George Harrison's widow plans new house on Henley estate

Olivia Harrison has put in a planning application for a new house in the grounds of Friar Park

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 8th Nov 2021
Last updated 8th Nov 2021

Olivia Harrison has asked for planning permission to build a large two-bedroom house on the disused tennis courts in Friar Park at Gravel Hill in Henley.

Friar Park is a 62 acre estate with extensive gardens and water features, the estate is dominated by a neo-Gothic mansion built in 1889 and originally owned by lawyer Sir Frank Crisp.

George Harrison purchased the property in 1970 and built a recording studio in the mansion where he recorded much of his solo work.

An architects drawing of the proposed house as seen by Henley Town Planners

The application for the house within the grounds is in the name of his widow Olivia.

According to the architects the building would be oak timber framed and would use mainly natural and traditional materials.

The length of the building is proposed to be 33 metres long with a depth of 16 metres.

It would have two-bedrooms and a music room with architects saying "The proposal seeks to deliver a two-bed single storey dwelling, with bedroom accommodation located in the roof space. Internally the space is intended to be flexible for the owners artistic pursuits, whilst also incorporating a garage area."

The application was recommended for approval by Henley Town Council planning committee at their last meeting.

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