Jane Austen's House courtyard upgraded ahead of visitor rise

The improvements come just in time for a renewed wave of Austen-mania inspired by the release of Sense and Sensibility in cinemas.

The works are delivered in connection with the wider M3 Junction 9 project, with National Highways volunteers helping to replace the ageing gravel surface with fresh, durable materials, ensuring the site remains safe, accessible, and beautifully preserved for visitors.

Daniel Kittredge, National Highways Senior Project Manager, said: "As audiences fall in love with Sense and Sensibility all over again, our work at Jane Austen’s House ensures the real-world landscapes that inspired her novels remain vibrant and accessible.

Courtyard upgrade at Jane Austen's house (Image: National Highways)

"Our M3 Junction 9 upgrade is not just about improving road journeys but also investing in the local culture and heritage that makes Hampshire so unique."

The courtyard upgrade was completed over a two-day period and is expected to help the Chawton site accommodate an increase in visitors.

The rise in footfall is anticipated as fans seek to connect with the author’s real-life home in the village near Alton.

Lizzie Dunford, Director at Jane Austen’s House, said: "We’re so grateful for the work the National Highways team carried out at Jane Austen’s House.

"It was wonderful to see such an improvement to our courtyard, which is a favourite part of the site for our visitors."

The courtyard refurbishment is one of several community projects supported by National Highways through its Community Legacy Fund.

Other initiatives include installing pond lining, fixing fences, and replacing a roof at Bassy's Barn, a petting farm run exclusively for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Courtyard upgrade at Jane Austen's house (Image: National Highways)

Additional projects include spreading chalk grassland and wildflower seeds at St Catherine's Hill in Winchester, and donating and raising money for Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices.

The M3 Junction 9 upgrade is designed to improve journey times and support the development of 2,000 new homes in Winchester.

National Highways said peak-time journeys through the junction to the A272 are set to be almost 30 per cent faster.

The junction is a key route between the Midlands and the south coast, and between the M3 and A34.

Drivers will save more than 20 per cent of their overall journey time during peak hours once the project is complete.

The project will also provide more than 22 acres of chalk grassland and new routes for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

Further information about the project is available on the scheme’s dedicated webpage.