PLANS to convert a gorgeous Georgian villa to a boutique hotel have been withdrawn.
A planning application submitted to Bucks Council detailing the ‘change of use’ of Denham Mount, a former manor house off Blacksmiths Lane, to a hotel has been retracted – but details explaining why are not available.
The scheme outlines the ‘conversion of Denham Mount from a domestic residential property to use as a boutique hotel’ – however, it is understood Denham Mount already markets itself online as a hotel with eight rooms.
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“Explore the hotel,” its website reads. “Now open for guests with Covid-19 measures in place. Beautifully situated in a former manor home, the hotel sits on 40 acres of gorgeous parkland and formal gardens.”
Denham Mount has been recently acquired by its current owner, whose intention was to convert the house to a “small boutique hotel”, documents indicate. The house was designed by British architect Robert Lugar in the early nineteenth century.
“With just seven rooms in the house and a further nine in the cottages and lodge, the concept is to provide a restaurant with rooms,” documents read.
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It is also understood that, until very recently, and for the last thirty-five years, there was a successful nursery business on site, Greentiles, since demolished by the previous owners.
Around 40 parking spaces were also planned as part of the new scheme, on the area previously occupied by the garden centre.
Documents reveal Denham Mount is set in 40 acres, and boasts a carriage house known as Mount Cottage, a gate lodge, garden cottage, and a small modern house known as Green Tile cottage.
Other features include a pond, an icehouse, a gazebo, a Siena marble fireplace in the dining room, and a cantilevered staircase.
It is also understood it featured in the 1940s Oscar-winning film Blithe Spirit.
It is not yet known why the application was withdrawn, but a council decision notice reads: “I confirm that the application has been treated as withdrawn and the file has therefore been closed.”
“The proposal to change the use of Denham Mount to a small hotel will help to support the function of the Colne Valley Regional Park as a recreational resource and boost spending and job creation in the rural area. It will also assist in attracting overnight visitors and the associated tourism expenditure,” a design and access statement reads.
“The substantial economic benefits from the scheme must be considered against any perceived impact from the loss of residential properties.
“From a heritage perspective, this proposal will provide Denham Mount with a long-term sustainable future and income with which to continue to maintain these listed buildings and the gardens.
“From the applicant’s perspective, consent to a change of use will facilitate a new business venture with all the associated benefits for him, his employees, and the local economy.”
Denham Mount was approached for comment.
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