Years after his passing, George Michael's beloved Hampstead residence is undergoing a significant revival orchestrated by his sister, Yioda Panayiotou.
Forget simple repairs; approved plans reveal a thoughtful transformation that blends respect for the property's legacy with a clear eye on modern, sustainable living.
The ambitious project has begun, not only to renovate the house but also to integrate eco-friendly upgrades for the future.
Beyond bricks and mortar - Whamtastic sustainability planned
Work has begun to renovate the mansion, such as replacing the aging ribbed metal roof and the worn cement board cladding with modern, similar-looking laminate – a notable aspect is the commitment to energy efficiency.
Yioda Panayiotou's plans include the installation of solar panels across the new roof's surface and even on a ground-floor dormer. This move signals a clear intention to harness renewable energy, a subtle yet significant departure from the property's previous state.
Furthermore, the replacement of old, single-glazed windows with modern double-glazed units will aim to improve the home's insulation.
This focus on green technology offers a fresh perspective on the renovation, moving beyond mere cosmetic fixes to embrace a more sustainable future to preserve the singer's home.
Reimagining space for modern living
The approved plans also outline a significant reimagining of the property's layout to suit contemporary living.
Two separate, standalone garages are being combined into a larger habitable room, suggesting an expansion of the main living space.
The front of the house will see the removal of a garage door, replaced by a more traditional front door and lobby, enhancing the residential feel.
Inside further changes are planned, such as raising a lower-ground floor window to better connect with the garden and installing new patio doors leading to a newly constructed wraparound deck.
These alterations indicate a desire to create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing living environment while respecting the existing structure.
The renovation is not without controversy
The planned transformation of George Michael's home has faced some opposition from local residents regarding the mature trees on the property.
Landscape designers, acting on behalf of Yioda Panayiotou, sought permission to fell or heavily prune nine trees deemed a "threat" to the home's integrity.
Plans to remove or heavily prune nine trees, deemed a threat to the house, sparked controversy with the Redington Frognal Neighbourhood Forum who lodged formal objections with Camden Council, stating that "any loss of mature trees which provide habitat for wildlife is regrettable".
While Camden Council ultimately granted planning permission for the tree works, citing that the trees were not historically significant or highly visible, the dispute underscores the tension between private development and the preservation of green spaces.
Despite the disagreement, fans of the singer can be assured that the singer's former home will be developed into an eco house that should be enjoyed for years to come.
