Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has secured planning permission for the renovation of his Grade II listed manor in Oxfordshire, a project estimated to be worth £4 million. The proposed changes include the demolition of a single-storey extension originally intended for servants, to be replaced with a modern boot room.
Johnson aims to modernize the nine-bedroom Brightwell Manor to accommodate the needs of contemporary families, moving away from reliance on live-in staff. Alongside the construction of the boot room, plans also include the addition of a brick pillar loggia, extension of the southern patio, and installation of a larder and plant room, according to planning documents.
Johnson and his wife, Carrie, who recently tied the knot and moved into the property last summer, also intend to erect a new gated entrance to the manor, situated in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell village. The manor boasts a blend of Tudor and Georgian features, with historical significance dating back to the Norman era when a moated siege castle once occupied the site.
Originally constructed around 1605, the core of the manor includes the sitting room, family room, and bedroom suite. Subsequent additions in the 18th and 19th centuries enhanced its architectural appeal, with the property undergoing various transformations over the years.
Brightwell Manor holds historical significance, having been inhabited by notable figures such as Reverend Dr. William Ralph Inge, a theologian and former Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral. Its listing as a Grade II building underscores its architectural and historical importance, deserving of preservation, as recognized by Historic England.
South Oxfordshire District Council granted planning permission for the renovation project, acknowledging its adherence to safeguarding the historic and architectural integrity of the Grade II listed building. Johnson, who formerly represented Uxbridge and South Ruislip as a Conservative MP, resigned from his parliamentary seat in June last year amidst controversies during his tenure as prime minister.
Why not check out… Sunak Dodges Questions on Boris Johnson’s Cabinet Return Amid Leadership Challenges
