Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi have found themselves facing an unexpected challenge shortly after their move to a luxurious farmhouse in the Cotswolds, England, with the couple's new home significantly affected by floodwaters due to Storm Bert, creating substantial inconvenience as they settle into their new surroundings.

The farmhouse was engulfed in water after a nearby tributary of the River Thames overflowed, making access difficult and impacting daily life for DeGeneres, who departed the U.S. due to Donald Trump's electoral win, as the Daily Mail reports.

Ellen and Portia reportedly purchased the Cotswolds estate as they relocated in protest of Trump's election. Their new home, valued in the multi-million-pound range, stretches over 43 acres and includes numerous amenities such as a helicopter pad, swimming pool, gym, and a five-bay garage.

The stunning property boasts six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a separate cottage designed for guests, flaunting eco-friendly heating systems. The allure of the tranquil, quintessential English countryside drew Ellen and Portia to this idyllic location.

Storm Bert Causes Unexpected Chaos

Unfortunately, the charm of the peaceful Cotswolds setting turned turbulent with the arrival of Storm Bert. Prolonged rain and fierce 80mph gusts unleashed havoc in the area, causing local waterways to flood. The tributary's banks gave way, submerging parts of the couple’s estate.

Besides challenging Ellen and Portia, the storm transformed roads into rivers with up to five feet of water. This rendered travel problematic for residents, who found themselves grappling with severe accessibility issues.

Amid these adverse conditions, Ellen and Portia were seen enjoying social interactions at The Farmer's Dog, a pub owned by TV personality Jeremy Clarkson. Joining them were celebrities like James Blunt and Natalie Imbruglia, sharing lighter moments before the flooding escalated.

Ellen and Portia's Adaptation Strategy

Acknowledging the new environment’s unique demands, Ellen and Portia invested in 4x4 vehicles, anticipated to aid their navigation through rain-soaked roads. The shift from Californian roads to the wet, winding pathways of the English countryside requires adaptation.

Additionally, local residents, including farmers, have been busy with storm-related crises, such as rescuing animals stranded in low-lying pastures. Using tractors, they braved the dangerous conditions to ensure the safety and retrieval of at-risk livestock.

While the scale of the flood emerged as unprecedented, a local resident shared his surprise, commenting on the rapid rise of water levels in recent days.

Insight into Ellen, Portia's New Lifestyle

Despite the disruption, life in the Cotswolds offers serene landscapes and experiences markedly different from southern California’s vibrant scene. Set amidst scenic beauty, Ellen and Portia’s new abode merges luxury with the simplicity of rural living.

Their estate is not only equipped for entertainment but also eco-conscious, embracing sustainable energy solutions while offering unparalleled privacy and space. This is a significant change from their previous lifestyle characterized by Hollywood’s bustling environment.

Their choice of residence was reportedly secured by paying over £2.5 million more than the initial asking price, reflecting a strong commitment to their new start in England. Despite the unexpected flooding, the locale retains its appeal.

Locals Navigate Flood’s Aftermath

The flood has indeed tested both residents and the renowned couple, bringing the community together under demanding circumstances.

As Ellen and Portia navigate through this period, they continue to immerse themselves into local life and camaraderie.

The struggle against nature’s unpredictability showcases the resilience of the Cotswolds community, with shared efforts to overcome the hardships that have arisen.

Though Ellen and Portia's introduction to their new environment has been markedly dramatic, the enchanting allure of their home continues to shine through.

This experience marks a unique chapter in Ellen and Portia's journey, as they adapt and become integral members of the Cotswolds community amidst its distinctive challenges and charms.