James Corden’s £8.5 Million ‘Dream Home’ Remains Unused Two Years After Approval
Television star James Corden’s ambitious plans to move his family back to Britain and settle in a lavish countryside estate appear to have stalled, as his £8.5 million property in rural Oxfordshire remains untouched more than two years after redevelopment permission was granted. The estate, named Templecombe House, was acquired by Corden in 2020 during a planned relocation from Los Angeles, where he spent eight years as host of The Late Late Show.
Despite securing the go-ahead for a sweeping rebuild in early 2023, aerial images recently taken show the property in its original state—boarded up and empty, with no physical work having commenced. The standstill has drawn attention, particularly given the lengthy and sometimes contentious planning process that preceded approval.
Upon purchasing the 43-acre site near Henley-on-Thames, Corden envisioned a modern six-bedroom family mansion, replacing the current structure which dates back to the 1960s. His initial plans, however, faced extensive scrutiny from local officials and heritage organisations. Among the more ambitious elements of his proposal were leisure facilities, including saunas and both indoor and outdoor pools, which planners eventually required him to omit.
Initial pushback came from Wokingham Borough Council and English Heritage, who raised objections due to the historic nature of the grounds. The estate is notable for housing a Grade II listed set of 45 granite megalithic stones known as the Mont de la Ville dolmen, which holds cultural and archaeological significance. Jersey officials have even expressed interest in repatriating the monument, originally transported from Jersey in the 18th century.
Planning permission was ultimately granted after a series of amendments. Conditions for approval included safeguarding wildlife—specifically bats, badgers, and glow worms—through special lighting, as well as adjustments to landscaping to protect the ancient stone circle. Corden was also instructed to facilitate archaeological investigations on-site and maintain the integrity of the surrounding grounds.
The proposed rebuilding project describes a spacious, two-storey mansion with a basement, central courtyard, open-plan kitchen and dining areas, a playroom, and several study spaces. On the first floor, designs include five ensuite bedrooms in addition to a grand main suite with dual ensuites and a balcony. The estate’s existing tennis court would remain, but extensive landscaping was planned to rejuvenate the grounds after years of neglect.
Despite these comprehensive plans and the resources invested—the Corden family paid a reported £8.5 million for what was envisaged as their forever home—there is no sign of construction activity on the property as of May 2025. Local observers and property enthusiasts have noted the lack of progress, raising speculation about possible further logistical, financial or personal delays behind the scenes.
Construction blueprints, which secured council approval in March of last year, also included flood prevention measures and further requirements to protect trees and local ecology. These stipulations followed years in which Templecombe House, previously a boarding school and later in a state of disrepair, became a magnet for urban explorers.
It had been previously reported that Corden and his wife, Julia, alongside their three children, intended to make the move as soon as the new house was ready. For now, however, the temple to family life remains merely conceptual, with the ageing property still standing—untouched and awaiting transformation.
How or when work will begin remains unclear, with no official comment issued by representatives of the Corden family. The situation leaves local residents and fans alike watching closely for any sign of change on the sprawling Henley-on-Thames estate. One thing is certain: the television star’s much-anticipated homecoming has, for now, been put firmly on hold.