Ed Sheeran is further developing his extensive music complex in Suffolk, England, transforming former cattle sheds, pig pens, and a milking parlor into advanced facilities. The artist, known for hits like "Shape of You," purchased the 17th-century farmhouse and its surrounding estate approximately two years ago.
Initially, Sheeran focused on renovating the main barns, converting them into a recording studio and rehearsal space. A separate piggery was also redesigned into a personal entertainment area, featuring a bar, gym, pool table, and bowling alley, a project that cost £150,000. The complex is located on a 16-acre estate and is intended to serve as a premier music hub.
Now, Sheeran has obtained planning permission to overhaul other outbuildings, including former stables, which will be integrated with the Grade II-listed farmhouse. This expanded site is being referred to as the 'countryside Abbey Road Studios.' An insider indicated that Sheeran has ambitious plans for the property, aiming to create an unparalleled music facility.
Sheeran currently resides nearby with his wife, Cherry Seaborn, and their two young children. The 16-acre estate has been developed over the past decade, funded by his music sales and world tours. He has previously used the Tannington Lodge complex, which is surrounded by a moat, to work on his music, including co-writing his recent album "Play."
The approved plans, detailed in a statement by Peter Wells Architects, involve reinstating the outbuildings for use as ancillary storage in conjunction with the main dwelling. The statement specifies that no employees will be based at the site, and the facilities will be used solely by the owner and his family. The renovation is expected to have a positive impact on the listed building's setting, ensuring the outbuildings are repaired and given a long-term use while maintaining their original form.
Sheeran's property portfolio extends beyond Suffolk, including a £20 million mansion in Notting Hill and a commercial building in Soho. He owns numerous properties across London and a villa in Italy. Most of these acquisitions have been managed through Maverick Properties, a company he established in 2015.
In addition to his property ventures, Sheeran has maintained ties to his home county. He was recently named an ambassador for Ipswich's bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2029, expressing his commitment to the local community and the accessibility of arts and culture.