George Michael superfans begin work on mega-basement

Dig Me Up Before You Go-Go: George Michael superfans begin work on mega-basement after buying Wham! star’s seven-bed Highgate mansion for £19million

  • Stephen Cameron and wife Clare Harrison plan to excavate the basement and turn it into a second kitchen
  • Earlier this year, the north London building was at the centre of a planning battle with neighbours up in arms
  • Janet Jones from the Highgate Society said ‘digging a basement’ could risk damaging the homes either side
  • After the singer died on Christmas Day 2016 due to liver and heart complications, it was let to A-listers

The superfan owners of George Michael’s £19million seven-bed Highgate mansion have started renovation on a mega-basement. 

Stephen Cameron and wife Clare Harrison, who made their money in medical communications, bought the Grade II listed property, near Hampstead Heath, in 2020 and plan to excavate the basement and turn it into a second kitchen and living accommodation.

Earlier this year, the north London building was at the centre of a planning battle with neighbours up in arms over their plans to transform The Grove property, originally built by William Blake in 1668, which they claimed would ‘ruin one of the finest rows of houses’. 

Janet Jones from the Highgate Society said ‘digging a basement’ could risk damaging the homes either side which ‘cannot be ignored’.

Under particular fire were the plans over changes to the front, a planning application to Camden Council showed.

The superfan owners of George Michael’s £19million seven-bed Highgate mansion have started renovation on a mega-basement

After recent reports of arguments and objections to planning works from the locals, the building work has finally started at the former North London home of singer George Michael

After the Wham! singer (pictured in 2005) died on Christmas Day 2016 due to liver and heart complications, the Grade II listed was let to A-listers for £15,000 a week

Stephen Cameron and wife Clare Harrison (pictured), who made their money in medical communications, bought the Grade II listed property, near Hampstead Heath, in 2020 and plan to excavate the basement and turn it into a second kitchen and living accommodation

Peter Cassidy from the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee joined the objections, saying: ‘There is no justification provided for not retaining the existing railings, gate, lamp overthrow and lantern on the front boundary or the existing railings to the lightwell.’

He also said the relocation of the swimming pool would have a ‘detrimental affect’ on the building and an 18th century wall.

Tim Dignum, who lives nearby disagreed and was wholly in favour of the plans, saying: ‘I am comforted by the modest nature of the proposed works, which appear to both sustain and enhance the historical characteristics of the building.

‘Those works will have no discernible impact on the quality of life that I currently enjoy.’

Earlier this year, the north London building was at the centre of a planning battle with neighbours up in arms over their plans to transform The Grove property, originally built by William Blake in 1668, which they claimed would ‘ruin one of the finest rows of houses’

Janet Jones from the Highgate Society said ‘digging a basement’ could risk damaging the homes either side which ‘cannot be ignored’

Under particular fire were the plans over changes to the front, a planning application to Camden Council showed 

Peter Cassidy from the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee joined the objections, saying: ‘There is no justification provided for not retaining the existing railings, gate, lamp overthrow and lantern on the front boundary or the existing railings to the lightwell’

He also said the relocation of the swimming pool would have a ‘detrimental affect’ on the building and an 18th century wall

Michael spent many reclusive years at the pad, which he bought for £7.65million and was previously owned by Annie Lennox, and lived there with Kenny Goss, his ex-boyfriend

When Mr Cameron bought the home in 2020 he told the MailOnline, ‘It’s a beautiful property, stunning and I’m looking forward to living there. I’m also a huge George Michael fan so that makes it even better’

‘I know the area really well and have been living in this part of North London for several years. It’s a beautiful house to live in and the whole family is happy’

After the Wham! singer died on Christmas Day 2016 due to liver and heart complications, the Grade II listed was let to A-listers for £15,000 a week.

Michael spent many reclusive years at the pad, which he bought for £7.65million and was previously owned by Annie Lennox, and lived there with Kenny Goss, his ex-boyfriend.

When Mr Cameron bought the home in 2020 he told the MailOnline, ‘It’s a beautiful property, stunning and I’m looking forward to living there. I’m also a huge George Michael fan so that makes it even better.

‘I know the area really well and have been living in this part of North London for several years. It’s a beautiful house to live in and the whole family is happy.’

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