Building work on Florence Welch's historic Gothic mansion in Somerset has been halted for a second time, this time due to the discovery of protected bats roosting on the estate. The latest obstacle comes five years after the British singer, known for fronting Florence and the Machine, purchased the Grade II-listed property for £2 million in 2020.
The extensive renovation plans for the 60-room mansion have been plagued by delays since the project began. The initial setback occurred when builders unearthed skeletons from an ancient burial ground beneath the former abbey on the property. Following this discovery, an agreement was made with Florence Welch that any historical artifacts found would be given to the Somerset Museums Service.
Now, the presence of protected bats has forced another halt to construction. All bats in the UK are protected, and it is illegal to disturb them or damage their roosts without approval from Natural England. Welch is currently liaising with the environmental body to determine how to proceed, but the duration of this new delay remains unclear.
The estate, located in Somerset and surrounded by 1.2 acres of landscaped gardens, dates back to the 16th century, with evidence of a residence on the site for at least 400 years prior. It was historically used for wool-dye production. Welch had received planning permission to reconfigure the property, which is currently divided into four separate buildings, into one large mansion.
Welch, 39, has previously expressed a fascination with historical and Gothic buildings, telling Vogue in 2011 of her desire for a castle or church. The property itself is rumored to be haunted by a "lady in grey," a local folklore tale dating back to the 1970s. The mansion features 60 rooms across three floors, a swimming pool, and a folly.