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.

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.

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.

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).

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. 

FAQs

Q: Where in Europe has Ellen DeGeneres (and Portia de Rossi) moved?
A: They relocated to the Cotswolds, England in 2024, first buying Kitesbridge Farm, a 43-acre estate with a 1700s farmhouse, guest cottages, and large gardens. After a quick renovation, they listed it again for resale and bought a larger estate nearby to 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 in Spain, dividing their time between a villa in Madrid’s La Moraleja (≈1,000 m² with heated pool and wine cellar) and a coastal 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 to Ireland with 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 the English 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.