Leonardo DiCaprio buys £95m Cotswolds castle for new mega movie

The Oscar-winning actor has completed the purchase of the sprawling estate on the edge of the tiny Oxfordshire village of Upper Fibbingdon-on-the-Green.

According to inside sources today (Wednesday, April 1), the 51-year-old is also enrolling on a drama degree at Oxford University, saying he hopes to “pick up a few acting tips” while also working on other movies such as Once Upon a Time in Cotswolds in addition to The Wolf of Broad Street.

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Leonardo DiCaprio. (Image: Ian West / PA)

His agent described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Mr DiCaprio to immerse himself in British student life while continuing to develop his craft away from the glare of Hollywood.

The representative added that the star wanted a base that allowed him to live like a local while still having room for friends, family and the occasional A‑list visitor.

Dating back to the 14th century, Fibbingdon Castle is a turreted, honey-stone pile overlooking rolling fields and dry-stone walls.

The property comes with a private cinema, an underground car museum and a disguised helipad in the grounds.

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The choclate-box Cotswolds village. (Image: Newsquest)

Locals say the estate, which has been in private hands for generations, has rarely been seen beyond its high Cotswold stone walls and iron gates.

Reaction in Upper Fibbingdon-on-the-Green, a chocolate-box hamlet just a short drive from Oxford, has been mixed as word of the sale has spread.

Inoa Lye, a retired teacher who has lived in the village for 40 years, was left delighted at the thought of a Hollywood star moving in.

She said: “It’ll put us on the map, won’t it?

“If he wants to pop down to the pub quiz or help judge the village fete cake competition, he’ll be very welcome.”

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Fibbingdon Castle dates back to the 14th century. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr DiCaprio will follow in the star-studded footsteps of several celebrities who live in the Cotswolds, including Jeremy Clarkson, Kate Moss, Ellen DeGeneres, and the Beckhams.

Former University professor Telung Porkis, who now lives in Upper Fibbingdon, said: “We’ve already got weekenders, YouTubers and people with more Labradors than sense.

“Now we’re getting the Wolf of Broad Street and his entourage? Pull the other one.”

Farmer Nott Reel said: “As long as he sticks to the footpaths and doesn’t try to land a helicopter in my sheep field, we’ll get along just fine.

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Upper Fibbingdon-on-the-Green in the Cotswolds. (Image: Newsquest)

“If he fancies sponsoring the village football team while he’s here, even better.”

Local author B.S. Tale added: “We moved here for the tranquillity, not for red carpets and camera crews. I’m sure he’s a nice chap, but I don’t want paparazzi hiding in my hedgerow.”

Mr DiCaprio is expected to take up residence later this year, once discreet security upgrades and interior work are completed at the 14th century castle.

The shocking Oxfordshire news comes after it was announced that Manchester City footballer Erling Haaland has signed for Oxford United in a surprise loan move.