James May Forced to Rebuild "Dangerous" Steep Steps at Historic Cottage

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James May is dealing with a 'life-threatening' injury caused by the high garden stairs at his £1 million rural home.

The former Top Gear Star, aged 63, lives in a lovely Grade II protected cottage located in the beautiful village of Ansty, Wiltshire, along with his longtime partner, art critic Sarah Frater.

However, the pair is required to redo their garden due to concerns that their raised steps are "especially hazardous" and located in a "tenuous" spot with a major fall risk.

The architects of their 18th-century cottage informed them that failing to decrease the slope could result in a "serious, possibly fatal injury" should they fall.

They have received approval from Wiltshire Council to add a handrail along with broader and deeper stairs to address the 'safety hazard'.

In proposals sent to the council at the end of last month, the architect hired by the television host suggested decreasing the slope of the stairs, commonly utilized for entry into the garden, from 52 percent to 33 percent.

May has been in a relationship with his partner since 2000, and they purchased their second property for £770,000 in 2015.

Also known as Deer Cottage, this designated structure was transformed from two separate worker’s homes into one residence in 1992.

It is located near his pub, The Royal Oak, which he purchased in 2020 following years of visits with his spouse.

A planning official stated that the 'modest' improvements to the ten garden stairs located behind the property's greenhouse are categorized as 'minor household changes,' which will not require any modifications to the structure of the designated historic building.

The wealthy and ancient village of Ansty, home to approximately 100 residents, lacks retail stores, postal services, and cash machines.

And the previous host of The Grand Tour has acknowledged that residing in the rural area is "still an unusual experience for someone from the city like me."

He stated, "I appreciate that South Wiltshire, where our cottage and my pub are located, remains truly countryside."

I enjoy the landscape and the hilly terrain (though not when I'm cycling). There are deer in our forests and sheep in the fields across from us to chat with.

I have become significantly more attuned to the seasons since spending time there. I appreciate the sound of tractors moving about during the harvest, and I'm familiar with several of the operators.

May has mainly resided in Hammersmith, western London, since 2000. He invested five years into restoring his £3 million home, which was finished in 2021.

However, last year he had to replace a brick awning after his architects alerted him that loose bricks might drop onto pedestrians.

He purchased that property in 2000 at a cost of £325,000 and another partially ruined business building in 2015 for £310,000, with both being torn down to make way for construction.

The design and access statement stated: "Although many efforts have been made to fix the current canopy, it has continued to fail, and the danger posed by falling bricks remains a threat to people beneath."

Following conversations with engineers and metalworkers, it has been determined that this design is expected to keep failing; hence, suggest a modification.

In 2019, May demolished the two properties, which included a small industrial woodworking shop, and constructed a two-story residence instead.

He subsequently relocated all his high-end vehicles and motorcycles near the location within a protected zone.

He owns numerous motorcycles and up to ten automobiles, such as a rare Ferrari 458 Speciale, a Porsche 911, and a 1989 Mini Cooper.

Throughout the restoration, he prevented a contentious conflict with his neighbors by consistently involving them in the decision-making.

A person once remarked: "I could not ask for a finer neighbor than James. He is wonderful and has included everyone at each stage of the process."

James May has been reached out for a response.

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Paul Hollywood Sparks Feud Over Walled Kitchen Garden at £1M Historic Home

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Paul Hollywood has sparked renewed debate over plans at his £1 million Kent countryside home—only months after local authorities turned down the celebrity's proposal to create a show-ready kitchen for cooking programs.

The Great British Bake Off A judge has revealed new ideas for his 18th-century rural estate following conflicts with local council officials in October.

Hollywood, aged 60, purchased a four-bedroom farmhouse close to Ashford for £810,000 in 2019 and planned to demolish an 1980s lean-to greenhouse to build a luxurious open-concept kitchen-dining area.

According to planning documents, the updated kitchen was expected to assist the famous baker in filming content from their residence, with an additional statement noting that television cooking programs would offer a "social advantage for society."

However, the assertion caused surprise within the community, as the local parish council questioned what commercial activity was planned—and what advantages it would offer to the region.

The Ashford Borough Council determined that the project did not constitute a "sensitive or suitable enhancement" for the Grade II protected structure and cautioned that its "size, volume, layout, and form" could negatively impact the site's distinctive features.

Currently, Hollywood and his wife Melissa Spalding, aged 42, have presented an updated plan, with the film-related mentions seemingly removed.

The latest proposals once more aim to remove the current conservatory - however, this time it will be substituted with a reduced side addition housing a fresh kitchen and dining space.

Two opposing choices have been proposed, along with visual representations of each featured in the preparatory documents.

A plan involves constructing an additional structure similar to an outbuilding, connected to the main house via a compact glass-covered passage with a lead roof, expanding the property's area by 15 percent.

This is considerably less than the discarded 2025 plan, which would have expanded the area by nearly a fourth.

Another alternative, called "Scheme B," adopts a modern style, featuring an updated kitchen-living area connected to the farmhouse through a slanted "catslide" roof.

It would add 13 percent to the farmhouse's overall area.

The plan indicates that both proposals have been created to look 'subsidiary' to the original designated structure and to more accurately represent the farmstead's personality.

In both proposals, the existing kitchen in Hollywood would be removed and transformed into a library.

The latest app also shows that the vision of Hollywood's enclosed vegetable plot has been reduced.

Earlier proposals aimed to feature fruit trees, elevated garden plots, and walkways, allowing the famous pastry chef to cultivate his own produce and spices.

However, council officials stated that the planned tall brick wall appeared more appropriate for a "high-status countryside home."

This time, the garden will be surrounded by a shorter brick fence made from materials designed to complement the current structure.

Professionals representing Hollywood claim the updated plans specifically tackle the council's earlier objections.

Planning papers state that the suggestions will "deliver distinct advantages" for the farmstead's legacy and will not negatively affect its essence.

They mention: "The design method has been adjusted so that both alternatives align with the features of the original designated structure regarding balance, visual look, and surroundings."

It is believed that both choices provide an excellent design strategy, with each incorporating aspects of shape, detailing, and materials from the original structure to make sure that the additions do not undermine the importance of the building, its surroundings, or the broader region.

The documents state that the updated plans are "significantly more compact" compared to the rejected proposal and should therefore receive approval for development.

The previous conflict involved a resident from the area defending Hollywood, who stated: "Why shouldn't he be permitted to shoot at his own house? It's his personal property."

This time, initial public reactions seem favorable.

A neighbor stated: "These projects do not affect us. The area is properly concealed and shouldn’t bother others either. I back this proposal."

One individual stated: "I endorse this proposal; it enhances the current property along with the nearby vicinity."

No complaints are currently recorded on Ashford Borough Council's planning website.

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Meghan Fires Back at Hypocrisy Accusations After Posting Kids' Photos for 4.6M Followers

Meghan Markle has justified her choice to post pictures of her two kids online more often, while cautioning about the risks of social media for youth, as she shared fresh photos of Lilibet on her fifth birthday.

In a post titled "our dream girl," the Duchess of Sussex shared the most detailed image so far of Lili with her 4.6 million Instagram fans.

A grinning Lilibet appears in a side view, with her strawberry-blond hair cascading over her face as she examines an agapanthus blossom within the grounds of her family's Montecito estate.

A heartfelt family photo shows Lili embraced by her parents as she lies in Harry's arms.

Although the pictures reveal most of the five-year-old girl's face, Meghan, via her representative, maintained that she is safeguarding her daughter's confidentiality while posting meaningful family experiences.

The reply followed after she faced accusations of inconsistency earlier this month when she posted a photo showing Lilibet seated beside her in a closet filled with high-end clothing prior to departing for Geneva to express concerns about the risks of social media for kids.

"The Duchess has consistently emphasized the difference between sharing parts of her personal life and subjecting her children to public attention," stated her representative.

'By hiding their faces, she is illustrating the exact concept she supports: granting kids privacy, autonomy, and safety in today’s growing online environment.'

Shortly following the release of the statement, Meghan posted fresh photos of Lilibet to celebrate her birthday.

The Duchess's reasoning has failed to impress the critics.

Expert on British brands, Nick Ede, told Newsweek: She could monetize her social media, naturally as an adult, yet it still came across as quite contradictory.

This remains Meghan's major issue, stemming from an overall identity struggle. At one moment, she's portrayed as a rescuer, supposedly, for every child who has tragically died due to social media, and then suddenly she becomes a social media celebrity. So, which one are you?

He commented on the controversy surrounding her Geneva address: "The day prior to her departure, she shared a photo of herself with her daughter and then actually removed the Armani tag from the Armani suit she was wearing for an extremely significant speech."

On May 17, during an event organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, the Duchess of Sussex stated that ensuring children's safety on the internet is a 'public health concern.'

"Our offspring are not commodities, nor trials, nor something to be discarded," she stated as she supported enhanced international safeguards for kids on the internet.

She stated, 'The platforms prioritize profits over individuals.'

Following her ten-minute address, she embraced sorrowful parents whose children had been affected by internet-related dangers, standing before 50 brightly lit panels, recalling every individual prior to the 79th World Health Assembly.

However, the day before, Meghan posted a self-portrait with her four-year-old daughter on Instagram with the caption: "Mama's little helper."

Royal specialist Tom Sykes, who was in Switzerland for her address outside the United Nation hypocrisy is astonishing," he stated. "It presents an arrogant picture. It conveys a self-centered image. It is remarkably out of touch.

He stated that the Lilibet "Mama's little helper" photograph featured garments valued at no less than $250,000, including an Armani jacket prominently displayed in the background of the mirrored image, with the tag easily discernible.

He stated: "Her Instagram profile acts as an open storefront: it serves as the gateway that directs visitors to her lifestyle company, As Ever, along with her Netflix productions and her podcast."

The claim that Meghan isn't revealing Lilibet's face, thus safeguarding her privacy, now seems ridiculous. Avoiding public exposure of a child’s face doesn’t stop them from gaining online fame. In fact, it creates an air of mystery.

Harry and Meghan celebrated their daughter Princess Lilibet's fifth birthday by sharing a fresh family photo and showing Lili having fun in their garden.

The image showing Prince Harry Cradling Lilibet as her mother gazed lovingly at the five-year-old was posted by Meghan to her 4.6 million Instagram followers.

Lilibet’s light brown hair, extending beyond her shoulders, hid her face from the lens.

A different image displayed the youngest offspring of the Sussex couple in the yard of their $11 million Montecito residence while she was looking at some blossoms.

Meghan's message stated: "Our beloved daughter. Happy fifth birthday, Lili."

In the images, Lilibet is dressed in a pale yellow sun dress that was spotted earlier during a backstage session for her mom's fashion line called As Ever.

And it seems that Meghan's "little version" is developing a style like her mother; in the picture, she was wearing a slim golden bracelet that closely resembled the Duchess's £5,800 Cartier "Love Bracelet."

Similar to her elder brother Archie, who is seven years old, Lilibet remained out of the public eye during her first four years of life as she grew up thousands of miles away from the... Royal Family .

The Sussex family's commitment to keeping their lives private was so strong that they did not release any additional formal photographs showcasing her face after her first birthday portrait — which captured the adorable child basking in sunlight during a picnic at Frogmore Cottage.

At age four, Meghan offered followers their initial clear view of Lilibet through a black-and-white image that distinctly displayed her eyes and upper facial features.

Meghan additionally shared the widely recognized footage showcasing her and Prince Harry dancing inside a hotel suite to celebrate Lilibet's arrival, with the Duchess performing moves to Starrkeisha's popular track "Baby Mama."

A few days later, she posted about the family's two-day trip to Disneyland on Instagram, featuring the instant when Lilibet and Archie encountered Elsa from Frozen, along with an image of the Duke having fun on a rides at the amusement park alongside his daughter.

The social media campaign carried on with Meghan honoring her daughter on World Girls' Day, offering millions of fans a look at their Halloween festivities, and unveiling the Sussex family's yearly festive greeting.

Harry, aged 41, is seen cradling Archie's head gently with his hands. Father and son gaze into each other's eyes affectionately, both wearing happy expressions.

Beside them on a bridge are Meghan and Lilibet. The Duchess crouches down to place her forehead against her daughter's as she holds both of her hands.

Amidst scattered sunlight in California, Lilibet’s face is obscured by her hair, which falls to her shoulder blades.

Although Lilibet's appearance was concealed in previous images, followers were able to see her look for the first time in Meghan's Valentine's Day update.

An Instagram post displayed Harry grinning as he cradled the princess in his arms, with Lilibet holding a bouquet of red balloons.

It caused fans to become extremely excited, with many commenting on her reddish hair "just like her dad" and her appearing "beautifully similar to her father."

At the same time, Archie's facial features have not appeared in any photograph since the Sussex family's holiday greeting from 2021.

The couple known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have both supported enhanced safeguards for kids on the internet, such as endorsing a restriction on social media use for those below 16 years old implemented in Australia.

Last April, the pair introduced a monument in New York City honoring youths whose lives were affected by the negative impacts of social media, and they met with families who feel social media contributed to the loss of their children.

Approximately five months later, Harry expressed that the effect of social media on young people is "among the most urgent concerns of today," during a dinner event in New York.

During the same gathering, Meghan mentioned that she and her spouse frequently talked about ways they would safeguard their kids as they mature.

Speaking about how often Lilibet shows up on Meghan's Instagram, branding specialist Megan Dooley said to the Daily Mail that there has been a "clear change" in the Duchess's online approach, possibly connected to her personal brand.

The director of the London-based TAL Agency stated: "We've definitely observed a clear change in Meghan's way of showcasing her kids on public social media, particularly when compared to how she and Harry previously prioritized keeping their private lives confidential."

But upon closer examination, it becomes clear that these presentations are highly deliberate and purposeful instead of random and spontaneous.

Rather than viewing it as a "shift from their privacy-focused approach," Megan proposed it was a "calculated adjustment in terms of content sharing."

She stated, "Meghan is offering a slightly deeper look behind the scenes at their family life—carefully managed, naturally—to promote the As Ever lifestyle brand as cozy and inspiring, grounded in home, parenting, and genuine values."

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Elite Accused of Paying the Price in £1.2m Divorce Fight

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A polarizing member of the elite has alleged that he was targeted by a judge due to his identity as a "white man" and his affluent background following his defeat in a divorce case concerning a £1.2 million trust fund.

Sir Benjamin Slade, aged 80, previously placed an advertisement seeking a "castle-educated" anti-communist woman to bear his successor, became involved in a legal dispute with Lady Pauline Slade, who wished to sell a £585,000 home located on his large Somerset estate.

The pair were married for 12 years prior to their divorce in 1994, according to the 7th Baronet of Maunsell, who claimed he grew tired of her 17 feline companions.

As part of their separation, Lady Slade received a £1.2 million trust fund consisting of an "income fund" currently valued at approximately £650,000, along with Old Farm, assessed at £585,000, situated on his extensive 2,000-acre Somerset property.

Nevertheless, after she left the house in 2023, she wished for the property to be sold through trustees in order to settle her obligations and boost her earnings, leading to a complex legal dispute.

In the meantime, attorneys acting on behalf of Sir Benjamin, who resided in the property, contended that she was not entitled to the profits from the house since her entitlement was solely to reside there without paying rent for her lifetime.

The dispute ultimately reached the High Court, with the fund's trustees requesting a judicial decision on whether Ms. Slade was entitled to benefit from the property's sale.

Judge Master Julia Clark decided against Sir Benjamin, determining that one of the key objectives of the trust was to supply his former wife with income "while he was alive."

After the decision was announced, the baronet, who traces his lineage back to Charles II, promised to continue opposing the judgment, calling it a 'farce'.

But I anticipated it," he remarked. "There's significant class hostility, and being a white man from my background means you're bound to face consequences. It's typical.

I think there might be some reverse sexism involved as well. It was a female judge who had recently supported my former wife.

According to Master Clark's opinion, she stated there was "no foundation for determining that if Lady Slade fails to oversee the acquisition of a new property, the main objective of the trust would cease."

She also discovered that there was insufficient grounds to establish that if the former Lady Slade fails to buy a new residence, her 'claim on the net sales proceeds terminates and returns to Sir Benjamin'.

The baronet's lawyer, Robert Deacon, informed the court that Lady Slade left the residence in 2022 or 2023, and subsequently sent a letter in August 2024 stating she did not plan to return to live there.

Lady Slade added that she did not intend to purchase a "new property," but instead wished for Old Farm to be sold in her favor.

Following the ruling, Sir Benjamin stated he had attempted to find a 'reasonable resolution' with his former wife, yet she 'declined to participate.'

There exists a bias toward individuals who possess wealth. I've experienced this myself," he mentioned regarding his former wife. "She isn't a destitute, helpless woman, however.

She comes from an affluent background, resides in a £3 million apartment, and has received a substantial inheritance. Despite having plenty of wealth, this reflects how the social hierarchy works against me.

What is your occupation?" they were resolved for conflict. She somewhat resembles a feminine counterpart to Donald Trump and the Israelis.

Sir Benjamin stated that he had attempted to facilitate an agreement, yet mentioned that she had vacated the premises requiring significant renovations and had failed to cover the maintenance costs.

He stated, "Our main aim was simply to resolve this matter. However, the situation keeps dragging on without an end. The only ones benefiting are the attorneys."

The expenses for the case from both parties will amount to a significant sum, which will need to be covered from her earnings.

We're frustrated and plan to return to court. The house is entirely in ruins, and she left it behind.

None of the expenses have been settled. She has not taken care of the property in any way.

The marketplace is quite poor, and the property is in a state of neglect. It needs repairs funded by someone else, and you shouldn’t think about selling it as it stands now.

That’s a highly challenging approach.

Describing their legal dispute as similar to a neighborly argument about a backyard fence, he stated that Lady Slade had utilized the house just once annually.

This might drag on for many years," he remarked. "Individuals will debate about a garden fence, and whose property line it actually is.

It constantly happens due to disagreements over boundaries. Legal costs skyrocket, and the losing party often faces severe financial damage.

We need to make an agreement. There is a complete list of tasks that must be completed. If it gets sold, it will have to be improved. You can't simply step back and say 'just sell it'.

Even though it ends up in the trust and ultimately returns to me – I wouldn’t be pleased to see it wasted.

It followed Sir Benjamin making news earlier when he offered £50,000 per year for a "well-bred" and "castle-educated" wife to "produce his successor."

Only candidates who were at least 20 years younger were reportedly taken into account, and they needed to know how to handle a shotgun.

One of his stringent conditions was that his new wife should not be a Scorpio, someone who uses drugs, or an alcoholic.

Although he had no issue with Canadians, Americans, Germans, or people from northern Europe, he remarked, "I don't believe getting married to an Inuit would be suitable for me."

His set of conditions also mentioned that he didn’t wish for a spouse who read the Guardian, was from Scotland, or stood over 5 feet 6 inches tall.

He mentioned that they needed to know how to perform ballroom dancing, play bridge and backgammon, and solve crossword puzzles.

Candidates who were favored were informed they needed to own a shotgun and possess a driver’s license, with a helicopter pilot's certificate considered an advantage.

He further mentioned that she needed to have the capability to manage two castles, and that having experience in estates, law, and accounting "would be beneficial."

As a result, he assured the applicant they would receive £50,000 annually along with a bonus, which covered a vehicle, housing, costs, meals, and vacation time.

Lord Benjamin has a daughter named Violet from Sahara Sunday Spain, although he had earlier mentioned that he was still searching for a male successor who shares genetic traits with one of his more distant paternal relatives.

Lord Benjamin had resided at Old Farm following the decision to put his manor house up for sale with an initial price of £3.5 million last year.

He comes from a line of descendants of one of the Duke of Wellington's officers — General Sir John Slade, the first Baronet, who faced criticism from the Iron Duke due to his poor management of the cavalry and for "charging recklessly."

The ancestral home, currently available for purchase, is an expansive 13-bedroom red brick mansion—Maunsel House located in Somerset—that dates back to the 11th century and is believed to be the place where Geoffrey Chaucer composed parts of his writings.

Within, there is a concealed passageway that was previously connected to the nearby parish church, whereas a fully equipped bar features a showcase containing 81 weapons, among them a large-caliber machine gun.

Lady Slade, aged 79, is the daughter of the late Devon county cricketer and British Army officer Major Claude Myburgh.

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