Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews have sparked a bitter dispute with residents in West Berkshire after closing off a footpath on their £15 million estate. The couple, who purchased the Georgian property in 2021, have installed signs reading 'Private: No Public Access' and 'No Trespassing' at the entrance of a lane that was previously open to the public under former owner Sir Terence Conran.
Locals have described the decision as 'outrageous', with one neighbour telling the Mail on Sunday: '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 resident added: 'It's a shame, it is a lovely walk. Although it wasn't officially a footpath, Sir Terence didn't have any objections.'
However, some villagers have defended the couple, noting they are within their rights to block access. In March, the pair submitted a Highway Declaration Notice to West Berkshire Council, clearly marking the road as private territory. The decision is not yet official.
The 150-acre estate, which has 32 rooms, has previously faced controversy. In 2022, concerns were raised over the 'historic fabric' of the property after the couple installed an 82 ft by 19 ft swimming pool in the walled garden. There were also worries about potential Middle Stone Age sites nearby, as the property lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near ancient woodland.
