The architectural challenges and budget constraints that typically define television's Grand Designs have been completely upended in one of Britain's most affluent regions, where a renovation project of unprecedented scale and ambition is currently underway. In the famously moneyed Cotswolds, a scene is unfolding that transcends even the most dramatic home rebuilds featured on the popular programme, primarily because the owner possesses resources that render financial limitations virtually non-existent.
The Design Visionary Behind the Project
This extraordinary undertaking belongs to Sir Jony Ive, the celebrated design guru whose creative vision transformed Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, and iMac into the best-selling technological devices in history. With a personal fortune approaching billionaire status following three triumphant decades in California, Sir Jony has decided to return permanently to the United Kingdom, acquiring a historic Tudor manor house set within four acres of landscaped grounds for £17 million in 2023.
The sprawling property, located in a picturesque chocolate box village in Gloucestershire, represents a significant new chapter for the 58-year-old designer and his wife, artist Heather Pegg, whom he married in 1987. When the couple eventually move into their completed home, they will join an exclusive roster of rich and famous residents who have made the Cotswolds their base, including David and Victoria Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres, and Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Architectural and Heritage Challenges
What makes this renovation particularly remarkable is not merely its scale, but the intricate heritage protections governing the estate. The Tudor manor house itself holds Grade I listed status, the highest category of protection under English law, reserved exclusively for properties of exceptional historical and architectural significance. Furthermore, several outbuildings on the estate are designated as Grade II listed, creating additional layers of complexity for the renovation scheme.
Sir Jony's renowned attention to detail, honed during his years perfecting Apple's iconic products, proves particularly valuable in this context. The enormous upgrade must be executed with micro-level precision to satisfy heritage inspectors while simultaneously reimagining the estate's layout to create a more modern and sleek family home that respects its historic character.
Unprecedented Scale and Resources
While the exact budget for the project remains undisclosed, the selection of Foster and Partners as the architectural firm provides a clear indication of the financial resources involved. Founded by the legendary Lord Foster, this globally renowned practice is undertaking the three-year renovation, which commenced several months ago and is now progressing at full pace.
The main building stands scaffolded and concealed beneath vast plastic covers, with up to one hundred workers reportedly on site daily. One local observer remarked that even the most ambitious Grand Designs project pales in comparison, describing Sir Jony's endeavour as "like trying to build a James Bond villain's lair inside the fragile shell of a very old building." The same source noted the presence of what resembled "a Bond villain's private army" in the form of dozens of workers, yet marveled at the project proceeding "without any drama at all."
Modern Amenities Meet Historic Preservation
The planned upgrades reflect a thoughtful integration of contemporary amenities within a historic framework. Among the decidedly non-Tudor additions will be an underground car park and a swimming pool, while the existing tennis court is scheduled for complete reconstruction and the historic riding stables will receive a comprehensive makeover.
Perhaps most intriguing is the inclusion of a Silicon Valley specification studio, potentially serving as a development space for Sir Jony's latest venture—a new artificial intelligence product created in collaboration with Sam Altman, the creator of ChatGPT. Additional improvements include underfloor heating throughout the property, though some non-listed outbuildings, such as a workshop, machinery stores, and housekeepers' quarters, are set for demolition.
Community Engagement and Environmental Considerations
Initial reactions to the renovation plans among local residents were mixed, with some describing the scale as "ridiculous" and "a pretentious vanity project" when details first emerged. Concerns centered on potential disruption to the small village community, with one resident questioning the acceptability of a three-year project "especially for someone who is not going to live here," while another warned against turning "the Manor into a private fortress."
However, Sir Jony has implemented a comprehensive charm offensive to address these concerns, establishing open communication channels with the community through a dedicated WhatsApp group and regular updates to the parish council. The designer and his team have demonstrated exceptional responsiveness to local feedback, ensuring minimal disruption and even making generous gestures such as donating wine to a literary festival in the neighbouring village of Bibury.
Environmental considerations have also been incorporated into the plans, including the voluntary construction of a bat house to protect wildlife on the estate and the installation of an independent electrical substation to power the property. In a nod to traditional estate features, plans include an orangery—a hybrid greenhouse and conservatory for cultivating exotic fruit—while a cottage on the grounds will undergo a modern refurbishment.
A Model of Collaborative Development
Local councillor Craig Chapman, who serves on the parish council's development committee, praised the project's management, stating that the Ives have been "the most collaborative group I can imagine" and that "there have been no issues." He highlighted their proactive engagement, noting they initially presented the project to the parish council before establishing a working group that has operated "perfectly" throughout the process.
This collaborative approach appears to have transformed initial skepticism into widespread acceptance, with one neighbour acknowledging that while concerns existed about potential disruption in such a small village, "all the workers are very pleasant and the Ives who have bought it are a terribly nice couple who are very aware of any disruption they are causing." Another resident confirmed that "no one I've spoken to seems to have an issue with it" following the implementation of considerate community engagement strategies.
Foster and Partners have described the project as delivering "an architectural vision" that presents "an exceptional opportunity to preserve and enhance important historic buildings set within a landscape." The firm emphasized that the couple intends to maintain the property as a family home, continuing the centuries-old tradition of residential use while introducing thoughtful modernizations that respect the estate's heritage significance.
