Local News · Marlborough
Green light for restoration of historic walled garden at Tottenham House
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Conservationists have received approval to reconstruct a damaged garden wall at the Grade I listed Tottenham House estate near Marlborough following storm-related collapses.
Wiltshire Council has granted planning permission for the reconstruction of a historic wall at Tottenham House, the Grade I listed mansion located within Savernake Forest. The move marks a further step in the extensive restoration of the estate, which is currently undergoing what has been described as one of the most expensive private home renovations in the UK.
The feature in question is a central wall within a five-acre walled garden, which serves to divide the space into two sections. The structure, which was already in poor condition, suffered significant damage during a severe storm in 2022, when several sections and openings collapsed. Further deterioration caused by a subsequent storm in 2024 raised safety concerns regarding the site.
Conservationists tasked with the project submitted an emergency planning application to dismantle the remaining wall safely, brick by brick. The recently approved plans allow for the reconstruction of the wall in a like-for-like manner. Builders will use new bricks that closely match the original materials, as many of the salvaged bricks were deemed too damaged to be reused in the rebuild. The work will also include the installation of new, more stable foundations to replace the inadequate original groundworks.
The restoration is being led by hedge fund manager Chris Rokos, who acquired the sprawling estate in 2018. Since then, the project has focused on returning the 100-room mansion and its various outbuildings to use as a private family home. The scope of the work is significant, encompassing the main house, stables, and the introduction of modern infrastructure, including a drainage lagoon and a 40-acre solar farm.
Walled gardens such as the one at Tottenham House were a staple of British stately homes from the late 17th century through the Victorian era. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they were engineered for practical agricultural purposes. The substantial brick and stone walls were designed to create a protected microclimate, shielding crops such as fruit and vegetables from harsh winds and frost. South-facing walls were particularly favoured for cultivating more delicate produce, including peaches, nectarines, and grapes.
The wider restoration of the Tottenham House estate remains an ongoing effort, with reports suggesting the overall investment could exceed £200 million when accounting for the initial purchase price and subsequent developments.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Marlborough · View original