The planning application, submitted by Christopher Morris, says that the existing two-storey Maison du Midi, which has four bedrooms and five reception rooms, is thought to have been a farm cottage which has been extended north, east and west.
The house was used as the residence of Sergeant Jim
Bergerac’s girlfriend, Susan, played by Louise Jameson, in the BBC series.
During the Occupation it was requisitioned as accommodation for German officers and the family who had occupied the building since 1942 were briefly forced to move out.
The building was sold for £2.77 million in February and the planned development is due to include a swimming pool, cinema and gym.
According to a design statement accompanying the application, the existing building is made up of a number of different styles and there are level changes across its ground floor.
‘The style and character of the house varies from front to back and even within single elevations reflecting the fragmented nature of the way the building has been developed over time,’ it says.
‘The north elevation has a limited number of openings, reflecting the need for internal privacy given the close proximity to the road, whereas the south elevation opens up to take advantage of the southerly aspect and views – as do all the properties in the vicinity.
‘Elements of the southern elevation have an almost Mediterranean character whilst some elements of the cottage remain, such as the old chimneys.’
According to the plans, the ground and lower floors of the property would consist of a number of different rooms – with some dedicated to a wine store, gym, sauna and cinema. Three of the bedrooms would be incorporated within the ‘upper floor’ where there would also be a playroom.
Also noted within the application is how the 19th century grade-three listed Pilot House lies immediately to the west of the site.
However, developers say that boundary walls to the west of Maison du Midi will be repaired and maintained to ensure that the new development has no detrimental effect on the historic structure.
