Furious Berkshire residents speak out over footpath ban near Pippa Middleton's home

Dorothy Reddin
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:00:45 +0000

Berkshire residents have spoken out furiously over a footpath ban near Pippa Middleton's home.

The Princess of Wales's sister and her husband, James Matthews, have become embroiled in a heated row with Kintbury villagers after blocking a path through their estate, Barton Court.

The 42-year-old and her hedge-fund tycoon spouse purchased the Grade I-listed Barton Court four years ago, but their decision to bar walkers from accessing the local Mill Lane has sparked outrage among residents.

A group of 35 people, supported by The Ramblers Association, are now fighting to have the route officially designated as a public right of way.

A Government-appointed planning inspector will examine the case next month and deliver a legally binding decision.

The 32-room Georgian mansion sits on 145 acres of countryside along the River Kennet and was formerly the home of the late retail magnate Sir Terence Conran.

Under Sir Terence's ownership, residents were permitted to walk along Mill Lane, which passes through the grounds.

However, following the couple's arrival in 2022 with their three children, Arthur, seven, Grace, five, and Rose, three, access was swiftly restricted.

An electric gate was installed to seal off the lane, while signs declaring "Private: No Public Access" and "No Trespassing" were erected around the property's boundary.

The application to West Berkshire Council resulted in officials backing the villagers' position, prompting Mr Matthews to lodge an objection through his land agent.

Eugene Futcher, chairman of West Berkshire Ramblers, told The Mail on Sunday: "People have used it for a very long time - certainly since the 1960s."

He warned that removing access would prove problematic, particularly given the importance of walking for mental wellbeing.

"It will force people onto the main road, which is very dangerous. There is no footpath or verge," Mr Futcher explained.

He noted that Sir Terence never restricted the paths and actively welcomed walkers onto the estate.

Rob Brown, 68, who has lived in Kintbury since 1985, told the outlet: "I don't think they give a damn about what anyone in the village thinks.

"They're not very popular in the area. They think they're a bit better than everyone else."

Fellow resident Peter Clegg, also 68, added: "I don't know who they think they are. They think they can decide who can walk where and when. It's not on."

However, some locals are empathetic to the Matthews family, with one saying: "I understand their need for privacy."

GB News has approached Mr Matthews, the Barton Court Estate, the Ramblers Association and West Berkshire Council for comment.