A REPLICA of Prince Charles’ chicken house is being created by a Wotton-under-Edge father in the beautiful garden of his country home after receiving permission to do so from the Prince of Wales.

Richard Meyer wrote to Highgrove House explaining his wish to build the chicken house within a special two-acre woodland garden, in memory of his daughter Katherine who died of cancer at the age of 41, in March 2012.

Having received the Prince’s blessing, the house is set to be built early next spring and is to be open to the public for special viewings, to raise money for Katherine’s Cock A Doodle Do Trust, which supports the hospice movement.

Work-in-progress open days are to be held on Saturday June 28 and 29 when people will be able to view five acres of woodland gardens that have been created over a 40-year period and at considerable expense, as well as hear more about Richard’s plans for the chicken house.

In addition to the site for the house, guests will be able to enjoy walled gardens, beautiful ponds, scenic pathways lined by hedgerows and plants from around the world.

Proceeds from the open days will go to St Peter’s Hospice where Katherine was cared for during her final days as well as Cotswold Care Hospice located near to the family home.

Mr Meyer she had described the place as a five star hotel and wanted to give something back.

“She thought the staff were simply wonderful and I saw a real lift in her spirits,” he said.

“The love, humour and support Katherine received there made such a difference to us all.

“During a visit to Highgrove she loved the chicken house and the inspirational grounds, so when she became very ill we decided to recreate a little piece of it for her.”

It was decided the chicken house and woodland gardens would raise money for the hospice which made the end of her life so comfortable.

“Since Katherine’s death I have become extremely passionate about the hospice movement and hope to raise awareness of the wonderful care provided by hospices nationally,” said Mr Meyer.

“We’re really looking forward to opening the woodland gardens next month for the first time and hopefully raising a significant amount for our two local hospices.”

St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members free of charge but at a cost of £18,000 a day, relying mostly on donations.

CEO of St Peter’s Hospice, Simon Caraffi, said the gardens was a wonderful way for the Meyer family to remember Katherine.

“The support the Meyers are now showing the hospice is fantastic and we’re pleased to have made such a positive impact on Katherine’s life,” he said.

The garden will be open for the first time on Saturday June 28 and 29 from 2pm until 6pm and can be found at Katharine’s Farm, Swinhay, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7PH.

For more information, visit www.stpetershospice.org