicly, she's pursuing Irish citizenship and is expected to establish a base that reflects her heritage.
Q: Where has Robin Wright moved in the U.K.?A: Robin Wright lives on theEnglish seaside, where she currently rents a home with her partner, architect Henry Smith, and their two dogs. Though not a purchase, the house provides a calm, coastal lifestyle that she says feels "liberating" compared to the chaos of Los Angeles.
Q: Are these moves permanent?A: Not always. Richard Gere has said they may return to the U.S. in a few years, while Ellen & Portia appear committed to their new U.K. life. Rosie is still settling in Ireland, and Robin Wright may eventually buy, but for now is content renting by the sea.
Like MediaFeed's content?Be sure to follow us.
This article originally appeared onMyDolceCasa.comand was syndicated byMediaFeed.org.