Historic U.K. estate used as Wayne Manor in "Batman Begins" must be surveyed for bats, officials say

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August 25, 2026 / 1:09 PM EDT

/ CBS News

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A British estate used as a filming location in Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" may be taken from its owners if repair work, including bat surveys, does not commence, according to local council notices.The stately home was built between 1852 and 1854 in Buckinghamshire, a region in southeast England. It stood in for Wayne Manor in the 2005 superhero blockbuster, which starred Christian Bale and Katie Holmes.Buckinghamshire Council served the company that owns the estate with a formal listed-buildings repair notice amid reports of deteriorating conditions at the property. CBS News partner BBC News reported that the notice was dated Aug. 4.The building could be placed on the market – unless the owners show evidence that a licensed bat ecologist has been appointed to conduct surveys. The owners have one month to begin the process and provide evidence, council deputy leader Peter Strachan told CBS News. If the notice is not dealt with, the council could seek government approval to acquire the mansion, though this would be subject to further legal action, according to the BBC.