Dhani Harrison, son of Beatles legend George Harrison, has received official approval to proceed with building a new home on the family’s treasured Friar Park estate in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The 46-year-old Grammy-winning musician submitted updated plans to South Oxfordshire District Council to construct a residence on the site of a former tennis court.
Friar Park holds special significance as the inspiration behind George Harrison’s acclaimed 1970 solo album, All Things Must Pass. The album cover famously features George surrounded by four garden gnomes, a symbolic nod that many fans interpret as representing each member of The Beatles.
Dhani’s proposals build upon planning permission initially granted to his mother, Olivia Harrison, four years ago. His revisions include subtle design refinements such as repositioned windows, a new plant room, changes to window shapes, and the removal of certain features like a clock tower. The council confirmed that these changes are minor and would preserve the heritage and character of the Grade II listed Friar Park and its conservation area.
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In their approval statement, South Oxfordshire Council emphasized that the development respects the site’s scale and setting without causing any negative impact on the landscape, ecology, or local amenity. The planned home remains modest in size and blends seamlessly within the historic park and garden.
Friar Park has been the Harrison family home for decades and carries a poignant history. It was where George survived a violent attack in 1999 by Michael Abram, a man suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. Despite the trauma, the estate remains a symbol of creative and personal significance.
The original permission granted to Olivia Harrison featured a two-bedroom oak-framed house with living spaces thoughtfully designed for modern family life — including a kitchen diner, lounge, and music room. Dhani’s updated design further enhances these features while maintaining respect for the estate’s heritage and carefully restored gardens.
Purchased in 1970 when George was just 27, Friar Park was once near dereliction before the Harrison family revitalized its Victorian charm. Today, the estate stands as one of Britain’s most celebrated historic gardens, immortalized not only in George’s music but also in the family’s ongoing stewardship and care.