Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s efforts to increase privacy at their newly purchased lakefront mansion in Bratenahl, Ohio, have cleared a key local hurdle. The village’s Architectural Review Board unanimously approved a new privacy fence for the couple’s property, although the proposal came after discussions with neighbors over Lake Erie views, landscaping, deer and a shared sewer line.According to Cleveland.com, the board voted on September 8 to approve the fence along Lake Shore Boulevard, subject to several conditions. The design and appearance must match a fence on Ingall Brook Lane, the gates must follow the same design, and the fence’s height must align with the property’s existing stone walls.The decision comes as the couple continues work on the exterior of the $5.35 million property they purchased earlier this year. Cleveland 19 News previously reported that the planned exterior changes include a taller fence, landscaping and privacy planting measures.
Fence plan was revised after neighbors raised concerns
A 1,190-foot privacy fence is planned around Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s 3.5-acre property. (Photo: Cleveland 19)
The proposal considered by the board was different from the property’s original plan. Jacob Kutz of Tiny Construction told the board that the initial proposal called for an eight-foot fence that would extend farther toward Lake Erie.Following discussions with neighbors, the plan was revised to a six-foot fence, with a corridor left open to preserve views of the lake.“We agree you need to be able to see the lake,” Kutz said. “That’s why you live in Bratenahl. It’s beautiful.”The proposed fence will be approximately 1,190 feet long and positioned two feet inside the property’s boundary. It will also include two gates to provide access to manholes connected to a shared sewer line.Patrick Hyland, the property’s house manager, told the board that representatives for the property had also paid $7,500 to repair a damaged section of the sewer and had the line cleaned.
Neighbors divided over privacy and lake views
Neighbors raised concerns over Lake Erie views, landscaping and a shared sewer line. (Photo: Cleveland 19)
The fence proposal prompted a range of concerns from residents of the affluent Lake Erie community.Katherine Bolton, who said her family has lived in Bratenahl for 35 years, raised concerns about landscaping planned near the shared sewer line. She expressed concern that tree roots could eventually damage the line and potentially create problems for future property owners.Another neighbor, Chuck Bauernschmidt, objected to anything that could obstruct views of Lake Erie. He also questioned the proposed spear-shaped top of the fence, arguing that deer could become caught on the pointed posts. He suggested a flat-top design instead.Victoria Broer, who lives next to Bolton, questioned whether moving the fence closer to the property line would provide a significant security advantage and said she preferred keeping it farther back.The concerns reflect the broader tension surrounding the property’s renovation plans, with some residents emphasizing privacy while others want to preserve the area’s established lake views. Cleveland 19 News reported that community members had also raised concerns about lost views, the timing of notifications and the impact of the proposed exterior changes.
Landscaping plan will face separate review
While the Architectural Review Board approved the fence, it did not approve the landscaping proposal at the same time.Board chair Judith McGlinchy said landscaping would have to be submitted separately and reviewed through the appropriate village departments.“The landscaping plan should be a separate submission and done through planning commission and the building department in terms of following what’s required for a landscape plan,” McGlinchy said.Cleveland 19 News reported that the landscaping plan was scheduled for a separate review and would require additional documentation, including a licensed survey showing the new sewer line, property boundaries and existing tree sizes and species.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s $5.35 million Ohio mansion
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s $5.35 million lakefront property gets a new privacy barrier. (Photo: Chestnut Hill Realty Inc)
Swift and Kelce purchased the Bratenahl estate for $5.35 million. The 3.5-acre lakefront property sits along Lake Shore Boulevard overlooking Lake Erie and is a short drive from Cleveland.The purchase has added another Northeast Ohio connection for Kelce, who was born in Westlake and grew up in Cleveland Heights. The property became part of the couple’s Ohio ties after the NFL star and Swift married in New York City on July 3.The couple’s decision to enhance privacy at the estate has attracted considerable local attention. While some residents have welcomed the high-profile neighbors, others have focused on ensuring that renovations do not substantially alter the character of the neighborhood or interfere with established lake views.For now, the fence has received the village board’s approval, while the landscaping proposal remains a separate matter before Bratenahl officials.
