James Corden’s ambitious £8.5 million family estate in Oxfordshire, bought as part of his plan to return to the UK after years in the US, remains untouched more than two years after receiving planning approval. The “dream” home, Templecombe House near Henley-on-Thames, was acquired by the Gavin and Stacey star in 2020 with hopes of relocating there with his wife Julia and their three children.
In January 2023, Corden secured approval to demolish the existing house and build a new six-bedroom mansion on the expansive 43-acre estate. However, before construction could begin, he had to comply with a series of conditions set by Wokingham Borough Council through a section 106 legal agreement. These included environmental protections and archaeological investigations aimed at preserving the historic features of the property.
Corden’s original plans, which included leisure additions such as indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and a steam room, were scaled back after concerns from local authorities and English Heritage. The council insisted on removing these elements to protect the site’s ecological and historical integrity. Furthermore, specific measures were ordered to preserve native wildlife including bats, badgers, and glow worms, as well as to safeguard 45 ancient granite megalithic stones installed on the grounds.
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These stones, known as the Mont de la Ville dolmen, hold significant historical value. Originally discovered on the island of Jersey in the 18th century, the dolmen was gifted to Henry Seymour Conway, a former Jersey governor, and transported to Conway’s estate near Henley-on-Thames. English Heritage had previously raised concerns over the proximity of planned structures to these protected stones, contributing to the delay and modifications of the project.
Despite overcoming initial hurdles and receiving full planning permission—including detailed construction approvals related to animal protection, tree preservation, and flood mitigation—no visible construction work has begun on the site. Recent aerial images reveal the land remains vacant and the house boards firmly in place, with no indication of when the development will proceed.
The approved mansion will feature two stories plus a basement, five ensuite bedrooms, a master suite with two ensuites and a balcony, multiple living and dining areas, studies, and extensive landscaped grounds including a retained tennis court. Yet, the realization of this long-awaited family home remains pending as negotiations and preparations continue behind the scenes.
Corden’s anticipation to settle back into the UK after nearly a decade in America appears delayed, as his dream home sits unfinished, a silent testament to the complexities involved in balancing modern luxury with historic preservation and environmental care.