Ellen DeGeneres' 4.5-month renovation in the Cotswolds revealed, along with the reason behind her decision to put it up for sale.
In the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, a 43-acre estate named Kitesbridge Farm has undergone an extraordinary transformation. The property, purchased by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi for approximately £15 million in spring 2024, was renovated in a remarkable 4.5 months, a significant departure from the typical 1–3 years required for large-scale historic farmhouse renovations.
The renovated Kitesbridge Farm combines traditional architectural features with contemporary design elements, creating a harmonious blend of the old and the new. The main residence, dating back to the 1700s, was described as "quite tired, with a quite basic finish" by the listing agent. However, the renovation focused on preserving the estate's historic features, such as exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings, while introducing modern touches, including glass connectors that link various buildings on the property.
The main residence, spanning approximately 16,600 square feet, is arranged around a central courtyard and boasts six bedrooms. The interiors incorporate a mix of period details and contemporary finishes, a testament to the seamless fusion of the past and present.
One of the key factors contributing to the rapid renovation was meticulous planning. Using tools like CAD, the team efficiently understood the phases and constraints of the building, prioritising and sequencing work accordingly. Another factor was the phased renovation, which ensured essential spaces like the kitchen remained functional. The renovation of these spaces first avoided delays caused by losing functional areas.
Efficient removal and restoration practices also played a significant role. Damaged layers, like cracked lime plaster, were removed to reveal and restore original features, enabling faster progression without extensive guesswork. Simultaneous infrastructure upgrades, such as installing modern plumbing, electrics, and water management systems early, prevented rework and delays.
The estate also includes a two-bedroom guest cottage and a party barn with an integrated pub. Outdoor living areas and a kitchen garden are part of the landscaping, which was designed to complement the home's architecture.
Despite the successful renovation, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi listed Kitesbridge Farm for sale less than a year after moving in, citing evolving practical needs. The primary reason for the sale was to better accommodate Portia's horses. The property was later listed for around £22.5 million.
Throughout the renovation process, Ellen DeGeneres shared glimpses of the project on Instagram, noting the effort to create a light-filled, functional home that respects the property's architectural heritage. The lightning-fast renovation of Kitesbridge Farm serves as a testament to the power of thorough planning, phased construction, and early integration of infrastructure upgrades in historic renovations.
- The renovation of Kitesbridge Farm focused on preserving its historic features, like exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings, while introducing modern touches, such as glass connectors, demonstrating the blend of old and new design.
- Efficient planning, utilizing tools like CAD, was one of the key factors in the rapid renovation of Kitesbridge Farm, allowing the team to understand the building's phases and constraints effectively.
- Damaged layers, like cracked lime plaster, were removed and original features were restored, ensuring faster progression and avoiding extensive guesswork during the renovation.
- The main residence features six bedrooms, spanning approximately 16,600 square feet and boasting a blend of period details and contemporary finishes, reflecting the seamless fusion of the past and present.
- Contractors were tasked with designing outdoor living areas, a kitchen garden, and integrating a pub into the party barn, all part of the landscaping that complements the home's architecture.
- In order to accommodate Portia's horses, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi decided to list Kitesbridge Farm for sale less than a year after moving in, showcasing the importance of ensuring practical needs are met in renovation projects that align with one's lifestyle.
