Ellen DeGeneres, the former US talk show host, is facing a new planning challenge at her Cotswolds property, Kitesbridge Farm, as she and partner Portia de Rossi seek approval to build an all-weather riding arena. The couple, who purchased the 43-acre estate near Burford for £15 million in 2024 and invested approximately £7.5 million in renovations, aim to accommodate their horses year-round despite the site’s susceptibility to flooding.
The venue is hampered by the nearby River Windrush, which often floods the grounds, limiting outdoor horse training during winter months. To counter this, the couple submitted plans for an arena located outside the flood zone, adjacent to new stables proposed in a separate application, hoping to provide consistent on-site exercise facilities for their horses.
Though initially moving out shortly after their purchase to explore other options, Ellen and Portia recently expressed their intention to make Kitesbridge Farm their long-term residence. However, the project faces scrutiny from West Oxfordshire District Council, particularly due to concerns over potential damage to Roman archaeological remains on the site. The farm lies near a historic Roman bridge, road, villa, and bathhouse, and the local archaeological team has recommended that any construction include monitoring and recording of findings to safeguard these cultural assets.
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Representatives for Ellen and Portia emphasized that the riding arena is a modest addition, designed to fit within the landscape’s natural undulations with minimal earthworks. They affirmed that the development aligns with local planning policies and would not impact residential neighbors or necessitate additional agricultural buildings, as the land is already grazed or farmed by others.
Supporting documents included photographs documenting flooding from April 2023, illustrating the need for reliable year-round equestrian facilities. The application requests prompt approval to enable the horses to remain on-site comfortably without frequent transfers for exercise during wet periods.
Despite the complexities involving historic preservation and flood risk, the couple’s agents are optimistic about receiving planning permission, stressing their commitment to responsible development sensitive to the environment and the heritage of the area.