When Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews acquired a magnificent 32-room Georgian mansion for £15 million, nestled within 145 acres of picturesque Berkshire countryside, they envisioned an idyllic private retreat for their young family. However, the Princess of Wales's younger sister and the hedge-fund tycoon now find themselves at the centre of a heated dispute with local residents after restricting public access to a track through their grounds.
The Closure of Mill Lane
Grade I-listed Barton Court, situated on the River Kennet near the village of Kintbury, was previously owned by the late retail magnate Sir Terence Conran. During his tenure, locals were permitted to use Mill Lane, a scenic route winding through the estate, for dog walking and rambling. Upon moving into the property in 2022 with their three children—Arthur, seven, Grace, five, and Rose, three—the couple promptly installed an electric gate to block the lane. Signs stating 'Private: No Public Access' and 'No Trespassing' were erected around the perimeter, effectively cutting off a long-standing thoroughfare.
Local Backlash and Official Challenge
This action sparked immediate outrage among villagers, leading thirty-five residents, supported by The Ramblers Association, to apply to West Berkshire Council to have Mill Lane officially declared a public right of way. The council sided with the villagers, but Mr Matthews, acting through his land agent, lodged a formal objection. Consequently, a government-appointed planning inspector is scheduled to hear representations from both parties next month before issuing a legally binding ruling on the matter.
Eugene Futcher, chairman of West Berkshire Ramblers, emphasised the historical significance and community value of the path, noting, "People have used it for a very long time—certainly since the 1960s. Taking it away will be inconvenient, especially when walking is so important to mental health. It will force people onto the main road, which is very dangerous, as there is no footpath or verge." He added, "The paths were never closed under Conran—he actively encouraged people to use them."
Villagers' Perspectives and Wider Tensions
Local residents have expressed strong feelings about the closure. Rob Brown, a Kintbury resident since 1985, remarked, "I don't think they give a damn about what anyone in the village thinks. They're not very popular in the area. They think they're a bit better than everyone else. They're not even the proper Royal Family. Closing the path is a nuisance. Conran was better for the area."
Peter Clegg, another long-time resident, stated, "I don't know who they think they are. They think they can decide who can walk where and when. It's not on. It's not like people are trampling on arable fields. People have been walking there for a long time. It shows a lack of respect." A resident of twenty years added, "I understand their need for privacy, but you can't move into a village and demand that people change their ways."
Additional Sources of Friction
The footpath dispute is not the only issue causing friction since the couple's arrival in Kintbury. Plans to renovate the historic mansion have been delayed after archaeologists raised concerns that construction work could disturb prehistoric remains on the site. Furthermore, a party held last year to celebrate Mr Matthews' 50th birthday drew complaints from neighbours over late-night music, adding to the local discontent.
As the planning inspector prepares to adjudicate on the access rights next month, the outcome will significantly impact both the family's privacy and the community's traditional walking routes. Mr Matthews was approached for comment regarding the ongoing situation.
