From planning disputes to lavish renovations, 2024 has seen wild celebrity property tales unfold
London: You know how it goes with celebs and their fancy homes. They’re either buying up listed mansions in the poshest areas or heading to the Cotswolds for a quieter life. And let’s not forget the massive renovations they dive into, which often ruffle some feathers with the neighbors. It’s always juicy gossip, and we can’t get enough of it.
This year, we’ve seen everything from Taylor Swift moving out of Hampstead to Boris Johnson’s tussle with some newts. It’s been a wild ride with the biggest celebrity property stories of 2024.
Take Robbie Williams, for instance. His renovation plans for his Grade II-listed home in Holland Park have hit a few bumps. He’s been trying to dig a basement pool, but his neighbor, Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin, isn’t too happy about it. After years of back and forth, the council finally gave him the green light, but not without some noise restrictions. Recently, he had a spat over a sickly tree he wanted to chop down, but the council sided with him. So, goodbye, Norway maple!
And then there’s Boris Johnson. His plans to rebuild an extension on his Georgian manor in Oxfordshire got the thumbs up, but he’s got to be careful about the great crested newts living in the moat. Talk about a unique challenge!
Ed Sheeran is also in the mix. His sprawling estate in Suffolk has upset some locals who think his security fences are ruining their views. He even got called out for jumping into a pond he was supposed to keep as a wildlife space. But hey, the council lifted that restriction, so he’s in the clear.
In a surprising twist, Ed also bought an office building in Soho for £8.25 million. That’s a big step into commercial property for him!
With elections happening in the UK and the US, we got a peek into the property empires of some politicians. Donald Trump is opening a new golf course in Aberdeenshire, but it’s facing backlash from conservationists. Rishi Sunak had to find a new place after losing the election, but he’s got plenty of luxury options to choose from.
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s homes were also in the spotlight thanks to his new reality show. His Grade II-listed mansion is quite the sight, showcasing his family’s lavish lifestyle.
Hampstead is still the place to be for celebs. Lewis Capaldi just dropped over £3 million on a new pad there, joining the likes of Harry Styles and Dua Lipa. But it’s not all good news; Taylor Swift has left the area after her breakup, and Boy George is still trying to sell his Gothic mansion.
Meanwhile, the Cotswolds are a hot spot for stars looking to escape the hustle. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were rumored to be renting a fancy place there, and Ellen DeGeneres is reportedly making a permanent move after Trump’s election win.
2024 has also seen some celebs selling their homes. Sugababe Heidi Range and her husband are moving to Surrey, listing their Fulham home for £5.3 million. A Libertines member is trading his Victorian home for a seaside spot in Margate. And former footballer Andy Carroll is selling his mansion in Chigwell after his divorce.
Even Freddie Mercury’s old home is up for grabs, listed for a whopping £30 million. It’s been a year of big moves and even bigger stories in the celebrity property world!