Fears large swathes of one of the National Trust’s most important treasures could be CLOSED to the public amid row with wealthy couple living in £2.35m Grade II listed mansion on site

A large part of one of the National Trust‘s most important treasures could be closed to the public through a dispute with a wealthy couple who took over the leasehold on surrounding agricultural land.

Fund manager Paul Doyle and husband Gergely Battha-Pajor, a banker and honorary Hungarian consul, say the organization has given people access to parts of Sheringham Park in Norfolk without their consent.

The two sides are in negotiations, but Trust sources have revealed that it is already starting to update maps to reflect a smaller site.

Areas that visitors would no longer be able to visit include paths on the north side that lead to the coast and pass a gazebo and a neoclassical domed temple.

A Trust employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, called the situation a “whole mess.”

A large part of one of the National Trust’s most important treasures could be closed to the public after a row with a wealthy couple who took over the leasehold on surrounding farmland

Fund manager Paul Doyle (left) and husband Gergely Battha-Pajor (right), a banker and honorary Hungarian consul, say the organization allowed people to access parts of Sheringham Park in Norfolk without their consent

Sheringham Hall, a Grade II listed building from the early 19th century in the style of an Italian villa

Sheringham Hall, a Grade II listed building dating from the early 19th century in the style of an Italian villa, has been owned by the National Trust since 1987, along with the park and a larger estate, which is divided into separate leasehold rights.

Mr Doyle and Mr Battha-Pajor moved to the hall in 2008, when they took over the 99-year leasehold, which had been on the market for £2.35 million.

They later became directors of George Young Farms Ltd, which grows various crops and raises livestock, and holds the leasehold of the surrounding farmland, including the land currently used by visitors to the park.

Although the couple say they have no plans to restrict access, insiders at the Trust – which had an agreement with the farm’s previous tenant – fear this may not remain the case.

A spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that we are in discussions with the company that recently acquired the company leasing the farm in Sheringham Park.

The two sides are in negotiations, but Trust sources have revealed that it is already starting to update maps to reflect a smaller site

Areas that visitors would no longer be able to visit include paths on the north side that lead to the coast and pass a gazebo and a neoclassical domed temple.

The gazebo in Sheringham Park in Norfolk

‘Like any other business, this can be bought and sold without the intervention of the National Trust. The lease itself predates the acquisition of the estate by the National Trust.

“We had a good relationship with the previous company and we hope that we can continue to have a positive relationship with the new owner and that they will continue to provide public access within the area of ​​their lease.”

Mr Battha-Pajor, CEO of Sheringham Estate and George Young Farms Ltd, confirmed that negotiations are ongoing regarding access.

He said: ‘As far as we are concerned there is no dispute.

‘There have been negotiations with the NT for allowing the public access, where they have no legal right to do so, without obtaining permission from George Young Farms – the owner and occupier of the farmland surrounding Sheringham Hall.

‘This is because for a number of years the NT has misunderstood the very limited rights over agricultural land.

‘Access to the public over the farmland can only be provided by George Youngs and we are now discussing with NT how they should arrange access through our company in the future.

“The restriction of public access was never mentioned or discussed.”

Mr Doyle is Executive Director and Head of Europe ex-UK Equities for US-based Columbia Threadneedle Investments, which manages assets worth more than £500 billion.

Originally owned by the wealthy Upcher family in 1811, the park was designed by Humphry Repton, who lived from 1752 to 1818 and is often regarded as Capability Brown’s successor. He described Sheringham as his ‘favorite and darling child in Norfolk’.

Repton’s eldest son, John Repton, drew the designs for the hall.

It is one of nine National Trust sites in the county and attracts thousands of visitors every year with its ornamental plants and trees.

Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council, said: “It is special to many people and is a year-round attraction for locals and visitors.

“It would be very concerning if there were restrictions on public access.”