Residents oppose Ron Burkle's mansion plan in Cotswolds
- Ron Burkle has submitted plans to build a large mansion in Little Tew, a small village in the Cotswolds, England.
- Residents have voiced strong objections, labeling the proposal as 'grotesque' and expressing concerns about its impact on the village's character.
- The controversy highlights the tension between development and the preservation of rural community charm.
In the Cotswolds, England, Ron Burkle, the executive chairman of Soho House, has proposed a controversial plan to construct a large country house in the village of Little Tew. This small village, which has around 150 houses and lacks essential amenities like a pub or shops, has seen residents express strong opposition to Burkle's vision, describing it as 'grotesque.' The proposed mansion, named Serpentine Lodge, aims to modernize classic architecture while drawing inspiration from the baroque style prevalent in Oxford. The plans include three volumes detailing the design, which seeks to blend historical influences with contemporary elements. The backlash from the local community highlights concerns about the impact of such a large-scale project on the village's character and the potential for increased commercialization in a previously quiet area. As the application progresses, it raises questions about the balance between development and preserving the unique charm of rural communities in England.