Imagine enjoying a sunny day in your own garden when suddenly your neighbour’s new balcony lets them peek right into your space, making you feel uneasy while you’re just trying to relax.
That’s exactly what happened to celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer, known affectionately as Mrs Bling, in her luxurious Dorset home by Poole Harbour.
A Dream Home Turned Battleground
Celia and her husband Nick bought their stunning waterfront mansion back in 2007 for £2.4 million.
Over the years, they poured in their creativity and cash, transforming it into a gorgeous four-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat that’s now valued at around £4 million.
The property even features a private sandy beach at the bottom of the garden — a rare gem in this exclusive Sandbanks area.
The Planning Permission Drama
In 2020, the couple decided to add a 21ft by 15ft sunroom with a built-in bar at the end of their beach-themed garden.
The trouble started when they hadn’t secured planning permission for this structure, and their neighbour, Neil Kennedy, complained.
But the real tension between Celia and Neil began earlier, when he put up a balcony without permission that overlooked her garden.
Celia said this made her uncomfortable while sunbathing in her bikini, feeling like she was constantly being watched.
She described Neil’s actions as “illegal” and “disgraceful.”
A Legal Tug of War
Neil had to apply retrospectively for permission for his balcony after Celia formally complained.
But things took a twist when the council also scrutinized Celia’s sunroom.
Fortunately for the Sawyers, they won retrospective planning permission to keep their £50,000 glass pavilion last September.
Speaking about the victory, Celia said, “I’m not going to let him stop me sunbathing in my bikini.
We’ve worked very hard to buy a house like this. It’s all been very silly – tit for tat.
I’m relieved and very, very pleased. I’m just glad the council did the right thing.”
Moving Forward and New Adventures
With the dispute behind them, Celia and Nick are now putting their beautiful Poole Harbour home on the market for £4 million.
It’s believed they plan to spend more time at their home in Barbados, enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.
The property is conveniently located just a short walk from yacht clubs and top-notch restaurants on the famous Sandbanks peninsula.
This includes Rick Stein’s restaurant, where Celia once found herself in an awkward situation back in 2017 involving a local developer throwing a stool in a bar fight.
Celebrity Designer and Her Signature Style
Celia rose to fame starring on Channel 4’s Four Rooms and BBC’s Your Home In Their Hands.
She has made a name for herself by transforming luxury interiors for Sandbanks’ wealthy residents.
Her own home is situated on The Horseshoe — a quiet, prestigious cul-de-sac on the northern edge of the millionaire playground.
A Slice of Coastal Paradise
The estate agents selling the property highlight its exceptional location.
The Horseshoe offers private sand right by the garden, stunning views of Poole Harbour, and a vibrant seascape filled with paddle boarders, windsurfers, and boats.
The house itself offers about 2,700 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Outside, there’s a large sun terrace and the contemporary pavilion near the water’s edge, complete with a retractable roof and bar — perfect for entertaining or simply soaking up the sun.