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Sarah Beni’s £3 million luxury home in Somerset, England, dubbed ‘Mini-Downton Abbey,’ was ordered to be demolished after she expanded it without proper permissions
Set on 220 acres, the property features multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a large kitchen, living room, library, and a garden with open entertainment space. (News18)
People spend many years and sometimes even their entire lives constructing a house. However, imagine the devastation if a house worth £3 million is demolished due to a minor mistake. This is precisely what happened to one woman. She built a luxury home with considerable effort, but her remarks on a TV show led to legal trouble. After a lengthy court battle, the court eventually ordered the house to be demolished.
Building A Dream Home
According to The Independentthis incident occurred in England. Sarah Beni constructed a luxurious home in Somerset County, one of England’s most prestigious areas, for approximately £3 million, equivalent to Rs 31 crore. It is often called ‘Mini-Downton Abbey’ because it resembles the house featured in the TV series Downton Abbey.
Sustainable materials and techniques were employed in its construction to reduce electricity consumption. Sarah Beni and her family designed the house themselves. Despite this effort, an order to demolish the home has been issued.
The Reason For Demolition
On a Channel 4 show, it was revealed that Sarah Beni had significantly expanded the building without obtaining the necessary permissions. Initial approval for the new house’s construction was granted on the condition that the 1970s farmhouse and surrounding buildings on the property would be demolished.
Instead, Beni opted to expand the existing structure, transforming it into ‘beautiful parkland’. This modern luxury home now includes a boathouse, greenhouse, and boot room. This decision sparked the trouble.
Mini-Downton Abbey
The house, designed in traditional Georgian style, embodies every aspect of a luxury lifestyle. Situated on 220 acres, it boasts several bedrooms, bathrooms, a vast kitchen, a living room, and a library. The exterior includes a beautiful garden and open space for entertainment.
In 2024, Beni herself detailed the house, highlighting that the dining room is one of the most attractive new rooms, adorned with gold plasterwork. The house also features two libraries, a living room, a sports room, and a music room, all tailored to her children’s preferences.
However, as the house was brought to the attention of the authorities, complaints were filed. The matter went to the jury, which ultimately led to the demolition order.
- Location :
United Kingdom (UK)