Pippa Middleton may not be a member of the royal family, but the vast estate she has to call home with her husband James Matthews and their three children certainly rivals any royal residence. In 2022, the family relocated from London to Berkshire to raise their children in the countryside at an impressive stately manor called Barton Court.
Since they moved into the £15 million property, they have made major changes to the estate, such as relocating the outdoor swimming pool and adding a tennis court. Now, Pippa and James are locked in a dispute with the local council over the demolition of existing greenhouses and the addition of new ones in their walled garden.
The proposed changes were submitted on 14 November 2025 and during a consultation period, various issues were raised. On 2 February 2026, a conservation officer for the area added their comments. They point out that “the greenhouses are curtilage listed” and wrote: “The loss of the historical development of the present greenhouses is a shame, will cause some harm and is at present unjustified. I’d be grateful if justification could be provided for the replacement of the present greenhouses.”
The status of the application on the West Berkshire council website is “awaiting decision”, so Pippa’s greenhouse plans hang in the balance.
However, it’s not all bad news, as on 18 February, Pippa and James’ plans for an extension and internal alterations were granted after debate around “important relics from the Palaeolithic period” potentially being disturbed during building works. Now that they have the green light, no doubt they will be proceeding with those amendments as soon as possible. The approval states that work must commence within three years.
© Getty ImagesPippa and James’ battle with locals
When the couple took over the Grade II-listed mansion, which used to be owned by Sir Terence Conran, they decided to revoke access to a public path next to their property. The previous owner allowed local villagers to use the country lane leading up to the Georgian manor’s private drive. However, James and Pippa have kept locals out by adding ‘Private Property’ signs to the closed gates.
© GettyLocal ramblers and neighbours are campaigning to get the path reopened, and the council recently sided with the public; however, the couple have objected to the decision, so the debate rolls on.
Tom Platt from the Ramblers Association, Britain’s walking charity, says on the website: “Local paths are lifelines. They connect people with green space, fresh air, and better mental and physical health.”
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