Ellen DeGeneres' 4.5-month home renovation in the Cotswolds, with reasons for her decision to sell it now
In the picturesque landscape of the Cotswolds, a 43-acre estate known as Kitesbridge Farm has undergone a significant transformation. The property, purchased by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi for approximately £15 million in the spring of 2024, now boasts a renovated main residence totalling approximately 16,600 square feet.
The renovation, which focused on preserving historic features such as exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings, while introducing modern touches like glass connectors, was completed in an impressive 4.5 months, despite initial contractor estimates of 12 to 18 months.
The main residence, dating back to the 1700s, had a "quite basic finish" before the renovation. Now, it is a light-filled, functional home that respects the property's architectural heritage, as showcased by Ellen DeGeneres on Instagram throughout the project.
The renovation team, consisting of approximately 70 workers, worked diligently to preserve the historic integrity of the property. The complex nature of preservation, the scope of modern updates, project management and sequencing, and the expertise of the preservation specialists all played a role in the project's duration.
The grounds of Kitesbridge Farm were landscaped to complement the home's architecture, featuring a party barn with an integrated pub, a two-bedroom guest cottage, outdoor living areas, and a kitchen garden. The property was extended after a planning inquiry from the council due to local complaints about the work done to the home.
The renovated estate also includes a wellness suite featuring a heated pool and gym, as well as spaces designed for both privacy and social gatherings. Spaces within the residence are arranged around a central courtyard, with the main house accommodating six bedrooms.
The interiors incorporate a mixture of period details and contemporary finishes, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. However, despite the successful completion of the renovation, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have listed Kitesbridge Farm for sale due to evolving practical needs.
[1] "6-Year Colonial Farmhouse Restoration: A Case Study in Preservation and Modernization" - [Link to article] [3] "Historic Home Renovation Timeline: A Guide for Homeowners" - [Link to article] [4] "Expert Tips for Historic Home Renovations" - [Link to article]
- The renovation of Kitesbridge Farm, a 17th-century property, was a stunning blend of preserving historical elements and modern touches, taking inspiration from projects like the 6-Year Colonial Farmhouse Restoration.
- Interior designers and contractors, working together, aimed to design a home that respected the property's architectural heritage while catering to a more comfortable and contemporary lifestyle, a task that calls for careful planning and guidance, as outlined in the Historic Home Renovation Timeline: A Guide for Homeowners.
- The Project involved an extension of the property, which faced opposition from the council, demonstrating the importance of understanding contractor estimates and local regulations, as discussed in Expert Tips for Historic Home Renovations.
- The main residence now houses six bedrooms, arranged around a central courtyard, creating an ideal living space for families, echoing trends seen in home-and-garden magazines.
- Alongside the main house, the estate includes a party barn with an integrated pub, a two-bedroom guest cottage, outdoor living areas, and a kitchen garden, providing ample opportunities for entertainment and relaxation.
- The wellness suite offers a heated pool, gym, and spaces designed for both privacy and social gatherings, giving residents a way to unwind and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Kitesbridge Farm, having undergone a remarkable transformation, is a testament to the potential of combining historic charm with modern amenities, as showcased by celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi through their home renovation journey.
