Electric gates at Odiham have decorators up in arms

The proposed arrangement of the metal gate behind John Fowler’s wooden gate

The Sunday Times reports that the country’s foremost interior decorators are criticizing the National Trust for allowing Francis Sultana, the tenant of the hunting lodge at Odiham in Hampshire, to install inappropriate metal gates without planning permission, as well as for applying to make further changes which they argue is out of keeping with the character of the historic property. The house was formerly home to the distinguished interior decorators Nicky Haslam and John Fowler.

The metal gate has already been installed without planning permission

‘Francis Sultana, an interior designer and ambassador of culture for Malta, moved into the National Trust-owned property last year and has installed new electric gates described as “horrific” by critics.

The decorator John Tanner is leading a campaign against the gates and Sultana’s further planning proposal, urging his 27,000 Instagram followers to submit objections to the local council.

The designer Jasper Conran, 62, who is supporting the campaign, said: “ I don’t believe that John Fowler could possibly have believed that such additions would be possible. The National Trust is surely beholden to ensure that this truly beautiful building and its gardens are preserved without interference.”

In planning proposals to Hart district council, Sultana, 49, suggests the installation of a pair of metal gates to deter deer, positioned behind the traditional white wooden gates which have long framed the public’s view of the Jacobean Revival façade of three elaborate gables. The new gates are already in place.

This proposal, along with that to install 14 security cameras and a plastic-coated fence around the property, has enraged a group of interior designers and National Trust members, who claim that these additions contravene its conservation management plan.’