The heart of Montecito is buzzing with celebrity real estate news again, as pop sensation Ariana Grande says goodbye to her beloved historic home. In a surprising move, Grande has sold her two-bedroom mansion, leaving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with a new mystery celebrity neighbor.
Grande’s journey with the charming Porter House began two years ago when she purchased it from the iconic Ellen DeGeneres. The historic residence holds immense sentimental value for the “God Is a Woman” star, as it was where she tied the knot with her husband Dalton Gomez earlier this year. However, with her other lavish LA properties, including a cottage acquired from Cameron Diaz, Grande hadn’t been able to spend much time at the Montecito estate.
Originally constructed as two separate barns in 18th century England, the Porter House traveled across the Atlantic to California, where it was meticulously reconstructed as a stunning Tudor-style home. During the four months that DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, owned the property in 2020, they undertook significant renovations, adding two separate kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms, living rooms, and even a library.
While the identity of the new buyer remains a mystery, it has been reported that the property was acquired by a trust established by a prominent Hollywood business manager, whose roster includes A-list actors and celebrated comedians. It seems the allure of Montecito’s star-studded community continues to attract the entertainment industry’s elite.
This sale comes on the heels of another high-profile purchase in Montecito, as actress Jennifer Aniston snagged a magnificent $14.8 million mansion. The sprawling Mediterranean-style property spans 4,320 square feet and features breathtaking ocean and mountain views, landscaped gardens, and multiple terraces. Tucked away on a private, one-acre plot surrounded by picturesque oak trees, Aniston’s new home offers a tranquil retreat.
But the celebrity shuffle doesn’t stop there. Scooter Braun, Ariana Grande’s manager, has also set his sights on Montecito. Braun recently acquired another one of DeGeneres and de Rossi’s renovation projects, Villa Tragara, in a hush-hush off-market deal. The luxurious estate, purchased by the famous couple earlier this year for $21 million, boasts four bedrooms and five bathrooms in the main house, along with a charming one-bedroom guesthouse—a perfect spot for Braun to immerse himself in the Montecito lifestyle.
As Montecito continues to captivate the entertainment industry’s most prominent figures, the community’s allure shows no signs of fading. With its idyllic scenery, privacy, and luxurious estates, it’s no wonder this neighborhood has become a haven for A-list stars seeking refuge from the spotlight.