George Michael superfan tears apart singer's £19m mansion with renovation work
The £19 million home of singer George Michael, which was purchased by a super fan, has began renovation work and has caused ructions with their neighbours.
Communications guru Stephen Cameron bought the late pop superstar's Grade II listed home in Highgate. Cameron, who has described himself "huge George Michael fan" , has an estimated fortune of £171 million and regularly features in The Sunday Times rich list.
He gained permission from Camden Council for a 'super basement' under the front garden of the property, which will house living accommodation and a second kitchen. However, the plans have not gone down well with locals who have been vehemently against the proposals.
The Highgate home that George Michael lived in until his death on Christmas Day in 2016 (Gavin Rodgers/REX/Shutterstock)Residents are believed to be upset by the drilling and loud noises of the renovations, describing it as 'misery', as pictures show fencing around the front of the property. With developments well under way, workmen and diggers have been seen over the last couple of months with the constant noise lasting up to 10 hours a day.
Cameron has also been given permission to extend the existing outbuilding, which features an outdoor shower and roof terrace, as well as adding a pergola and relocating the swimming pool, which former neighbour Kate Moss claims she used to hop into with daughter Lily Grace after climbing over using a ladder.
George Michael's manager says singer 'refused to be ashamed' over his sexuality
Tributes paid to the former Wham! frontman at the Grade II listed building following his death (LightRocket via Getty Images)It is not the first time that Cameron has altered the Grade II building either. Last July, he reconfigured rooms at the property after creating a new bedroom, moved the kitchen and a new chimney stack and staircase. The multi-millionaire also gained permission to change the front railings.
Despite Council backing, Cameron has come under pressure by The Highgate Society and the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee (HCAAC). The society raised issues regarding the potential structural damage to the building after problems occurred at nearby Witanhurst Mansion in a similar renovation by Russian oligarch Andrei Guryev.
According to The Sun, the group said in an letter of complaint: "Given that the owners of some properties in The Grove believe that problems have arisen as a result of the basement works at Witanhurst, we would urge the Council to instruct an independent audit of the proposals."
Stephen Cameron, who bought the property in 2020, is self-confessed George Michael fan (Redferns via Getty Images)The HCAAC said in their objection letter: "We are very concerned that what is being proposed in respect of the front of the property adversely affects the harmony and the setting of the important listed buildings in the row on The Grove and does not enhance the character and appearance of the Highgate Conservation Area."
Speaking to the Daily Mail after buying the property in 2020, Cameron said: "It's a beautiful property, stunning and I'm looking forward to living there. I'm also a huge George Michael fan so that makes it even better."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
