A mother was left fuming after her young son spotted their neighbours in a compromising situation from his bedroom window.
The mum, who has two sons aged four and seven, explained that an older couple recently bought the house backing onto theirs.
She shared on Mumsnet that the new neighbours had installed a hot tub in their garden, which is clearly visible from her son’s bedroom. The woman was left shocked when her youngest son excitedly told her that the lady next door was topless.
“Today my youngest son comes running to me shouting that the lady has her boobies out,” she fumed.
Upon investigating, she discovered both neighbours were completely naked in the hot tub. “It isn’t a pretty sight and something I don’t want my sons to have to see every time they look outside,” she said, pondering how to address the issue.
She asked: “Would I be unreasonable to put a note through the letterbox asking them to cover up whilst they are outside or in the hot tub? I’m too embarrassed to go round and talk to them.”
In response to the scenario, locals didn’t hesitate to chime in with their thoughts. One person suggested: “Drop them a note. They might not realise they can be seen. I don’t think you can tell someone else to cover up in their own backyard, though. And their beauty is beside the point, as is their age.”
They further shared, “I sent a note when a neighbour built a house with a huge window on the ground floor. My house is on higher ground, and I can see right into their living room and halfway through their house. They planted gigantic, highly invasive bamboo to screen it. But it’s always possible your neighbours might not care.”
Another commentator remarked, “I actually think it is illegal to strut around stark b****ck naked, even in your own garden, IF it is offending neighbours. They probably know they can be seen and just don’t care. If it’s upsetting your kids, let them know nicely, of course.”
Meanwhile, another individual pointed out, “It’s illegal (indecent exposure) to expose your genitals with the intention of causing alarm or distress. But simply being nude, even in a public place, let alone your garden, is not considered offensive and doesn’t meet the criteria to be an offence under the Public Order Act.”
One savvy individual suggested a solution, advising: “Get some film to put over the glass in your kid’s bedroom.”
Another offered a template for a polite letter: “Dear neighbours at number 15, I do hope you’re enjoying living in Acacia Avenue, and it’s lovely to welcome you to the neighbourhood.
“As my children’s bedroom directly overlooks your back garden and your hot tub, perhaps you could consider putting in a screen at the bottom of the garden or planting something fast-growing to protect your privacy. I’m sure you can think of some temporary measures in the meantime. Yours kindly, Neighbour at No 38.”