Why did Ellen DeGeneres’ latest home sale set a new record?

Ellen DeGeneres has just sold off one of her most impressive Los Angeles homes for a staggering $96 million—earning herself a hefty $26 million profit on the price she paid for the megamansion just two years ago. The 66-year-old comedian purchased the sprawling Carpinteria estate in two parts back in 2022.

First, she and wife Portia de Rossi, 51, snapped up the main property—a five-bedroom, eight-bathroom Tuscan-style mansion that sits on a 3.44-acre plot—for $41.7 million. They then paid $28.2 million for a vacant 6.58-acre plot of land that sits alongside the home in order to create a jaw-dropping 10-acre estate atop a bluff overlooking the ocean, according to the New York Post. At the time, the sale was reported to have been the most expensive real estate deal ever closed in Santa Barbara County.

Stunning Interiors and Exclusive Features

Images shared exclusively with the Wall Street Journal reveal the home’s stunning interiors, including a beautifully decorated open-plan kitchen and living area, high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and red brick accents. The sale comes just months after DeGeneres and de Rossi offloaded another staggering piece of real estate: an enormous mansion in nearby Montecito, where the comedian lived within a stone’s throw of her close friends Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

DeGeneres offloaded that property for a relatively paltry $32 million in February of this year. It had been listed for sale in October 2023 for $46.5 million. The home was, according to multiple reports, snapped up by billionaire mining tycoon Robert Friedland, the same man who is understood to be behind the purchase of DeGeneres’ Carpinteria property, according to the Journal.

Real Estate Moguls in the Making

Over the years, DeGeneres and de Rossi have earned themselves quite a reputation as burgeoning real estate moguls, amassing an incredibly enviable property portfolio in California and beyond. The couple have flipped and sold many of the homes for an awe-inspiring profit. In February, DeGeneres sold this Montecito mansion for $32 million.

In 2011, the comedian confessed that she had quickly fallen in love with buying real estate when she began making her first real money from her on-screen career, a passion that largely stemmed from her childhood dream of one day owning a home of her own. “We never had a house when I was growing up,” she told Architectural Digest at the time. “We always rented. But my father would dream, and we used to look at houses all the time. I’d pick out which bedroom would be mine and get all excited.”

“The first thing I did when I made money was buy a house. And then…” she went on, prompting her wife to jump in and quip: “Another one. And another one and another one and another one.”

Future Endeavors and Family Support

Having called it quits on her popular daytime show in 2022, DeGeneres has certainly had more time on her hands to devote to flipping properties. DeGeneres, who has an estimated net worth of $380 million, is reported to have purchased four properties and sold off three in 2022 alone. What’s more, she has also made a move into mortgage loans, offering up money to family members to help them climb the property ladder.

Instead of letting her siblings rely on traditional lenders, DeGeneres helped her brother, Vance DeGeneres, and his wife, Joanna, purchase a $1,439,000 house in Sherman Oaks. She also extended a similar helping hand to de Rossi‘s sibling Michael Rogers and his wife, Casey, securing a loan for their $4.9 million home in Santa Barbara.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning a trip to Los Angeles, a visit to the coastal areas such as Carpinteria and Montecito can offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres. These areas are known for their stunning ocean views, high-end real estate, and serene environments.

For occasional travelers, consider taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the cliffs. It’s a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of California’s coastline.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the local real estate history. Visiting open houses or even taking guided tours of historic homes can provide a unique perspective on the architectural evolution and the high-stakes real estate market of Los Angeles.

In conclusion, Ellen DeGeneres’ recent real estate ventures highlight not only her savvy investment skills but also the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the Los Angeles property market. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in this vibrant city.