Television star James Corden has sold off his ambitious countryside project, a £8.5 million mansion in Oxfordshire, after plans to create a family home were scuppered and the property was left vandalised.
A Grand Plan Abandoned
The Gavin and Stacey actor and former late-night host, 47, purchased the unique horseshoe-shaped Templecombe House near Henley-on-Thames in 2020. His vision was to demolish and rebuild the 1960s modernist property, transforming it into a dream retreat for his wife, Julia, and their three children following his return from an eight-year stint hosting The Late Late Show in the United States.
However, the project faced significant planning hurdles. After initially proposing features like swimming pools and a sauna, Corden eventually secured permission in January 2023 to construct a new six-bedroom mansion on the site, with conditions to protect local wildlife and preserve ancient megalithic stones found there.
Vandalism and Dereliction
Despite obtaining planning consent, the Corden family never moved in. The isolated property stood empty and quickly fell into a state of serious disrepair. It became a target for vandals, who broke in, daubed graffiti on the walls, and littered the premises with rubbish.
Recent videos posted by urban explorers revealed the shocking extent of the damage. Footage showed a kitchen in ruins with doors hanging off hinges, an empty indoor swimming pool filled with dirt and leaves, and graffiti scrawled across walls. One vlogger surveying the scene questioned, "Would you live here?" describing the house as "a bit worse for wear."
Local Discontent and a London Future
The derelict state of the property angered local residents in the desirable Henley-on-Thames area. One neighbour expressed frustration, stating, "We need people actually living in the properties around here and then contributing locally. Not having grand plans and then leaving the country." Another local shop worker said it would be a shame to leave such a prime property empty.
Instead, James Corden and his family have now permanently settled in an £11.5 million mansion in north west London, which he purchased in 2024. The London home, which underwent significant renovations including a spiral staircase and interior balcony, is now the family's base. A source confirmed, "James and his family are settled in the UK. London is their family home."
The sale of the Henley estate marks the end of Corden's countryside dream, closing a chapter that saw a multi-million pound investment succumb to neglect and local dismay.
