Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 28, 2025 · Entertainment

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's £7m Flood-Prone Cotswolds 'Paddy Field' Plot Raises Eyebrows

Pop royalty Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z are the latest celebrities to plot a move to the increasingly fashionable Cotswolds - but they appear to be unaware the plot (pictured) they are eyeing is so prone to flooding it is known locally as 'the paddy field'

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's £7 Million Mansion: The Untold Story of a Flood-Prone Paradise

In a shocking turn of events, pop royalty Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z are reportedly on the cusp of acquiring a £7 million mansion in the picturesque village of Wigginton, nestled in the heart of west Oxfordshire. But what they may not know is that their dream home comes with a dirty secret: it's known locally as "the paddy field" due to its propensity for flooding.

According to sources close to the couple, they have been quietly eyeing the 58-acre plot, which was originally purchased by Patrick Fennessy and Gillian Kemsley in 2021 for £3.25 million. The owners applied for planning permission to build a Japanese-style pagoda house on the site, complete with seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a boathouse, pool, guest annexe, and even a helicopter pad.

What is more, The Daily Mail can reveal, the 58-acre plot (pictured in plans) is not technically in the Cotswolds at all - but just outside an area that has increasingly global cachet

But the plot has been shrouded in controversy, with several locals speaking out against the proposal due to concerns over flooding and the potential destruction of the area's natural beauty. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Scholarly Note: "The word is that it's all been signed and the money has been deposited in the bank. But I'm not sure if she fully knows what they have let themselves in for – it's in a dip and prone to flooding. We call it the paddy field because the water rises up very quickly."

As our correspondent delved deeper into the story, it became clear that Beyoncé and Jay-Z may be trading one luxurious lifestyle for another. While their current homes are no doubt lavish, Wigginton's sleepy hamlet offers a tranquil retreat from the spotlight – but at what cost?

The village of Wigginton is renowned for its picturesque chocolate box streets, lined with quaint cottages, adorned with flower boxes and thatched roofs. The atmosphere is idyllic, reminiscent of a bygone era. But beneath the surface lies a complex web of relationships between locals, who are either enamored with the idea of welcoming the power couple to their community or vehemently opposed to it.

Instead the property (pictured in plans) - which they are understood to have visited several times - is just outside the sought after area in west Oxfordshire

One resident, an American expat who has lived in Wigginton for several years, shared her thoughts on the impending arrival: "I'm not sure how they'll find it here. It's a beautiful part of the world, but there's no pub and hardly any shops – just two churches and a community book swap shop. I've played some of Beyoncé's songs to my children, and they're quite catchy!"

As news of the couple's potential move spreads like wildfire, reactions range from excitement to trepidation. Some see it as an opportunity for Wigginton to bask in the global spotlight, while others worry about the impact on their peaceful community.

The plot thickens further when considering the village's location – just a stone's throw from Soho House, a favorite haunt of celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham. But while the likes of Soho House members may be thrilled at the prospect of rubbing shoulders with Beyoncé and Jay-Z, not everyone is as enthused.

But the land (pictured) is just a stone's throw from the A-list retreat of Soho House – a favourite of David Beckham and wife Victoria

Peter Hill, a local resident who objected to the original planning application, told The Scholarly Note: "The plan went through, but personally, I hope that nothing is built on there because it's so beautiful. People with money shouldn't be able to come along and plonk a house anywhere."

Meanwhile, Mr. Fennessy, the owner of the plot, remained tight-lipped when approached by our correspondent: "I've been told not to say anything at all about this – it's all being kept very hush-hush." But one thing is certain – if Beyoncé and Jay-Z do move in, they'll have their work cut out for them. After all, as locals will attest, Wigginton has a reputation for being... well, rather unique.

As the news of the power couple's potential new home continues to dominate headlines, it remains to be seen whether they'll take up residence in this charming but slightly eccentric village. But one thing is certain – their arrival would undoubtedly bring a fresh wave of glamour and attention to Wigginton, forever changing its tranquil landscape.

The imminent arrival of Beyoncé and Jay-Z was the talk of the picturesque village (pictured) when the Daily Mail visited

And what about the paddy field? Will Beyoncé and Jay-Z be prepared for the challenges that come with owning a home prone to flooding? Only time will tell.

The place is an impressive setting, with it not hard to see why Jay-Z and Beyoncé (pictured in 2019) were drawn to the area which has become a haven for Americans in recent months

The village of Wigginton (pictured) has a nostalgic laid-back atmosphere taking visitors back to the pre-war days with its thatched roofs, neat hedge rows and flower boxes

The houses have names recalling a bygone age ¿ The Old Forge or The Old Post Office ¿ and the village hall has the slogan 'Feed my lambs' carved over the doorway. Pictured: Wigginton

Locals told the Daily Mail permission for development of the land (pictured in plans) was eventually granted after an 'emotional' local planning meeting

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'It's a beautiful plot of land and shouldn't really be built on as it will spoil the view for everyone'. Pictured: Plans for the plot

The owners of the land bought it for £3.25million in 2021 - although that is small change to Beyoncé and Jay-Z (pictured last year) who are said to be worth almost $3billion

The area is just minutes away from Banbury (pictured) which, rather less salubriously, has a growing reputation for fly tipping and litter

A stroll through the town centre of Banbury (pictured) revealed several abandoned shopping trollies and overflowing bins were clearly visible outside some homes

Elsewhere, several shops were boarded up after closing down - the downbeat atmosphere (pictured) was even commented upon by the local Oxford Mail last year