Georgian Townhouse Sparks Fury with Black Makeover
A prominent lawyer residing in one of London's most exclusive addresses has been compelled to return his £2.6 million townhouse to its original white colour after an unauthorised black paint job ignited a fierce dispute with conservation officers and neighbours.
Edmond Curtin and his wife, who wishes to remain anonymous, transformed their Grade II-listed Georgian property in the affluent Gibson Square, Islington, coating almost the entire frontage in brooding black and grey paint. The controversial renovation, which covered the iconic white stucco, window frames, and architectural details, left the local community 'furious'.
Planning Inspectorate Issues Stern Repaint Order
Despite launching an appeal, the couple were ordered by the planning inspectorate in July to restore the house to its traditional white scheme. The directive specified the work must be completed within two months using 'three coats of wash'.
Council inspector Ahsan Ghafoor delivered a withering verdict, stating the dark makeover produced 'a visually discordant and jarring effect' on the 1820s mid-terrace home and the rest of the historic square. He ruled that the alterations were 'at odds with the special architectural interest of the listed building' and harmed the character of the Barnsbury Conservation Area.
By the time the Daily Mail visited the property this week, the couple had complied, with their period terrace now displaying the same white frontage as their neighbours.
Neighbourhood Reaction and Lingering Tensions
Although the repainting has been completed, certain locals appeared frosty about the prospect of forgiveness. One long-term resident, who has called the square home for 60 years, expressed her initial dismay.
'I was so upset when it happened that I didn't want to meet them,' she said. 'Their plea at the time was we haven't damaged the building - well firstly how would they know and secondly you have damaged the area.'
However, a source close to the Curtin family offered a different perspective, noting the couple 'knew it was a listed area so weren't blind to the risk' and had observed that 'several other houses along the square had made amendments which hadn't been flagged'. The source also claimed that, according to official council documents, 'only one person actually complained'.
Another anonymous neighbour expressed sympathy, describing the Curtins as 'good residents' and noting that other buildings in the square feature grey frontage. 'I didn't think it was actually as ugly as some people made out,' they remarked.
Gibson Square, with its leafy gardens and immaculately maintained terraces, is one of Islington's most desirable addresses, with house prices averaging £2,650,000 over the last year according to Rightmove. When approached for comment, the Curtins declined to elaborate but confirmed they had carried out the repainting as soon as their appeal failed.
