Everything We Know About Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Cotswolds Estate in 2026

Beyoncé and Jay‑Z are making headlines again. This time, it’s for their ambitious plans to establish a countryside estate in England’s coveted Cotswolds region. The power couple is reportedly in the final stages of securing a 58‑acre plot near the village of Wigginton, where planning permission has already been granted to build a spectacular rural retreat with expansive lake views and luxury living space. Here’s everything to know about the high‑profile couple’s interest in the Cotswolds.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z reportedly plan to build a 58-acre estate in the Cotswolds

Beyoncé and Jay‑Z are reportedly in the final stages of securing a 58‑acre estate in the Cotswolds after planning permission was previously granted for a large rural residence on the property. The land reportedly sits on the outskirts of the village of Wigginton in Oxfordshire, according to Gloucestershire Live.

The couple gained approval for a “spectacular rural estate” featuring a mansion with seven bedrooms, reception rooms, and expansive views over a lake and surrounding countryside. According to the Evening Standard, CGIs from 2020/2021 show what the architect has in mind. The images show interlinking wood barns with separate entrances, allowing the family to live “independently but together.” The plot of land also stands only two miles from Ellen DeGeneres’ home.

Permission to build an estate like this is rare in the region. The planning consent was originally granted under what is sometimes referred to as a special exemption clause. The clause allows for new homes of “exceptional quality” in rural areas that might otherwise resist development. This has enabled the couple to pursue construction in a location that has become increasingly popular with celebrities and high‑profile residents.

The couple reportedly plans to build on land that currently contains an algae-covered lake

The 58‑acre plot that Beyoncé and Jay‑Z are reportedly preparing to develop into a countryside estate includes a natural lake that has drawn attention. Planning permission granted for the site envisions a large contemporary residence with parts of the main house designed to cantilever over the lake itself. This will give the couple dramatic water views and a strong visual connection between the home and the surrounding landscape.

The presence of the lake is a key element of the estate’s charm. However, recent reports characterize it as algae‑covered and somewhat overgrown in its current state. This suggests that significant landscaping and ecological work will be part of the redevelopment plan.

“It’s a big project to do — to build a house over a lake,” a local resident told the Banbury Guardian. “It’s a man-made lake. She is going to make a house over the lake — nice idea! It’s very romantic and pretty.”

As of January 2026, Beyoncé and Jay‑Z haven’t begun construction on the home. It seems they are likely still finalizing acquisition details before they can begin.

Some locals are pushing back against Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s big move

While many celebrities are calling the Cotswolds home, some locals are pushing back.

“It is such precious countryside that we will be losing,” one Wigginton resident told the Evening Standard. “There is a huge risk that the area is turning into an urban sprawl. If ever there was an inappropriate development proposed, then this is surely it.”

“Celebrities coming in ruin the tranquillity of the area,” another resident told Hello!. “It causes a stir in the media … and locals don’t like that.” The resident also expressed concern that celebrity presence could raise costs for locals. “Some companies see it as a marketing ploy to say that celebs ‘do this’ and ‘go here’ and inevitably it means prices are hiked up as these places, and things become more desirable because of media attention,” they added.