Pippa and James Matthews have parted ways with Bucklebury Farm Park after the venture reportedly accumulated debts totalling £807,543 by 2025.The couple acquired the 72-acre Berkshire property for approximately £1.3million in 2021, hoping to transform the deer and safari park into a thriving family attraction.A representative for the pair confirmed the sale to the Mail, bringing an end to their five-year ownership of the site near Carole and Michael Middleton’s family home.James Matthews, who heads London investment firm Eden Rock, had purchased the property alongside business partner James Murray, but the enterprise failed to deliver anticipated returns.Pippa Matthews is the younger sister of the Princess of Wales | PAThe farm featured a diverse range of attractions designed to appeal to families, including petting opportunities with animals, a soft play zone, an outdoor playground, a café and safari-style glamping tents for overnight visits.Seasonal offerings such as a “bunny disco” at Easter and Santa’s Grotto during the Christmas period aimed to draw visitors throughout the year.Despite this broad appeal, the business recorded six-figure losses annually, with the financial strain proving impossible to overcome.Carole Middleton had reportedly helped out at the property on occasion, yet the venture’s running costs consistently outpaced revenue, ultimately forcing the couple to abandon the project.Pippa Matthews has cut ties with Bucklebury Farm after six-figure losses | PAIn a final effort to rescue the struggling enterprise, Mr and Mrs Matthews submitted plans last year to construct a nursery on the grounds, catering to children aged nine months to five years.The proposal initially received approval but subsequently encountered opposition from the local highways authority, which expressed serious concerns about the increased traffic the facility would generate.The couple contested the decision, arguing that diversifying the site was “essential to securing the farm’s future, enabling it to remain open to the public and continue offering educational and recreational opportunities for the community.”Their appeal proved unsuccessful, with the planning application ultimately refused by the local council.James Matthews and Pippa Middleton have been married since 2017 | PABucklebury Farm Park in West Berkshire pictured in 2011 | PALocal opposition to the couple’s involvement had intensified in recent years, with visitors voicing frustration over escalating admission costs.One resident described the venture as “a snooty cash grab,” suggesting the attraction had lost its former accessibility.Another local offered a harsher assessment, telling the Mail that “since the Middleton takeover it has become a place of snobbery and middle-class inclusivity.”The criticism reflected a perception that what had once been a beloved childhood destination for Berkshire families had transformed under new ownership.Despite the change in proprietorship, the farm park continues to operate and remains open to visitors.