National Trust turfs out tenants of eight years

A couple has been forced out of their National Trust home for alleged parking problems, a late payment of rent and the ownership of ‘vicious' dogs.

The National Trust has refused to extend Alan and Susan Walsh’s tenancy agreement for Dog Farm cottage in Dunham Massey in Cheshire, forcing them to find alternative accommodation.

The tenants had been running bed and breakfast from the cottage since 2000, in addition to running the nearby Lavender Barn tea room and gift shop, which they launched two years ago.

David Houston, National Trust area manager for Cheshire, remains tight-lipped about the reasons for the termination of the tenancy agreement, but says that the Trust will be giving the couple an opportunity to maintain their tea shop.

“After very full and careful consideration, over many months, we will not be extending Mr & Mrs Walsh's residential tenancy for Dog Farm cottage, on the Dunham Estate.

"Regretfully this tenancy has proved unsatisfactory, but our policy is always to respect tenant-landlord confidentiality on such sensitive matters and do not feel it is fair to comment on specific details."

Dawn Carritt, director of country house and estates at Jackson-Stops & Staff, says: “I have no qualms about the National Trust as landlords. When you come to the end of your lease, it is not required to renew or extend it.”

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