Sir Paul McCartney, the 84-year-old former Beatle, appears to be following a hosepipe ban imposed in the area surrounding his 160-acre East Sussex estate. Images of the property show swathes of grass that have turned yellow, contrasting with the lush grounds of some other celebrity homes.
The hosepipe ban for the region was implemented last month by South East Water and affects Sussex, Berkshire, Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire. McCartney, who purchased the estate known as Blossom Hill Farm in 1973, has not publicly commented on the state of his lawns.
This contrasts with the properties of fellow musicians Sir Rod Stewart and Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, as well as chef Jamie Oliver. Sir Rod Stewart's Essex mansion, purchased in 2013, reportedly retains healthy green gardens despite the dry weather. Similarly, Jamie Oliver's estate is noted for its green lawns, attributed to a large private lake on the property that is exempt from the ban. Keith Richards' West Sussex home, however, also shows signs of dryness.
Water taken from private sources such as lakes or ponds is exempt from hosepipe bans, a provision that Oliver appears to be utilizing. Eight other water companies have also implemented bans, legally prohibiting the use of hosepipes for watering gardens or washing vehicles.
The UK is currently experiencing one of its hottest summers on record. Provisional data from the Met Office indicates that the mean temperature from June 1 to August 10, 2026, was 16.48C, an increase of 1.88C above the 1991-2020 average. Drought has been declared in parts of Wales and England, with further heatwaves predicted.
McCartney's estate includes a recording studio where he produced his 2020 album McCartney III. The property also features an organic farm where he grows crops such as spelt wheat, rye, peas, and legally, hemp, under license. He previously mentioned in 2021 the need to conceal hemp crops from potential theft.