The perfect neighbours
ACTOR George Clooney may not be in the running for an Oscar tonight but he should get an award as a good neighbour.
George and his barrister wife Amal have been called “model citizens” for the respect and consideration they showed local people during the 18-month refurbishment of their £20million home in Oxfordshire.
The Clooneys were also praised for taking an active – if discreet – part in village life including supporting the local theatre and eating in local pubs.
Paul Harrison, a Conservative councillor for the Sonning Common Ward where they live, said: “People have accepted the Clooneys with open arms.
“The upgrading of their house is probably the best managed I have ever seen because of the lack of inconvenience caused to neighbours.
“The road outside their property is narrow and busy, but they managed to agree with the owner next door to store all of their construction vehicles in her car park during the renovation so they did not cause any obstructions.”
Mr Harrison, who sits on a planning committee at Oxfordshire District Council, added: “The things I have asked them to do they have always done, such as moving a fence they erected back four metres from the bank of the Thames to help anyone who got in trouble on the river.
“They reduced the height of one of their CCTV cameras when requested and then when the cameras went up with bright white coverings and residents complained within two weeks the offending white covers were taken away. They have done everything possible to fit in with the local community.”
George, 57, and Amal, parents to twins Ella and Alexander, have an estimated £260million fortune. Last week Amal, 41, attended the Duchess of Sussex’s baby shower in New York.
They bought the ninebedroom Grade II-listed 17th-century mansion, set on a five-acre stretch of the Thames, in 2014.
Staff quarters include a kitchen, bedroom and office. A walkway connects the house to a glasshouse and a 60ft swimming pool. There is also a 12-seat cinema and tennis court.
The long lawn leading to the river was re-laid and there is also a gym.
George, who has won two Oscars, sold his tequila company, Casamigos, founded with entertainment bigwig Rande Gerber and real estate magnate Mike Meldman, to UK drinks giant Diageo for about
$1billion (£790million).