We are sowing, we are sowing! Plant-lover Rod plans grand greenhouse
HE once said he considered giving up his rock star lifestyle to become a gardener.
Now it seems Sir Rod Stewart has not forgotten his dream of spending his days tending his plants, as he has applied to build a giant greenhouse in the grounds of his new Essex mansion.
The 71-year-old is yet to move into Durrington House near Epping Forest after buying it three years ago for £4.65million.
But plans submitted to Epping Forest District Council for the palatial 18th century property state the 516 sqft greenhouse will be used for ‘general growing and overwintering tender plants’.
A design statement adds: ‘The greenhouse will be for private use by the owners.’
The planning documents show Sir Rod, who was recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list last month, has gone out of his way to ensure the huge structure fits in with its surroundings.
They say ‘considerable attention has been paid to ensuring that the structure is presented as a traditional-looking building’. They add: ‘The visual impact of the proposal would not be detrimental to the property itself or any neighbouring properties because of its location within the walled garden.’
Other changes the singer, an enthusiastic Celtic FC supporter, is making include installing a football pitch, gates and a breakfast wing to the ten-bedroom Grade II listed home. It already has a rose garden, croquet lawn, ornamental pond and guest cottages.
Keen gardeners Sir Rod and third wife Penny Lancaster, 45, are regulars at the Chelsea Flower Show. In his 2012 autobiography, he revealed he considered becoming a landscape gardener after he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2000.
He wrote: ‘One day, in the midst of my misery, I stared out of the window and thought, “I know, if I can’t be a singer, I’ll be a landscape gardener”.’
His present residence, Wood House, only a few miles from his new home, is on the market for £7.5million. He also has a property in Beverly Hills.