Plant it like Beckham... their farmhouse fortress garden will have 23 types of tree
FOR a famous couple keen to hide away from prying eyes, it is perhaps the ideal garden.
David and Victoria Beckham plan to surround their £6million Cotswolds home with a ‘fortress’ of trees.
And despite not being known for their green fingers, they plan to plant 23 varieties – from traditional favourites such as apple trees to Chinese magnolia.
The couple are turning three disused barns into the nine-bedroom farmhouse.
Plans lodged with the council reveal they hope to build a garden with two tiers – an outer one consisting of wild meadow grass and trees ringed by hedgerow, and an inner garden in the courtyards by the barns.
Both gardens will be surrounded by fencing to keep out intruders. They are being designed by Chelsea Flower Show goldmedallist Marcus Barnett. A team of gardeners will work three days a week to prune trees, weed borders and mow lawns.
The land, a stone’s throw from celebrity hangout Soho Farmhouse, was bought in December from Old Etonian Nicholas Johnston, a friend of David Cameron. Earlier this year, the Beckhams got planning permission for a 60ft croquet lawn, an orchard and two vegetable patches.
But their plans for an outdoor seating area were rejected. Their spokesman declined to comment.