Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s New Neighbors in England Worry About ‘Swarms’ of Paparazzi
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are reportedly planning to ground their global lifestyle in rural England, having reportedly secured planning permission for a 58-acre rural estate near Wigginton in the Cotswolds. The proposed estate could include a private lake, woodland areas, and spacious living quarters. The location is fast becoming the U.K.’s most coveted countryside enclave for celebrities. Unfortunately, some neighbors are worried about the “swarms” of paparazzi the power couple might inadvertently bring with them.
Some of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s potential new neighbors in England are worried about the attention the power couple may bring
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s proposed 58-acre estate in Wigginton is designed with luxury and privacy in mind. The approved plans allegedly feature a seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom residence crafted in a contemporary barn-style. With construction expected to take several years, the project is anticipated to significantly increase the property’s value.
Some locals are reportedly excited to see Beyoncé and Jay-Z around town. David, 71, a local resident of over 60 years, told the Banbury Guardian that the couple’s idea of a house over a lake seemed “romantic and pretty.” However, others worried that the couple would bring limousines and paparazzi “swarming” to the area.
“I couldn’t believe they bought what it is — it is a shack,” another resident of over a decade explained. “It is such a lovely, quiet village; you don’t want to have a lot of black limousines going up and down the road because they are going to have a lot of police escorts.”
Another woman spoke to the publication about having recently moved from Los Angeles to Wigginton to stay with her family. She hoped to escape LA for a quieter life, but now worries about the area “swarming with helicopters and paparazzi.”
“I think it’s quite funny that we left LA because it was just a world that revolved around the entertainment industry and celebrity, and now it’s here as well,” she explained. However, she noted that she thinks Beyoncé is “amazing.” And she’ll gladly welcome the pop queen and Jay-Z to the area.
Other locals are worried about celebrities driving up the prices of housing
Beyoncé and Jay-Z will be in good company in England. Other famous folks, like the Beckhams, Ellen DeGeneres, and Simon Cowell, also reside in the area. Unfortunately, with the power couple’s potential big move, the locals worry that the celebrities will drive housing prices sky-high. This could make it difficult for them to live in the area.
“The prices of everything have gone up a lot, and people tend to stick another two zeros onto things such as fixing fencing or walls just because of where we live,” a resident of Wigginton, Thomas Winter, 30, told The Times. Wiggington reportedly lived in the area for 20 years. “If I wanted to buy a larger property around here, then I wouldn’t be able to afford it as these celebrities have priced me out, which is not good.”
Another resident called the move “madness.”
Why do Beyoncé and Jay-Z want to relocate?
Beyoncé and Jay-Z haven’t publicly spoken about moving to the U.K. In April 2025, a source told DailyMail.com that the couple hoped to find a new location following the Los Angeles wildfires. However, Beyoncé and Jay-Z allegedly don’t plan to permanently move abroad, as they want to keep their home base in the U.S.
“The wildfires have given them a good reason to look outside of Los Angeles to build new bases,” the source alleged. “They will always be based in LA, but the U.K. is on the agenda. Beyoncé loves the U.K. because they support everything she does.”
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