Endangered Bats Halt Redmayne's Renovation Plans

In 2024, actor Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah purchased a property in the English countryside. The property, described as a "quintessential little corner of English countryside," includes a detached three-bedroom cottage, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and 18 acres of land.

Redmayne, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking, commissioned bat surveys before submitting renovation plans for the main house. The surveys, conducted last summer, revealed the presence of several bat species, including a maternity roost for common pipistrelle bats and summer day roosts for other endangered species, such as the lesser horseshoe bat.

As a result, the local council has made it clear that Redmayne will need to obtain a Natural England license before proceeding with any work on the property. The council has also stressed that future conversion of the roof space or replacement of the roof could breach wildlife protection legislation, and Redmayne should seek advice from a professional bat ecologist before undertaking such work.

Despite the challenges posed by the presence of endangered bats, the council has approved Redmayne's renovation plans, stating that they are "well designed and sympathetic" and will "sensitively refurbish the listed building to bring it back into use." The Redmaynes, who have a young family, intend for the property to be their "forever home."