Celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer, also known as Mrs Bling, has listed her £4 million waterfront mansion in Sandbanks following a public clash with a millionaire neighbour over privacy and planning permissions, highlighting tensions in one of England’s most exclusive communities.
Celia Sawyer, known as Mrs Bling and celebrated for her work as a celebrity interior designer, is putting her stunning waterfront mansion in Sandbanks, Dorset, on the market for an eye-watering £4 million. This property, overlooking the picturesque Poole Harbour, has been the backdrop of a notable dispute with a millionaire neighbour, exposing the tensions simmering beneath the tranquil veneer of one of the UK’s most exclusive locales.
The Sawyers acquired the property in 2007 for £2.4 million and have since invested over £1 million into transforming it, showcasing a makeover that reflects the opulence characteristic of Sawyer’s design philosophy. The mansion features four bedrooms and spans an impressive 2,700 square feet, incorporating not just luxurious interiors, but also a unique outdoor space complete with a beach area and a striking sunroom—a 21ft by 15ft glass structure with a retractable roof.
The sunroom, however, became the focal point of heated contention when neighbour Neil Kennedy constructed an unofficial balcony that overlooked Sawyer’s garden. This intrusion led to privacy concerns that eventually escalated into a planning row, prompting the local council’s intervention. Although Kennedy was initially granted retrospective permission for his construction, the situation turned when the council scrutinised Sawyer’s sunroom due to complaints lodged by Kennedy.
In September 2022, after navigating a landscape fraught with emotional and legal complexities, including the threat of demolition for her unapproved structure, Sawyer won the right to retain her sunroom. “I’m not going to let him stop me sunbathing in my bikini,” she stated, reflecting a mix of relief and resilience in the face of what she described as “silly tit for tat” between the neighbours.
The dispute illuminates a broader context in Sandbanks, which has become one of England’s most affluent areas, now regarded as the fourth most expensive place to live in the UK. It has seen a significant wave of development, notably modern mansions that replace older properties, drawing in affluent individuals including a range of celebrities such as retired footballers and property moguls.
Beyond her own property saga, Sawyer has also been an outspoken opponent of new developments threatening the area’s character. Recently, she led local residents in opposing a proposed four-storey residential block that would disrupt the community’s tranquil disposition. Describing the proposed project as a “monstrosity”, she expressed concerns over potential noise and congestion, reflecting a community increasingly vigilant about maintaining its exclusive charm in the face of growing development pressure.
The estate agents representing Sawyer’s property at The Horseshoe highlight its prime location within a quiet cul-de-sac, offering breathtaking views of the harbour and access to nearby yacht clubs and restaurants, contributing to the property’s desirability. The mansion is poised to attract buyers seeking both luxury and a taste of the lifestyle emblematic of Sandbanks.
In conclusion, Sawyer’s decision to sell comes not just amid a personal dispute but against the backdrop of a changing neighbourhood landscape, where the rhythms of affluence meet the complications of modern living. As the Sawyers prepare for potential new adventures, perhaps in their home in Barbados, the saga of their impressive estate serves as a microcosm of the evolving narrative of Sandbanks, where opulence and conflict are intricately interwoven.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14718795/Celebrity-interior-designer-selling-mansion.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.realestate.com.au/news/celia-sawyer-wins-to-keep-sunroom-in-77-million-home/ – Celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer won a planning dispute over a luxury sunroom she built without permission in her UK home in Sandbanks. The 21ft by 15ft glass-walled building with a retractable roof, installed in 2020, backs onto Poole Harbour and features a small sandy ‘beach’ in front. Sawyer’s neighbor, Neil Kennedy, had built a balcony without permission, leading to privacy concerns. After the council granted Kennedy retrospective planning permission, Sawyer faced potential demolition of her sunroom but was later granted approval, allowing her to keep the structure. The council determined the sunroom did not harm the area and was not visible from the street. Sawyer expressed relief and satisfaction with the council’s decision. ([realestate.com.au](https://www.realestate.com.au/news/celia-sawyer-wins-to-keep-sunroom-in-77-million-home/?utm_source=openai))
- https://tdpelmedia.com/celebrity-interior-designer-celia-sawyer-leads-campaign-against-new-four-story-development-in-sandbanks-as-residents-fear-increased-tourism-and-disruption/ – Celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer is leading opposition against a proposed four-story development in Sandbanks, Dorset. The plan involves transforming a harborside boatyard into a block of 15 flats and a 100-seat restaurant. Local residents, including Sawyer, fear the development will disrupt the area’s character, increase traffic congestion, and attract noisy holiday rentals. Sawyer described the project as a ‘monstrosity’ and expressed concerns about the potential for increased noise and disorder. The local planning officers recommended refusing the project, but residents remain vigilant as the council’s decision approaches. ([tdpelmedia.com](https://tdpelmedia.com/celebrity-interior-designer-celia-sawyer-leads-campaign-against-new-four-story-development-in-sandbanks-as-residents-fear-increased-tourism-and-disruption/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/20/sandbanks-poole-harbour-fourth-most-expensive/ – Sandbanks, a small peninsula in Poole Harbour, Dorset, has become one of England’s most exclusive and expensive areas. The Telegraph reports that it is now the fourth most expensive place to live in the UK. The area has seen significant development, with modern mansions replacing older properties. Celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer was involved in a planning dispute with her neighbor over a new balcony, which she claimed breached planning rules and invaded her privacy. The article highlights the rapid transformation of Sandbanks and the tensions arising from new developments. ([telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/20/sandbanks-poole-harbour-fourth-most-expensive/?utm_source=openai))
- https://readsector.com/millionaire-businessman-demolishes-his-6mil-seaside-mansion-to-build-nine-luxury-flats-2/ – A millionaire businessman demolished his £6 million seaside mansion in Sandbanks, Dorset, to build nine luxury flats overlooking Poole Harbour. The new apartments, priced between £1.495 million and £2.8 million, aim to meet the increasing demand for housing in the area. The original four-storey, 19-room home was replaced to create more seafront homes. The development received objections from local residents concerned about overdevelopment and the impact on the area’s character. The project reflects the trend of redeveloping properties in Sandbanks to accommodate luxury apartments. ([readsector.com](https://readsector.com/millionaire-businessman-demolishes-his-6mil-seaside-mansion-to-build-nine-luxury-flats-2/?utm_source=openai))
- https://receivinghelpdesk.com/ask/famous-sandbanks-residents – Sandbanks, a small peninsula in Poole Harbour, Dorset, is known for its high property values and has attracted several notable residents. Among them are retired footballers and managers such as Dave Bassett, Tony Pulis, Graeme Souness, and Harry Redknapp. The area is also home to interior designer Celia Sawyer, who has been involved in local property developments and planning disputes. The presence of these celebrities contributes to Sandbanks’ reputation as an exclusive and affluent location. ([receivinghelpdesk.com](https://receivinghelpdesk.com/ask/famous-sandbanks-residents?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article references recent developments and a dispute resolution from September 2022, indicating relatively recent information. However, the narrative does not contain very recent updates, suggesting it may not be entirely up-to-date.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quote from Celia Sawyer, ‘I’m not going to let him stop me sunbathing in my bikini,’ could not be verified as the first use in this article context. It may be from a previous report or interview, but without clear online sources, it is difficult to ascertain its origin.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a well-known publication, but its reliability can vary depending on the topic and context. While it is a mainstream outlet, it is not universally regarded as the most reliable source for all types of information.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Celia Sawyer’s property and the dispute with her neighbour are plausible, given the context of high-end real estate and local development issues in affluent areas like Sandbanks. The narrative aligns with what could be expected in such a scenario.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
While the narrative seems plausible and is from a known source, the reliability of the source is not universally high, and the freshness of the information is somewhat dated. The quote could not be verified as original, but overall, the story appears to be legitimate.
