Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi Set to Stay in Cotswold Home After Planning Approval
Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Portia De Rossi, are preparing to make their Cotswold home a long-term residence after successfully navigating a planning battle for new stables. The couple has been granted permission to build the stables on their property at Kitesbridge Farm near Burford, despite concerns about the potential impact on Roman remains.
The property, which they purchased for £15 million in 2024, was initially intended to be their permanent home. However, they moved out less than a month later due to the need for more space to accommodate Portia's passion for horses. Despite this, the couple has now secured approval for the stables, which will allow them to enjoy their love for equestrian activities without having to relocate.
The property has faced several challenges over the years, including flooding from the River Windrush that runs through the 43-acre site. It was listed for sale last July but failed to attract a buyer. A sale was reportedly close after the asking price was reduced by £4.5 million, but the house was taken off the market as a condition of sale. Despite these issues, the couple is now set to stay at the property.
West Oxfordshire District Council granted planning permission for the stables, subject to several conditions. One of the key stipulations is that the stables must only be used by the occupants of the main dwelling and not for commercial purposes such as livery or riding schools.
There were also concerns raised about the site's archaeological significance. Documents indicated that the area is near a Roman bridge, road, and villa with associated bathhouse. The application was approved on the condition that an archaeologist would be present during any development and further investigations would be carried out.
In their design and access statement, the couple’s representatives outlined their long-term vision for the home. They emphasized that while the property had undergone successful renovations, there was no provision for horses or their training. The stables would address this need in a sensitive manner.
Planning official Sarah Weaver approved the application, stating that the proposed stables would not have a harmful impact on the Cotswold National Landscape. She noted that the traditional design of the stables would blend well with the existing buildings on the site.
Another condition required a detailed surface water drainage scheme to prevent further flooding in the area. Regarding the Roman remains, Ms. Weaver highlighted that historic maps and aerial photographs suggested the possibility of Roman remains surviving on the site. The applicant submitted a written scheme of investigation, which was deemed acceptable.
The council's archaeological team informed the couple that they would be responsible for organizing and implementing an archaeological watching brief during construction and any groundworks.
Ellen previously expressed the importance of having a home with horse facilities, stating that Portia couldn't live without her horses. The planning application described the couple as "horse owners" who require stabling for their animals.
The proposed building would provide space for two loose boxes and storage for equestrian equipment. Drawings showed it would be a vernacular design, built in stone with a pitched tile roof, designed to complement the existing buildings.
Options were explored, including an American barn style or a U-shaped byre range. However, both were considered too large or impractical. The chosen design is a traditional stone building, single range, built in the local vernacular to blend in with the surrounding structures.
The building was carefully sited to align centrally with the granary barn to the north and byre range to the south, creating a pleasing viewpoint on approach. The design includes a first-floor level for hayloft or storage, though this is not central to the application.
The second application for an "all weather riding arena" at the site is still under consideration by the council.
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