Ellen and Portia are being responsible stewards of their Cotswolds estate by proactively engaging with local authorities and archaeological requirements. Their horse facilities proposal demonstrates genuine commitment to providing proper care for Portia's horses following devastating flooding.
The couple has already tried once to ditch this property—listing it after just one month of residence—and now finds themselves stuck with a flood-prone estate that requires expensive infrastructure upgrades. Sources say they've committed long-term despite their earlier attempt to sell, which reeks of resignation rather than enthusiasm.
Archaeological assessment confirmed to Daily Mail: 'Historic maps and aerial photographs suggest that the area of the proposed stable building has not seen previous development as part of the farm, and so, it is possible that Roman remains survive on the site.' The couple purchased their 43-acre Cotswolds property in Spring 2024, listed it after living there only one month, then sold their Montecito bungalow for $5.2 million in March 2026 while simultaneously purchasing a $27.4 million Montecito mansion.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi can't catch a break with Kitesbridge Farm—whether it's flooding, Roman ruins, or their own buyer's remorse, this Cotswolds chapter keeps delivering chaos they never bargained for.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's equestrian ambitions in the English countryside just hit an ancient wall. The couple submitted an application to West Oxfordshire District Council last month seeking permission to build horse stables at their sprawling 43-acre Cotswolds estate, known as Kitesbridge Farm—but archaeologists have warned the proposed construction site may conceal Roman remains buried beneath its surface. An archaeological team confirmed to the Daily Mail that while historic maps and aerial photographs suggest the area hasn't seen previous development as part of the farm, "it is possible that Roman remains survive on the site." If the couple receives permission to proceed with construction, the development cannot begin until an appointed archaeologist is present.
DeGeneres and de Rossi would also be responsible for monitoring any archaeological discoveries during the building process—a costly and time-consuming prospect for two celebrities accustomed to getting what they want without bureaucratic interference. The former talk show host, 68, and "Arrested Development" actress, 53, aren't putting all their eggs in one basket. They've submitted a second proposal for an "all weather riding arena" alongside the stables application, both currently under review by West Oxfordshire District Council.
DeGeneres' representative explained to the Daily Mail that the couple's horses are currently confined to "temporary accommodation formed in the garaging in an existing barn pending the determination of [the stables application]." The horse housing situation stems from flooding complications tied to the River Windrush, which overwhelms the area where their animals are currently stabled during winter months and "other wet times." The couple included photos of the devastating November 2024 flood in their application materials as evidence of the problem.
Their representative stated: "In order to provide a suitable flat all-weather arena for exercising the horses, this application has been made." The timeline reveals a property journey marked by hesitation and second-guessing. The couple first purchased the Cotswolds estate in Spring 2024 before conducting major renovations—only to live there for a single month before listing it and relocating to a larger residence capable of accommodating all of de Rossi's horses.
DeGeneres explained their thinking at the time in a statement provided to Sotheby's: "When we decided to live here full time, we knew that Portia couldn't live without her horses. We needed a home that had a horse facility and pastures for them." Now, nearly a year after attempting to ditch the property entirely, DeGeneres and de Rossi have apparently abandoned their exit strategy and committed to staying "long-term" at Kitesbridge Farm—despite being unable to sell.
The couple fled the United States for southwest England in November 2025 following President Donald Trump's re-election. They sold their two-bedroom, two-bathroom Montecito beach bungalow for $5.2 million in March—while simultaneously purchasing a $27.4 million mansion in Montecito in February to spend winters in before returning to England. A source close to the pair insisted: "They haven't grown tired of the UK.
They wanted to spend the winter in Montecito. They love the Cotswolds and look forward to returning very soon."
