Beyoncé and Jay-Z have reportedly pulled back from buying a sprawling 58-acre estate in the Cotswolds, citing ongoing flooding issues in the region as a major deterrent. The couple had been eyeing the property in Wigginton, on the Oxfordshire border of the renowned Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with plans to build a seven-bedroom country home.
According to sources, despite receiving initial approval for their project, the persistent flooding in the area—exacerbated by extreme weather events in early 2026—has raised significant concerns. The land, locally dubbed “the paddy field” due to its flood-prone nature, remains unsold and is now being developed by another party.
A local insider told The Sun, “The plan appears to have fallen through. The wet conditions and flood risk have definitely put a dampener on the deal, especially after the heavy rains over the past month.”
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Flood alerts and warnings remain active across the Cotswolds and surrounding counties, underscoring the challenges posed by the region’s drainage systems. Longtime residents have expressed mixed feelings about the prospect of the celebrity couple moving in. Some welcomed the idea, while others worried about losing popular dog-walking routes that would have passed through the estate.
One local dog owner shared, “Walking through Beyoncé’s fields would have been easier because it’s less steep, which helps with my three dogs. We haven’t heard any official news though—it’s a shame because she might only visit occasionally.”
Another resident added concerns about access, saying, “If Beyoncé and Jay-Z do move here, I don’t think they’ll want footpaths nearby. It might get fenced off, shortening our usual walk.”
The Cotswolds has long been a favored retreat for celebrities, including David and Victoria Beckham, Elizabeth Hurley, and Kate Moss, among others. Even international stars like Ellen DeGeneres have been drawn to its charm.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z previously owned a £15 million farmhouse in the area that suffered flooding during Storm Bert at the end of 2024. The couple eventually put that property on the market and have since been spotted back in Montecito, California.
Local officials acknowledge the persistent flooding problems. District Councillor Tom Stowe commented on ongoing drainage challenges during a recent meeting about housing developments, citing incidents where severe rainfall caused manhole covers to be dislodged by water pressure.
As the weather continues to impact the Cotswolds, flood management remains a critical issue for residents and potential homeowners alike.