The $30 million Cotswold estate gamble

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi have won a planning battle for new stables at their Cotswold-home, despite fears the work could 'destroy' Roman remains.

The couple had been locked in a battle over the development at Kitesbridge Farm near Burford that they bought for £15million in 2024.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

The couple had already spent a reported £7.5million extra on external and internal renovations before they moved out less than a month later to find somewhere more suitable to indulge in Portia's passion for horses.

The property was listed for sale last July but failed to attract a buyer and has been plagued by flooding from the River Windrush, that ran through the 43-acre site.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

A sale was said to be 'close' after £4.5million was slashed off the £22million asking price and the house was taken off the market as a condition of sale.

Despite the ongoing issues, Ellen and Portia now look set to stay after West Oxfordshire District Council granted them planning permission - subject to a number of conditions.

Tehran's two-track response

The local council's archaeological department had voiced concerns that the project could 'destroy' Roman ruins North of the home is a Roman bridge while a protected Roman villa and bath house is also near the proposed site.

Documents showed it was close to a Roman bridge,a Roman road, and a Roman villa and associated bathhouse.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The application was granted on the basis that no development can start without an appointed archaeologist being present and further investigation is carried out .

In a design and access statement to support their application to West Oxfordshire District Council, their representatives revealed the couple's long-term ambitions for the home.

Broader context

The couple's £30 million gamble on the Cotswold estate is a reflection of their passion for horses and their desire to make the property their long-term home.

The project has been plagued by concerns over Roman remains, but the couple's commitment to preserving the site's history has been a key factor in the planning permission being granted.

Open questions

One of the key questions surrounding the project is the extent to which the Roman remains will be preserved and protected during the construction process.

Another concern is the potential impact of the new stables on the local environment and the surrounding community.