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5 months ago
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Lord Mountbatten has put his country estate on the market after a battle with rising costs.
Bridwell Park was off limits to the public for 240 years - until 2015 when Lord Ivar Mountbatten and his husband James Coyle opened it up for events.
Its gates were fully opened to the community five years later but increased operational costs have now threatened the future of the estate, which could close if an investor is not found.
In a statement this week, Lord Mountbatten said that the site in Uffculme, Devon, - which features a Georgian house, orangery and chapel across 100 acres of landscaped late 18th century deer park - would be placed on the open market.
He wrote: 'James and I would like to advise our visitors, Friends of Bridwell members, subscribers, event clients and suppliers of news that Bridwell will this week be placed on the open market with both Knight Frank Commercial and Residential divisions.
Lord Ivar Mountbatten (left) and his husband James Coyle (right) have put their country estate, Bridwell Park, on the market after battling rising costs
The estate in Devon was closed to the public until 2015 when it was opened up to visitors but Lord Mountbatten admits it's failed to cover their rising costs
'This is a strategic decision which forms part of our wider plans. Our aim is to find an investor to join us as we carefully review how we can make best use of the house and the Parkland.
'This movement will not impinge on the warm welcome we take great pride in extending to visitors of The Orangery Cafe and the Community Events we and our clients look forward to hosting at Bridwell this year - to include The Mix Music Festival, Uffculme Show and Country Fair, Queer Spirit Festival and our annual Community Bonfire & Fireworks Celebration.
'I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support as we feel hopeful for the next chapter for Bridwell.'
In early 2023, in a bid to cover the park's overheads, he introduced admission fees.
However, these were scrapped in February this year - after the additional fees failed to bring in as much cash as first thought.
Lord Mountbatten said: 'Sadly, there is no getting away from the fact that membership and general admission income hasn't strengthened our position as much as we hoped or needed.
'From February 1, I will be lifting all admission charges to the Orangery Cafe and Parkland.
'My aim is to keep the wolf from the door by maintaining healthy visitor numbers across the seven day week and to encourage everyone in our local and wider community to feel welcome to visit us.'
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