It was at Cowley Manor where Lewis Carroll is said to have witnessed a rabbit disappearing down the hole of a Cotswolds hedgerow, prompting an idea that would lead to one of the most enduring adventure stories of all time.
But now villagers living in the shadow of what is today a five-star country house hotel are waging a war to protect the wonderland that inspired the author’s writing.
Locals are opposing plans submitted by Cowley Manor Experimental – which hosts weddings, spa retreats and pool parties – for a substantial expansion of the hotel.
It has lodged a planning application to increase the number of rooms from 36 to 75 across seven different locations on the grounds, as well as plans to extend the spa.
Planning documents show that the net internal floorspace from the development would rise by nearly 29,000 sq feet, with an additional 15 staff needing to be employed if the proposals were approved.
Residents believe the application, which also includes proposals to install two heat pumps, build an electricity substation and an emergency generator, and secure valet parking for 100 cars at a remote site, would shatter the tranquillity of the village.
They argue that the grounds, a designated conservation area, should be protected, given Cowley comprises just 50 homes and narrow roads.
David Thompson, who has lived in the village for eight years, believes the plans for valet parking to cope with the expansion are “flawed”, given that it is a single-track lane that has potholes and floods every year.
He said: “The whole thing has been sold to the village on the concept that the changes will restore the listed grounds to their previous glory.
“They can do what they like inside the grounds, but if they don’t sort out the car parking and the lorries and vans coming to service the hotel, then it will result in chaos within the village.”
Theo Jordan, who has lived in the village for 23 years, echoed Mr Thompson’s concerns.
He told The Telegraph: “We’re in a conservation area and an area of outstanding natural beauty, and yet they’re going to build a car park on a field used by a cricket club.
“And then they’re talking about using electric vehicles to bring the people from the car park to the manor, but we’re already a small village, and there’s already lots of traffic. So I’m not sure how that’s going to work.”
The estate markets itself as a “rural sanctuary underlined by luxury”, allowing guests to explore the “natural splendour and historic charm” of the Cotswolds.
But in one report submitted to the planning application, a council biodiversity officer wrote that it did “not appear that all ecological impacts have been fully considered and assessed”.
Stuart Drysdale, the chairman of the parish council and a resident of Cowley for 30 years, said the changes would harm both the heritage and the ecology of the site.
He told The Telegraph: “The plans are going to change the experience of visiting the historic gardens and house, and the development – as proposed – is just too expansive for the site in comparison to the village.
“The River Churn is an important wildlife corridor leading up the whole valley, which is one of the pleasurable things about the area, but there’s a total disrespect for the existing wildlife that’s there in the plans.”
Mr Drysdale added that nearly all the villagers were against the manor house’s planning submission.
Ray and Betty Goodwin, a married couple in their 90s who have lived in Cowley since 1971, said guests had parked in driveways of residents, including their own.
Mr Goodwin told The Telegraph: “They put their car there and disappear into the manor, and you’re lumbered with it until they decide to come out.
“That’s only going to get worse with the expansion. They previously made a car park out there, but within two weeks, people had stopped using it. The same thing will happen with the valet car park.”
Ms Goodwin added: “Parking on the roads is really bad as well. If we had an emergency, some days you wouldn’t be able to get the emergency services vehicles in.”
A spokesman for Cowley Manor Experimental said their priority was to ensure the long-term future of the estate.
They added: “The proposals have been developed with considerable care, including extensive ecological research and assessment, alongside engagement and meetings with local community members.
“Understanding and protecting the estate’s character, biodiversity and environment has been central to our approach.
“We are committed to ensuring that Cowley Manor Experimental remains a significant and positive part of the local area, supporting employment and suppliers while contributing to the wider Cotswolds economy, and enhancing the estate for generations to come.”
A spokesman for Cotswold district council said it recognised the concerns raised by residents and significant level of public interest in the submission, adding that the application remained under consideration. A decision is expected by Oct 15.