Pippa Middleton and husband James’ ongoing battle with locals at £15m family home

Pippa Middleton has been living the countryside dream since 2021 when she ditched London and relocated her family to a 32-room Berkshire manor. Pippa, her husband James Matthews and their three children, Arthur, seven, Grace, five and Rose, three, have a £15 million property set in 145 acres of idyllic land to call home, but it doesn’t come without its struggles. Pippa and James are currently at loggerheads with local ramblers and neighbours who refute their decision to block off a public pathway alongside their property. Read more below…

 Their Grade II-listed mansion, named Barton Court, used to be owned by Sir Terence Conran, who allowed local villagers to use the country lane leading up to the Georgian manor’s private drive. However, when the Middleton-Matthews took over, they decided to revoke this access, adding ‘Private property’ signs to the closed gates to keep walkers out.

© AFP via Getty Images

 Now, the Daily Mail reports that the issue is ongoing, with ramblers wanting the pathway to be reopened. The publication states that 35 residents, backed by The Ramblers Association wrote to West Berkshire Council to get Mill Lane made public again. While the council did side with the public, the couple have objected the decision so the debate rolls on.

“This isn’t just unfair, it’s unhealthy. And it’s deepening existing health and wellbeing equalities.”

 The West Berkshire Ramblers are a group of nearby walkers who campaign to open up paths that are currently ‘access denied’. A statement on the Ramblers Association  website reads: “Across Britain, people in less well-off communities are more likely to lack safe, accessible paths that connect them to green space near where they live. This isn’t just unfair, it’s unhealthy. And it’s deepening existing health and wellbeing equalities.” 

Tom Platt from the Ramblers Association, Britain’s walking charity says on the website: “People across Britain overwhelmingly believe that access to nature should be a basic right, yet for millions it remains out of reach due to a shameful web of barriers. Local paths are lifelines. They connect people with green space, fresh air, and better mental and physical health.”

© Samir Hussein

Further planning permission troubles

In February, it came to light that the couple are planning to expand their residence by building a new greenhouse and stables, along with extensions that include a garden room.

However, archaeologists have warned that the planned work could threaten potentially important relics from the Palaeolithic period, as examinations of the site have revealed that the upheaval “has the potential to impact on hitherto unidentified archaeology dating from the prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval periods”. The report warned it “may be considered harmful to a non-designated heritage asset” It is still yet to be decided if the changes will be permitted.

The family’s impressive property has an array of amazing features already, including a swimming pool and a tennis court, which we are sure the three children enjoy! 

Pippa’s farm 

Pippa and James also own Bucklebury Farm in Berkshire. The impressive site, which has 4.5 stars on Google, is home to a deer park, play barns, café, farm shop and glamping tents. The venue also hosts birthday parties as well as various events like yoga classes.

 One of the reviews online reads: “Can’t fault Bucklebury Farm. Whole experience was excellent from start to finish. Our kids had the best day (six and three). We loved the playgrounds, farm animals, safari tractor ride was great and just the right amount of time.

 “Cafe was very good, quality ingredients, not overpriced. Softplay wasn’t too busy because of the booking system. Children loved the slides and bouncy pillows. Staff were welcoming and friendly from egg hunts to showing the children chicks, or photos with Larry the sheep. We’ll be back soon. Thank you for the loveliest autumn day.”