Villagers have been left outraged over Pippa Middleton and husband James Matthew’s stance on use of a footpath on the couple’s estate. The bitter stand-off kicked off after the pair ‘closed off a lane’ by their West Berkshire country pile, previously owned by Sir Terence Conran.
As reported by the Mirror, the design tycoon allowed those living nearby to use the charming path leading up to the mansion’s private drive. However, it has now been claimed that the couple have moved to put an end to that by installing signs warning ‘Private: No Public Access’ and ‘No Trespassing’.
Their decision to block the entrance has been described as ‘outrageous’. Others, meanwhile, have urged them to reconsider.
Pippa is the younger sister of the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton. In 2017, she married hedge fund manager James – the older brother of Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews. The couple now live in the £15million property with their three children; Arthur, five, Grace, three, and Rose, two.
However, as reported by the Mail on Sunday, arguments have now erupted among locals. One neighbour said: “These people seem to be overprotective of their property. I don’t think it is right. We are quiet villagers, we don’t have vandalism around here. With all the notices stuck up, it feels like us and them.”
Another told the publication: “It’s a shame, it is a lovely walk. Although it wasn’t officially a footpath, Sir Terence didn’t have any objections. He was very nice and everyone liked him.” They went on to say it feels like Pippa and James are depriving the village of an amenity.
Another local, however, was keen to stress that the pair are within their rights to block access to the public, saying that “many assume the pathway is a right of way but it never has been.” The Mirror has approached the couple for comment.
The pair submitted a Highway Declaration Notice to West Berkshire Council back in March clearly marking out the private territory. The road is now off limits – but the decision is not yet official.
The lavish Georgian property which they bought in 2021 is set in 150 acres and has a whopping 32 rooms. In 2022, it was reported that there were concerns over the “historic fabric” of the home after they dug up the huge walled garden to install a 82ft x 19ft swimming pool.
There were also reportedly worries about possible Middle Stone Age sites nearby because the property is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and near ancient woodland. The mansion is in stark contrast to her sister, Princess Kate and Prince William now live in the far more modest Adelaide Cottage in Windsor after moving out of their residence at Kensington Palace.
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