Owners of ‘neglected’ country house used as Wayne Manor in Batman Begins face losing home… because bats moved in

NewsUK News THE owner of a sprawling country house featured in Batman Begins faces losing the iconic home as it becomes overrun by bats. The Grade I-listed house in Buckinghamshire was used as Wayne Manor in the popular Christopher Nolan superhero film. The local council has served a formal repair notice in response to the building’s condition Credit: SWNS The building is beloved by DC fans across the world Credit: SWNS Mentmore Towers, Buckinghamshire, has been served a formal listed-building repairs notice following a deterioration it’s condition. Built between 1852 and 1854, the country house has hosted a number of affluent families, including the Rothschild family. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! It is also the only major surviving work of Sir Joseph Paxton – the architect behind the Crystal Palace. But Mentmore Towers, used in Batman Begins, could face a compulsory purchase order if a licensed bat ecologist is not appointed. The house was used as Wayne Manor in 2005 Batman Begins Credit: Alamy The sprawling estate was an ideal background for multiple action scenes Credit: Alamy Buckinghamshire Council said the work is “reasonably necessary for the proper preservation” of the building which has faced accusations it has been left to fall into disrepair. The property has deteriorating roofs, chimneys, rooflights, roof lanterns and leadwork with Historic England describing the condition as “very bad”. Site photographs on the notice show cracks in walls, broken windows, and ivy clad walls and when the property was visited, bat droppings were found. In the notice, Bucks Council have said the owners must demonstrate that it is appointing a contractor with a experience of repairing listed buildings. Most read in The Sun If no action is taken, the council could seek government approval to acquire the mansion and further legal action. Three bat-emergence surveys must be completed by August 2027, alongside any necessary Natural England licence and recommendations. Once work begins, council and Historic England officers must be allowed to inspect it weekly. Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, says: “We welcome this action taken by Buckinghamshire Council requiring the current owner to carry out urgent and overdue repairs to this great house. “We urge the owners, who have owned the building for over 25 years, to step up and undertake immediate repairs. “This exceptional landmark has been neglected for too long.” Comment now