The Beckhams’ £6m country hideaway disaster
Red tape is ruining their Cotswolds getaway plans
BECKS’ COUNTRY LIVING HELL
ight months after purchasing a £6m Cotswolds barn, it seems the Beckhams’ dream of a luxurious countryside retreat may be in tatters. David and Victoria had been hoping to have everything completed this summer, but thanks to some run-ins with local councillors over planning permission, they’re now worried they’ll never get to move in.
“When they bought the barn, they knew it needed a lot of work,” an insider tells heat. “But getting planning permission has been a nightmare and they’ve had to compromise a lot. They’re getting very frustrated with it all and sometimes wish they’d never bothered with it, as it’s causing a lot of problems and stress. They’ve now been given the go-ahead for some aspects, but it’s caused a big hold up with architects and builders.”
Issues include getting the gardens to mix in with the local environment, and seeking permission for a trendy “natural swimming pond” and elaborate outside party area.
As heat’s told you, David has always been keener on country living than Posh, and had been planning for the family – which also includes Brooklyn, 18, Romeo, 14, Cruz, 12, and six-yearold Harper – to spend most weekends there as well as the school holidays. The Beckhams normally decamp to LA during the summer holidays, which is still Posh’s preferred choice, but David had hoped the barn would be ready for them to use this summer, so he could show her how great it would be.
“David loves being in LA, but he really wanted to spend more of this summer in the Cotswolds,” our source explains. “He has loads of friends there, like Guy Ritchie, and really enjoys the way of life. It’s more relaxing than London but they can easily pop back home if they need to, unlike LA, which is a 12-hour flight. The kids love being in America, but they’re at an age now where they want to spend the summer with their friends, as well as family, and they can do that more easily in the Cotswolds. He knows that Vic will get to love the area once the house is completed to their high standards, and she was excited to see the final results. He also thinks it would be the perfect place to spend Christmas, but it’s looking unlikely it will be ready even by then.”
We’re told they’re busy consoling each other at their six-bed LA Mansion. Poor loves…