In 2009, Camden Council’s planning committee rejected Robert Adam’s proposal to replace part of the 20th century grade II-listed property with a large three-story pavilion, designed in the style of an orangery. Due to an appeal by Safran Holdings, the company that owns Witanhurst, a public inquiry was held in May 2010, which paved the way for the GBP20 million ($30 million approx) scheme.
Robert Adam has proposed to demolish a servants’ wing, which will be replaced with an ‘orangery’. The structure is designed to complement the architectural character of Witanhurst, in response to its situation, in terms of its sitting, form, scale, composition and detail.
The refurbishment scheme also involves a new basement complex, remodeling the front façade. and reinstating the forecourt and landscaping.
The 1774-built Witanhurst, located on a five-acre site estate in the village of Highgate, North London, is the second-largest house in London in private ownership, the largest being Buckingham Palace. Designed by architect George Hubbard, the mansion is currently Grade-II listed. It has also been recognized by English Heritage as ‘a building at risk’.
On July 16, 2008, it was reported that the property was sold to a Russian billionaire woman for an estimated GBP50 million ($100 million).
