Historic Buckinghamshire Manor Renovation by Influencer Couple Divides Village
A Grade-II listed manor house in the picturesque Buckinghamshire village of Little Missenden has become the center of a heated local controversy following an extensive £6,000,000 renovation by an influencer couple. Investment banker Hugh Karseras and his wife Hayley purchased the nine-bedroom 16th-century property, which has featured in television shows like Midsomer Murders, with plans to modernize it while preserving its historic charm.
Extensive Renovations and Social Media Documentation
The couple embarked on an 18-month renovation project, installing a contemporary kitchen, a sauna, and new windows, among other updates. They meticulously documented every step on Instagram, sharing their vision of creating a spacious, tranquil, and modern living space. Hugh described the previous kitchen as having very poor usability with no work surfaces or fixed cabinetry, justifying the overhaul as necessary for functionality.
Notable changes included converting a former schoolhouse on the grounds into a spa room painted grey for a chalet vibe and painting the 17th-century Jacobean oak staircase dark grey. While the couple aimed to blend historic elements with modern comforts, some villagers have expressed strong disapproval of the aesthetic choices.
Local Reactions and Complaints
Residents of Little Missenden have voiced mixed feelings about the renovation. Many acknowledge that Hugh and Hayley are lovely people who worked hard on the property, which was not inherited but earned through their efforts. However, others have criticized the project as garish, citing disruptions such as road closures, lorry traffic, and constant noisy work.
One neighbor lamented, It's made the village very busy. There was always noisy work going on. Another added, The village is a small place, and naturally, people are going to gossip if you insist on bragging about every step on the internet. Why not leave the house alone? It was stunning as it was. The public nature of the renovation, amplified by social media, has fueled gossip and discontent among some locals.
Couple's Response and Compliance
In a statement, the couple addressed the concerns, apologizing for any inconvenience caused during the renovation. They emphasized that they followed all listed building consents, planning permissions, environmental guidelines, and building regulations, working with a reputable local builder to ensure the work was done carefully and sympathetically.
We are grateful for the terrific patience and understanding shown by those neighbours living closest to us and most impacted during that time, they stated. We also feel it's important to share that no one approached us to register any complaints throughout the entire project. The couple expressed their commitment to maintaining the historic home responsibly for future generations, highlighting their fortune in living in such a lovely village.
The renovation was completed last summer, but the debate over balancing modernization with historic preservation continues to resonate in the community, underscoring broader tensions between property development and local heritage.
