A remarkable £1 million seaside home, featuring a contentious green-brick extension, is now on the market, just months after its appearance on Channel 4’s Extraordinary Extensions. The property, located in Broadstairs, Kent, was showcased in an episode that followed interior designer Karim Mezeli and his partner Carly as they undertook a radical renovation of the 1960s end-of-terrace house. Their ambition was to transform the house to face the sea, but this vision has drawn significant criticism from neighbours concerned about their obstructed views.

The 2022 renovation included a distinctive double-storey extension adorned with an innovative green-glazed brick, purportedly the first of its kind used in a residential setting. While Karim and Carly intended the extension to reflect their personal style, several residents objected, claiming it was out of sync with the local architecture. Despite the backlash, the couple received planning approval and proceeded with the transformation, which, they claimed, would enhance their dream of a picturesque family home.

Now, the couple has placed the freshly renovated property, dubbed ‘The Green Wing’, on the market for £900,000, stating that it is time for their next project. In a recent interview, Karim mentioned they were eager to venture into new endeavours. Interestingly, a neighbour on Cheviot Close indicated they were aware of a potential buyer already showing interest in the home, highlighting the ongoing demand for unique properties in the area.

On the show, Carly expressed her delight at the perceived dreamlike quality of their new home, saying, “When I stood in the garden seeing the sea, I knew instantly all my dreams had come true.” This sentiment was echoed by Tinie Tempah, who hosted the episode and praised the couple’s architectural choice for its boldness. However, the extension’s impact on neighbouring properties sparked a broader discussion about the delicate balance between personal expression in home renovations and the rights of others to maintain their views.

The controversy surrounding such developments isn’t isolated to Broadstairs. Across the UK, similar situations have arisen, illustrating a common tension in residential neighbourhoods. In St Margaret’s Bay, for example, plans by Perry and Leonie Mercer for a new build met resistance over concerns of unsightliness and potential future developments, despite being granted permission. Similarly, residents of ‘Millionaire’s Row’ in Torquay voiced outrage over a neighbour’s proposed extension that would also block their sea views, prompting some to explore legal avenues to fight back.

In Salcombe, Devon, the trend of luxury homes has led to significant community objections due to their obstructive nature, further showcasing how such developments can incite local uproar, particularly in areas rich with coastal views. Reports of drastic actions, including the poisoning of trees to enhance seaside views, highlight the lengths some neighbours may go to reclaim their vistas.

As the newly renovated home in Broadstairs prepares for its next chapter, its story serves as a case study in the ongoing clash between ambitious personal projects and community sentiment. While the innovative design has undoubtedly garnered attention, the future of ‘The Green Wing’ will ultimately depend on a buyer willing to embrace its bold aesthetic amid the picturesque backdrop that drew its creators to the area in the first place.

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Source: Noah Wire Services