>
The superfan owners of George Michael’s £19 million seven-bedroom Highgate mansion have begun refurbishing a mega basement.
Stephen Cameron and his wife Clare Harrison, who made their living from medical communications, bought the Grade II listed building, near Hampstead Heath, in 2020 and plan to excavate the basement to convert it into a second kitchen and living space.
Earlier this year, the North London building found itself at the center of a planning battle with neighbors in turmoil over their plans to transform The Grove estate, originally built by William Blake in 1668, which they claimed was ‘ ruin one of the most beautiful rows of houses’. houses’.
Janet Jones of the Highgate Society said “digging a cellar” could risk damaging the houses on either side, which “cannot be ignored.”
Plans for changes to the front in particular were under fire, according to a planning application to Camden Council.
The superfan owners of George Michael’s £19million seven-bed Highgate mansion have begun renovation of a mega basement
Following recent reports of arguments and objections to building plans from locals, construction has finally started on singer George Michael’s former home in north London.
After the Wham! singer (pictured in 2005) died on Christmas Day 2016 due to liver and heart complications, Grade II listed was leased to A-listers for £15,000 a week
Stephen Cameron and his wife Clare Harrison (pictured), who made their living from medical communications, bought the Grade II listed building, near Hampstead Heath, in 2020 and plan to excavate the basement and convert it into a second kitchen and living area to make
Peter Cassidy of the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee echoed the concerns, saying: “There is no justification for not retaining the existing railings, gate, lamp cover and lantern on the front boundary or the existing railings to the light source.”
He also said moving the pool would have an ‘adverse impact’ on the building and an 18th-century wall.
Tim Dignum, who lives nearby, disagreed and was fully supportive of the plans: ‘I am comforted by the modest nature of the proposed works, which seem to both support and enhance the historic features of the building.
“Those works won’t have a noticeable impact on the quality of life I enjoy now.”
Earlier this year, the North London building found itself at the center of a planning battle with neighbors in turmoil over their plans to transform The Grove estate, originally built by William Blake in 1668, which they claimed was ‘ ruin one of the most beautiful rows of houses’. houses’
Janet Jones of the Highgate Society said ‘digging a cellar’ could risk damaging the houses on either side, which ‘cannot be ignored’
Plans for changes to the front in particular were under fire, according to a planning application from Camden Council
Peter Cassidy of the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee joined the concerns, saying: ‘There is no justification for not retaining the existing railings, gate, lamp cover and lantern on the front boundary or the existing railings to the light source’
He also said moving the pool would have an ‘adverse effect’ on the building and an 18th-century wall
Michael spent many secluded years on the pad, which he bought for £7.65 million and was previously owned by Annie Lennox, and lived there with his ex-boyfriend Kenny Goss
When Mr Cameron bought the house in 2020, he told MailOnline: ‘It is a beautiful property, beautiful and I look forward to living there. I’m also a huge George Michael fan, so that makes it even better.”
‘I know the area very well and have lived in this part of North London for a number of years. It is a beautiful house to live in and the whole family is happy’
After the Wham! singer died on Christmas Day 2016 due to liver and heart complications, the Grade II listed was leased to A-listers for £15,000 a week.
Michael spent many secluded years on the pad, which he bought for £7.65 million and was previously owned by Annie Lennox, and lived there with his ex-boyfriend Kenny Goss.
When Mr Cameron bought the house in 2020, he told MailOnline: ‘It is a beautiful property, beautiful and I look forward to living there. I’m also a big fan of George Michael, so that makes it even better.
‘I know the area very well and have lived in this part of North London for a number of years. It’s a beautiful house to live in and the whole family is happy.’