We hate our neighbour's house... they've painted it a hideous colour

A new red eco house whose owners converted it to save energy has been branded 'hideous' as neighbours complain 'everyone who walks by hates it'.

Residents on Edgeway Road in Marston in Oxford have not held back in their scathing criticism of the new maroon number which was said to have randomly 'appeared' over the summer.

The owners did not wish to speak on their choice of aesthetics but MailOnline understands from neighbours that the house had been converted into a more energy efficient 'eco house' with added insulation.

A 29 year old student whose home neighbours the house said: 'I think it's hideous.

'Everyone I know thinks it's hideous.

'Everyone that walks by hates it.

'The colours don't fit in at all.

'I was really surprised by their choices.'

The critical neighbour added she and her housemate had watched as the house 'suddenly appeared' over the summer and began sending pictures to her friends.

Another neighbour who had been passing by said they had lived on the street for 42 years.

She said: 'It seems people just do what they like now. The colour just doesn't go. They just get away with it now. We've lived here 42 years. You never used to be allowed to do something like that.'

Emma Smith, who grew up in Oxford, had been visiting her mum for the day on Edgeway Road.

She said: 'It's not the nicest looking thing. I think the colour just doesn't go.'

Not everyone on the street hated the bold choice, however. 

Edgeway Road resident Alex Ogg said: 'They've only just finished it. I don't mind the colour at all. This street is already a mish mash.

'It has character.'

Another resident added: 'I think you should be free to express yourself as you please. If you've got a house enjoy it.'

Seong Rok, a staff member at Oxford University, had been passing by the house at the time.

Mr Rok said: 'Why not. I like it. It's not bad for me.'

He added that the street was a cheaper place to live than other areas.

The sentiment shared by a few residents MailOnline spoke to was 'I know who lives there and I'll live and let live', as described by a neighbour on the opposite side of the road.

Eco houses are homes designed to minimise their impact on the environment. They may include higher levels of thermal insulation, good levels of daylight, and heating from renewable sources.

One neighbour concluded: 'It doesn't fit into the surroundings. It's a bit weird that they got it. I will survive I guess.'