Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce face setback over privacy fence at Ohio mansion

The couple have reportedly installed a voice warning system around their Lake Erie property

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have reportedly run into a planning obstacle while trying to increase privacy at their new Ohio mansion, with local rules limiting the type of fence they can build around the lakeside property.

According to Page Six, the couple initially sought an 8 foot fence around their Bratenahl estate, which Kelce purchased for $5.35m in March. The property sits along Lake Erie and is reported to cover about 21,000 square feet, with eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.

The proposed fencing faced restrictions under Bratenahl regulations. Lakefront fences are generally limited to 2.5 feet unless at least 75% of the structure is see through. The rules are intended to protect views of Lake Erie, the shoreline and surrounding property values.

The proposal reportedly appeared before the Bratenahl Architectural Review Board in August and returned for discussion in September without receiving approval. Following conversations with neighbours and village officials, Swift and Kelce reportedly agreed to consider a shorter fence that would not completely surround the estate. A revised application has reportedly been submitted.

The reported setback comes as the couple take other measures to protect their privacy. Page Six reported that a voice warning system has been installed around the property. One neighbour claimed that approaching the house triggered an automated warning telling the person not to enter the property.

Despite the attention surrounding the mansion, a local real estate agent told Page Six that she had not heard of significant disruption caused by the couple since their arrival.

Kelce purchased the property before his July wedding to Swift. The estate is close to Cleveland Heights, where the Kansas City Chiefs star grew up, adding a personal connection to the Ohio home.

For now, the fencing plans remain subject to the village approval process, leaving the couple to balance their desire for privacy with Bratenahl’s rules for lakefront properties.