A VILLAGE left shocked by the sudden demolition of an iconic building is now celebrating after the council ordered the 300-year-old cottage be rebuilt.
The huge win comes less than a year after locals were left “shocked” by the sudden bulldozing of the fairytale property.
In July, 2025 property owner Natalie Matthews decided to tear down the 17th-century property in a move she now regrets.
The two-bed cottage in Nursling, Hampshire, was destroyed within an hour, despite pleas from the village to keep it standing.
Local council representatives have now revealed they were not made aware of this decision, and have ordered the rebuilding of it.
Matthews claims the house was derelict and that she felt she had no choice other than to remove the structure.
In a statement online, she said: “Looking back, I accept that I should have paused, taken further advice, and followed the correct planning process before making such a decision.”
Matthews admitted she deeply regretted her actions and any further upset that was caused.
She said: “Please understand, my intention was never to disrespect the history of the village or act recklessly.
“I was trying to make the safest and most practical decision in a very difficult and overwhelming situation.”
Last year villagers were left furious after the decision to tear down the house – which had featured on local history books.
Nursling resident Lawrence Harfield said: “We were gutted when we saw what had happened.
“We thought it was a listed building.”
In 2022 the council received a planning application to build a new property on the site, but despite approval, no work had been done.
Then, three years later the cottage was demolished by a JCB within one hour.
Matthews insisted she had bought the property with the intention to restore it and then sell it on.
Planning Portfolio Holder Councillor, Phil Bundy, revealed he was never given any indication that the 300-year-old cottage would be demolished.
He said: “Test Valley Borough Council should have received an application for the demolition of the property.
“I hope this will serve as an example.”
