Oscar-winning writer and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has found himself at the centre of a real-life period drama – but this time, he's facing criticism from his own neighbours rather than receiving applause from audiences.
The peer, who resides in a magnificent £9 million Grade II-listed townhouse in one of London's most exclusive postcodes, has sparked something of a local uprising with his extensive renovation plans for the property.
'A Complete Nightmare' for Neighbours
Residents living near Lord Fellowes' Kensington home have described the ongoing construction work as "a complete nightmare," with complaints ranging from excessive noise to significant loss of privacy. The renovation, which includes adding a substantial basement extension, has caused considerable disruption in the usually tranquil square.
One frustrated neighbour revealed: "We've lost a lot of our privacy. They've put scaffolding up which means workmen can see directly into our bedrooms and bathrooms. It's been going on for about a year now and it's a complete nightmare."
Planning Permission Controversy
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea granted planning permission for the works despite acknowledging the project would cause "significant noise and disturbance" to neighbouring properties. The council's approval came with several conditions aimed at mitigating the impact, including restrictions on working hours and requirements for noise monitoring.
Lord Fellowes and his wife Emma Kitchener-Fellowes purchased the elegant white-stucco property several years ago. The house boasts six bedrooms and stands as a testament to Victorian architectural excellence, having been built in 1846 by renowned architect George Basevi, who also designed parts of London's prestigious Belgravia district.
A History of Grand Designs
This isn't the first time the Fellowes family has undertaken significant property projects. They previously converted a former monastery in Dorset into their country home, showcasing their appetite for architectural transformation.
The current Kensington renovation reflects a growing trend among London's elite who are increasingly opting to expand their luxury homes downwards through basement extensions, often referred to as "iceberg homes" due to their extensive underground facilities.
As the construction continues, neighbours remain hopeful that the disruption will soon conclude, allowing the square to return to its former tranquillity. For now, however, the real-life drama unfolding in this exclusive London neighbourhood shows no signs of reaching its final episode.
