Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber is planning to build a stylish new pool house at his historic country home which is located in one of Britain’s most renowned natural areas.
The musical theatre impresario wants to demolish an existing wooden pavilion located beside his outdoor pool and tennis court and replace it with a more elegant building that will contain a kitchen, dining area, sitting room and changing rooms. It will be completed with a distinct wavy roof.
Lord Webber, 75 has submitted plans for the new building in the grounds of Sydmonton Court, Hampshire, his Grade II listed home which forms part of a 5,000-acre estate that is surrounded by Watership Down, one of the country’s most celebrated areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Lord Webber, who is worth an estimated £820 million purchased Sydmonton Court in 1978 and lives there with his wife, former equestrian sportswoman Madeleine Gurdon, whom he married in 1991.
Documents submitted to Basingstoke Council state: ‘The pavilion, like the existing building, would continue to be used for purposes incidental to the occupation of Sydmonton Court.
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, 75, wants to demolish an existing wooden pavilion and replace it with a more elegant building. Pictured in the Royal Box on Wimbledon’s Centre Court
If Lord Webber is granted planning permission the new elegant building will be completed with a distinct wavy roof
The musical theatre impresario purchased Sydmonton Court, a Grade II listed building with 5,000 acres, in 1978
‘The proposed replacement building is highly contained within the grounds of the estate and does not introduce a new use or activity to the site.
‘By reason of its modest siting, unobtrusive design and discreet location, the proposed replacement building, it is submitted that the development has responded appropriately and sensitively to its context and would not cause harm to the setting of neighbouring heritage assets or to the character of the local landscape or scenic quality of the AONB (area of natural beauty).’
The new building will measure 60ftx15ft and will have a pressed metal fascia following demolition of the old existing building.
There have so far been no objections from neighbours, the parish council or county archaeologist.
In a report, the Council’s Historic Environment Team gave a green light to the project before it is formally goes before the planning committee on 31 July.
Referring to the existing pavilion, which has a theatrical tent-like roof, it stated: ‘The structure is of timber, lightly constructed and has failed to stand the test of time.
‘Although the building is maintained, it is in poor condition and whilst it is a shame to lose the structure which has interest and arguably reflects the ownership, thus contributing to the (future) significance of the assets, the removal is not objected to.
‘The design is unabashed contemporary, a style which will be of “its time” in due course.
Lord Webber has submitted the plans to Basingstoke Council, a decision on the planning application is expected by the end of July
Pictured is the existing wooden pavilion with a theatrical tent-like roof which Lord Webber wants to demolish
‘The design allows for a number of sustainable construction features and for greater on-going performance.’
The new pavilion will also boast triple glazed windows and underfloor heating for use all year.
Lord Webber’s home stands in grounds overlooking a Grade II listed church while large parts of the estate are made up of paddocks, fishponds and a polo field.
It also features a granary, dovecote, stable block, barns, carthoue and gardens registered with Hampshire Garden Trust.
The historic home previously belonged to the Kingsmill family, who were given it by Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s. They owned it for 400 years before it was eventually bought by Lord Webber.
Surrounded by Watership Down, the countryside is popular with tourists who come to see the site of the Richard Adam’s epic novel which took its name from the local area.
Lord Webber divides his time between Hampshire and a home in Central London.
Pictured: Lord Webber with his wife, Lady Madeleine Lloyd Webber, at the press night performance of “The Wizard of Oz”
Planning documents also show that Lord Webber has successfully applied for a series of building works in the past which has involved constructing a new conservatory, restoration of stables and removing a dam on his estate.
Lord Webber has previously hosted an exclusive arts festival at Sydmonton Court where shows such as Evita, Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Beautiful Game had their first public audience before specially invited guests from the world of theatre, television and film.
He once revealed in an interview that the Queen even visited him at his country home but that his children were very ‘naughty.’
Lord Webber revealed: ‘She came round once to our house. Do you know what the children did? It was so naughty of them. They were old enough to know better, but they put football shirts outside the windows as she was coming past and the Queen said, ‘Do you normally put your washing outside of the window?'”
