Ellen DeGeneres has always preferred to renovate historic estates rather than buy land and rebuild. The former talk show host has renovated many homes over the years, and now she’s got this often complex process honed down to a science. Check out this impressive Montecito estate that she and Portia de Rossi purchased in June of this year. In just four months, the couple and their experienced team have already completely renovated the 8-acre property and put it back on the market.
This experience won’t come cheap; the asking price is $46.5 million, more than double the $22.5 million DeGeneres and de Rossi originally paid. But the scale and historic character of the estate make it one of the grandest in all of Montecito.
Built in 1919 and known as Pompeii Court, the house and grounds are hidden behind huge iron gates and a quarter-mile driveway that ends in a circular driveway surrounded by olive trees. Described in the listing as a “classic Roman courtyard residence,” the main luxury property was completely renovated around 2000 and then transformed by DeGeneres into a minimalist and calmingly neutral retreat that epitomizes the modern trend of quiet luxury.
Quiet, sophisticated luxury is now the ethos of Pompeii Court.
Jason Rick / Blake Bronstad
Unlike many of Montecito’s other historic mansions, Pompeii Court is a rare single-story manor house, with all rooms opening onto a central courtyard adorned with Roman columns and heated by an outdoor fireplace. In addition to the main house, four ancillary buildings are scattered across the 8-acre property: two guest houses, a poolside cabana and a small art studio.
The elegantly landscaped grounds include formal hedges and lawns, mature Italian cypress trees, ancient oaks and eucalyptus trees. Both the pool and full-size tennis court are in a secluded area away from the main house, and the grounds include several large fountains and walkways. There is also a Chardonnay vineyard.
The listing is held by Robert Riskin of Riskin Partners Group.
Click here to see more photos of Ellen DeGeneres’ latest residential project.
