Overview
- Villagers describe two illuminated palm trees as out of place for Bibury, with comments likening the look to Dubai or Benidorm.
- Architect Matthew Hollingsworth of Spirit Architecture Ltd says the palms have been on site for well over 20 years and were kept for their historical association with the property.
- Neighbour and writer Victoria Summerley says most of the garden was cleared, leaving the lit palms as the only trees and making them especially conspicuous.
- Renovation work underway since 2023 is reported to have caused constant noise, disruption and traffic, with some neighbours considering selling their homes and calling conditions a war zone.
- The cottage was reportedly bought for £1.1 million in 2022 in an area where average prices are about £1.5 million, and public reaction to the lights ranges from praise to criticism.