A wealthy couple who bought a £1.25m Grade II listed hotel in the New Forest National Park have angered locals after allegedly hosting loud hot tub parties and using their garden as a makeshift helipad.
Stephen Parker and Hannah Passmore purchased the former boutique hotel last year and moved in with their six sons.
Neighbours in the village of Woodlands claim the family has flouted planning laws and turned the once-prestigious property into what resembles a “theme park” at night.
Locals have accused the couple of creating a noisy entertainment area and installing a “viewing platform” that overlooks neighbouring gardens.
The property was formerly known as Hotel Terravina
Google Maps
The property’s astroturf football pitch, laid across the 1.5 acres of land, has reportedly been used as an impromptu landing spot for helicopters.
One anonymous neighbour said the hotel had previously “worked with neighbours” to avoid light and noise pollution, but the property now resembles a theme park with its bright, multicoloured lighting.
The couple have also been accused of hosting loud hot tub parties throughout the summer months.
Neighbour Dianne Smith formally objected to the development, stating: “Since roof and wall have now been removed and several trees have been cut down, the balcony directly overlooks our property.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The property was previously owned by Gerard BassetGettyShe added that “newly installed multicoloured lighting causes significant light pollution and acts as a nuisance on a daily basis.”
The Reynolds family also protested, particularly regarding the terrace plans, saying: “Coupled with the glass balustrades and elevated position of the hotel, is more like a viewing platform, overlooking surrounding residential properties including our own. It infringes on our right to privacy and is a nuisance.”
Parker defended their actions at a Parish council meeting, stating: “When we purchased the building, it was in disrepair. We have kind of put everything into it and providing something for the community, as well.”
The homeowner, who grew up in the village, claimed maintaining a hotel is “not viable” and said he was forced to move in earlier than planned to prevent travellers from living on the empty land.
The couple say they have already spent £800,000 carrying out essential repairs to the building. Despite neighbours’ objections, the parish council said they would recommend approval for change of use.
The property was previously known as Hotel TerraVina, run by award-winning wine expert Gerard Basset – who co-founded the Hotel du Vin chain – and his wife Nina.
The hotel was voted the UK’s best newcomer by The Good Hotel Guide in 2004.
After Basset’s cancer diagnosis in 2017, the couple transformed it into a boutique bed and breakfast called Spot in the Woods. The French sommelier, who died in 2019, was the only person to hold Master of Wine, Master Sommelier and MBA (Wine) titles simultaneously.
The New Forest National Park Authority is yet to make a decision on the latest application.