Monty Don’s Doghouse Relocated to Battersea as Permanent Training Space

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has gained a new training facility designed by Monty Don. The Doghouse, originally built for the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, was relocated to the London rescue centre as a permanent sensory and training space for animals. The structure was part of Don’s first-ever show garden, named the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden, which used reclaimed materials and followed the natural pathways of his Golden Retriever, Ned.

Don, 71, shared a photograph on social media showing the names of his dogs Patti and Ned engraved on the Doghouse’s stone pathway. The post, captioned “In the threshold of the Doghouse,” led some fans to believe Patti had died. Comments on the post expressed concern, with one user writing, “Patti died? I did not realise this I’m so sorry.” Others clarified that both dogs were alive, urging Don to address the confusion.

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From Herefordshire to Battersea

The Doghouse was first installed at Don’s Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, where it replaced his old potting shed. After its role at the Chelsea Flower Show, it was moved to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. The charity confirmed the relocation but did not specify when the transfer occurred. The space is intended to provide a calming environment for rescue animals, though details of its exact use remain limited.

Don’s tribute to his dogs follows the death of his Brittany Spaniel, Peggy, in January. She died a few weeks before her 16th birthday. Don described her as “eccentric, quirky, infinitely gentle and loving” in a social media post. Peggy was buried in the coppice at Longmeadow alongside Don’s other late dogs, Nigel and Nell.

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“She was an old lady, a few weeks short of her 16th birthday, and went as she had lived, gently and without fuss.”

Monty Don, on the death of his dog Peggy

What Happens Next

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has not announced plans for public access to the Doghouse. The facility is currently used for training and sensory purposes, but it is unclear whether visitors will be able to view it. Don has not commented further on the relocation or the future of the structure. Fans continue to monitor his social media for updates on his dogs and projects.