Ellen DeGeneres, the iconic host of daytime talk shows in America, has made headlines with the sale of her breathtaking cliffside estate in Carpinteria for an astonishing $96 million. Just two years prior, in 2022, Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, acquired this stunning property for $70 million, netting an impressive profit of $26 million in a remarkably short timeframe.
The new owner of this exquisite estate is billionaire mining mogul Robert Friedland, who serves as the chairman of Ivanhoe Mines and was once a business mentor to the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. Friedland’s estimated net worth exceeds $3 billion. Earlier this year, he grabbed attention by purchasing a beautifully renovated 1919 estate known as Pompeiian Court from DeGeneres for $32 million, only for her to repurchase the same 8-acre property a few months later for that exact price.
In 2022, DeGeneres and de Rossi made strategic moves by acquiring two adjacent plots of land in Carpinteria for just under $70 million from retired hedge fund manager Bruce Kovner. They invested $41.7 million in a Tuscan-style farmhouse on 3.4 acres and an additional $28.2 million on a nearly vacant 6.6-acre parcel that features a small lake and sprawling lawns. Together, these properties create a remarkable 10-acre estate with private beach access.
Friedland’s newly acquired estate includes a five-bedroom, eight-bathroom residence that spans approximately 9,000 square feet across three levels. The house showcases a soft beige façade, a terracotta roof, soaring exposed beam ceilings, elegant hardwood floors, stone arches, and luxurious marble accents. Additionally, there’s a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest suite and a three-car garage with a picturesque cobblestone driveway.
A standout feature of the main level is the impressive living room, complete with a grand antique fireplace. This space flows seamlessly into a family room and dining area that leads to a gourmet kitchen outfitted with professional-grade appliances, an island, and two butler’s pantries. The upper level is designed for comfort, housing five ensuite bedrooms, including an opulent master suite with a spa-like terrace, dual walk-in closets, and a bathroom fit for royalty. The lower level features a wine cellar and a home theater equipped with reclining leather seats for movie nights.
The stunning outdoor grounds are adorned with olive trees and boast a marble-inlaid swimming pool, two hot tubs, an outdoor kitchen, several fireplace lounge areas, elevated herb and vegetable gardens, as well as various spots for relaxation and entertainment. The exclusive cliff-top beach area enhances the experience with a fire pit, torches, an antique rowing boat, and a large stone dining table featuring a custom umbrella designed for connectivity.
Carpinteria has long been a haven for celebrities, attracting prominent figures like George Lucas and Kevin Costner. Friedland’s estate is located on Padaro Lane, one of the most sought-after and unique locales in the region.
In addition to his Santa Barbara property, Friedland’s real estate portfolio includes multiple luxurious estates, such as a beachfront mansion in Carpinteria that he purchased from TELUS president and CEO Darren Entwistle for just under $47 million earlier this year, two adjacent estates in Beverly Hills, a luxury home in Bel-Air, a lavish apartment in Singapore, and a seaside residence in Thailand.
