Beckhams build underground tunnel from Great Tew house - via an enormous wine cellar
The national media has described the tunnel as an 'escape route' but plans lodged with West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) show that it is a subterranean walkway running under the courtyard from their main house at Maplewood Barn to a large garage close to the entrance, via a huge new wine cellar.
The garage, according to the architect's plans, is to be extended to add accommodation for more cars and to provide a 'home study', along with existing gardeners' rooms and potting shed.
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"The extension to the garage outbuilding is to provide additional garage space, home office space and storage. The basement cellar beneath Is for storage of wine and is linked to the wine
room in the main house," said architect Michael Ergatoudis, the Beckhams' development consultant in his application statement.
The planned cellar will measure 6.8m x 8.4m (22 ft 3in x 27 ft 6in appx).
The couple has also applied for permission to build a gatehouse at the property's entrance. Parts of the Beckhams' home - once a cottage, barn, stables and threshing barn - are Grade 2 listed so planners are scrutinising the new underground tunnel plan closely to ensure it does not have any adverse effect on the historic property and its surroundings.
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After the original renovation of the old cottage and barns in 2017, the couple won consent for a revised driveway and gates, an additional garage outbuilding, landscape scheme, tennis court and a treehouse.
The Beckhams have been staying in their Great Tew home for lockdown which began only days after they had held a huge 21st birthday party for their eldest son Brooklyn, who is distanced from his family in lockdown in New York.
Formerly Park Barn Farm, Maplewood Barn is a few hundred yards from Soho Farmhouse which attracts numerous celebrities who enjoy being able to relax or party without fear of intrusion.
Soho Farmhouse is currently closed because of lockdown but is planning an extension of its activity to allow year-round camping.
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The business has applied for change of use of land from agriculture to hotel (to allow year round use of camping field 'Farm Camp') together with replacement guest amenity building, five-a-side pitch and new landscaping.
Also under consideration by WODC planners are applications for Beaconsfield Farm, two fields away from the Beckhams' home, which was tipped to be restored to be a country getaway for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle but has been bought by different new owners.