Former US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi have secured planning permission to build new stables at their flood-affected Cotswolds property, signaling their intent to remain at the estate long-term. The couple’s £15 million Kitesbridge Farm near Burford, purchased in 2024, had faced hurdles over concerns that the stable construction might damage nearby Roman archaeological remains.
After investing an additional £7.5 million in renovations, Ellen and Portia initially moved out within a month, seeking a property better suited to Portia’s equestrian interests. The home was listed for sale last July but failed to attract buyers. Even after a significant price reduction from £22 million to £17.5 million, a sale has yet to materialize, with flooding from the River Windrush adding to challenges on the 43-acre site.
West Oxfordshire District Council has now granted conditional approval for the stables, stipulating they be used exclusively by the property’s occupants and not for commercial activities such as livery or riding schools. Archaeological oversight will be mandatory during construction, given the proximity to Roman remains including a bridge, road, villa, and bathhouse. A written investigation plan by John Moore Heritage Services must be implemented to ensure preservation of any findings.
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In a statement supporting the application, representatives emphasized the couple’s desire to make Kitesbridge Farm their permanent residence. “One of their passions is horses,” they noted, “and this application addresses the need for suitable stabling in a sensitive manner.”
Planning official Sarah Weaver acknowledged the project’s alignment with the local landscape and architecture. The traditional stone stable design, featuring an arch entrance and detailed window placement, complements the existing farm buildings without harming the Cotswold National Landscape. Additionally, a detailed surface water drainage plan must be approved to mitigate further flooding risks.
The new stable building will provide two loose boxes and storage for equestrian equipment in a vernacular style with a pitched tile roof, harmonizing with surrounding structures. The design balances practicality with aesthetics, positioning the building between a larger American barn and a smaller U-shaped byre range to maintain the charm of the site’s architectural cluster.
Ellen DeGeneres has expressed openly the importance of equestrian facilities to their lifestyle. “When we decided to live here full time, we knew that Portia couldn’t live without her horses,” she previously stated.
Meanwhile, a separate application for an all-weather riding arena at the estate remains under council review.