Sarah Beeny has scrapped plans to renovate two barns into five new homes at her 220-acre former dairy farm in Somerset, after facing the wrath of her neighbours.
According to reports, Sarah was given the green light by the council to do the work at her ‘mini Downton Abbey estate’, but has not done so within the three-year timeframe granted.
The presenter, 52, who has documented the refurbishment of her country mansion on her show New Life In The Country, resubmitted plans for the conversion from five to four new homes, but now is said to have withdrawn the application completely amid a year-long war with residents.
Locals have taken umbrage with the presenter for failing to demolish a 1970s four-bedroom house old farmhouse, despite it being a specified condition of permission for the new build seven bedroom mansion four years ago.
Last year, an ecological survey found a ‘substantial’ roost for rare serotine bats in the roof of the former farmhouse, with the star submitting revised plans to keep the old farmhouse and refurbish it.
But neighbours accused Sarah of ‘riding roughshod’ over planning laws and claim she has ‘blatantly ignored’ an enforcement notice ordering her to discard earth banks she built without applying for planning permission.
In a letter to planners, one neighbour wrote, according to The Sun: ‘Why on earth should further properties be erected in beautiful rural countryside on a track off a narrow lane?’
Another objector said: ‘As far as I am concerned, this proposed development will only serve to line the pockets of the owners…rather than provide any real benefit to the local community.’
‘The current application appears to be an attempt to negate the original condition to demolish the old farmhouse and offers as a quid pro quo to reduce the residences from five to four.
‘The suggested reduction in dwellings is thus a manipulation of the original consent to get round the condition to demolish the original farmhouse,’ complained another.
It is not known why Sarah pulled plans for the barn conversion which was reportedly revealed in an email from her planning agents to the local council.
It read: ‘We have yet to receive any formal correspondence from yourself with regards to the outline planning application which is significantly overdue.
‘However, notwithstanding the general support for the proposals on highways, ecological and utilities grounds, I write to formally withdraw the outline application.’
MailOnline has contacted Sarah’s representatives for a comment.
Sarah wants to keep the old four-bedroom farmhouse but said there is ‘no guarantee’ that rare bats roosting inside will leave – even if she puts a special bat loft in her garage.
But the presenter still faces potential enforcement action over unauthorised earth bunds after reportedly dumping tonnes of soil from an excavated lake.
Back in 2020, Sarah and her husband, Graham Swift, decided to move from their London home with their children, Billy, 18, Charlie, 16, Rafferty, 14, and Laurie, 12, to a former 220-acre farm near in Somerset, which they have renovated on-screen.
Sarah’s show scored a second season in November in 2021, which followed the decoration of her swanky home as well as hedge and tree restoration.
The TV presenter was given the all clear in April 2023 and in June she released her documentary Sarah Beeny vs. Cancer which detailed her cancer journey including her double mastectomy.
The lavish home shows their love of the finer things in life, including stunning antique furniture such as writing desks and wardrobes.
She said: ‘We have lots of really old pieces including a 15th-century chair that I love. I enjoy collecting cartoons; they’re lovely things and make me laugh.’
In-keeping with the classic stylings, the couple’s open plan kitchen and living area features envy-inducing parquet flooring.
One of the drawing rooms in the house boasts dark red wallpaper. Sarah previously said: ‘I’ve had loads of decorating disasters! But that’s how you learn…
‘I discovered years ago that you can paint a room dark red, but it’s the other colours in there that’s the difference between a room that looks like a womb, or a luscious rich and exotically decadent living space.’
On the flip side to their super classic styling, they have worked hard to keep themselves with the ages with their solar energy scheme.
Given Graham’s career as an artist, the walls in the home are carefully curated with stunning pieces, including his own work and that of other artists.
Sarah said of his work: ‘Having a craft that is exceptional to you is such a totally amazing thing. My husband, Graham Swift, is an artist and I admire his work because there’s no way anyone else could do what he does…
‘The skill I would really like to be better at is dressing and arranging spaces. It’s much harder than you’d think and comes very naturally to some people.’
As well as the stunning inside, Sarah previously spoke about what she loves about the exterior saying: ‘What made me fall in love with the house was its position…
‘The sunsets and sunrises are beautiful, the views are amazing and there is a tinkling stream to play in. It is also less than two hours from London so I can get up and down to meetings very easily.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
