George Michael's 'crumbling' $10 million mansion gets huge makeover despite protests
The Hampstead mansion that George Michael owned in London has been given a major makeover by his older sister, Yioda Panayiotou, after the star's death
George Michael's elder sister, Yioda Panayiotou, has finally set the London Hampstead mansion owned by her late brother back into tip-top shape following extensive renovations.
The $10 million estate fell to Panayiotou after the iconic Wham! frontman passed away abruptly on Christmas day in 2016 at the age of 53. George had snapped up the property back in 1987, residing there for a number of years.
The Hampstead house was left to fall into disrepair as Michael spent most of his later years in his Oxfordshire country residence, using the Highgate mansion primarily during his London visits.
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Images emerged last year on Mail Online revealing the neglected state of the Hamstead dwelling post-Michael's death, but Panayiotou has since managed a significant turnaround.
Although she transformed the house into a welcoming abode, local residents were incensed when her design team sought council approval to remove historic trees from the estate, yet work proceeded despite the community dissent.
In January, landscape architects submitted plans for the removal or trimming of nine trees that posed a "threat" to the integrity of the mansion.
The Redington Frognal Neighbourhood Forum publicly opposed this proposition, expressing: "Any loss of mature trees which provide habitat for wildlife is regrettable. The need for maintenance is recognised, but should not be undertaken during the nesting season."
They reached out to the local council again two days later, stating: "Having now checked the history of intent to fell notifications over the past years, it is very concerning that three mature forest trees have been lost: two poplars and a sycamore."
They urged Panayiotou to commit to replenishing the lost greenery.
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A troubled neighbor also expressed their distress, branding the tree removal around the estate as "alarming and suspicious." Despite the community's grievances regarding the construction activities, Panayiotou has succeeded in her mission to renovate the mansion into a "habitable" state.
Recently revealed images show the home sporting new doors, windows, decking, and a refurbished roof now equipped with solar panels. One of the garages has even been converted into living space.
The residence had previously been targeted by thieves in 2002 during a period of vacancy, resulting in the theft of valuables including jewelry, designer garments, artwork, and family mementos left to Michael by his dearly departed mother.
Prior to his passing, the celebrated musician was embroiled in a dispute to halt a developer from erecting an apartment complex complete with parking next to his Hampstead garden. His legal representatives at Russells voiced opposition to this proposal in 2016, arguing: "The development will have a negative impact on the character of the local community."
