Couple anger neighbours after turning hotel into 'hot tub party' home

A wealthy couple who converted a former hotel into a residential home have infuriated neighbours after they landed a helicopter onto a makeshift 'helipad' in their garden.

Once an award-winning boutique hotel, the huge Grade II listed building in the New Forest National Park was bought by Stephen Parker and Hannah Passmore for £1.25 million last year.

Locals have accused the couple of hosting loud hot tub parties in the summer and leaving bright lights on so that the property now resembles a 'theme park' at night.

Nestled in a small village of Woodlands, work on the building prompted anger from neighbours, who said their peace has been disturbed by a new noisy entertainment area and a 'viewing platform' that overlooks other people's gardens.

The couple said they moved into the building with their six sons and have already had to spend £800,000 carrying out repairs.

Neighbours also claim the astroturf football pitch installed on the 1.5 acres of land has been used as a makeshift helipad after spotting the aircraft land in their garden.

Mrs Passmore and Mr Parker have submitted a new bid to convert the hotel into a home - but angry neighbours say they flouted planning rules as they have already carried out the building works.

Last year, planning chiefs in New Forest, Hampshire, banned the building from becoming a single residential property because the celebrated area needs tourism accommodation.

The couple have defended their position, with Mr Parker telling a Parish council meeting that they have instead saved the listed building from falling further into a state of disrepair.

The homeowner, who grew up in the village, said maintaining a hotel is 'not viable' and he was forced to move in earlier than planned to prevent travellers from living on the empty land.

The parish council said they would recommend approval for change of use - despite comments from angry neighbours.

Neighbour Dianne Smith objected to the proposal on the NFPA site saying aspects of the plan 'infringes our right to privacy and causes a nuisance'.

'Since [a] roof and wall have now been removed and several trees have been cut down, the balcony directly overlooks our property,' she said.

'Furthermore, the glass and steel that has been used to construct the balustrade is not in keeping with the area.

'In addition, permission has not been sought for the extension to the rear of the property or the newly erected fence.

'There is also newly installed multicoloured lighting which causes significant light pollution and acts as a nuisance on a daily basis.'

In one objection, an unnamed neighbour said: 'We would like to object to the omission of retrospective applications for a new side extension, astroturf pitch (also used as a helipad without appropriate permission from the civil aviation authority), fencing and excessive external lights and ornamental garden lighting from this application.'

Neighbours Mr and Mrs Reynolds also protested against the proposal, in particular objecting to plans to build a terrace due to its 'considerable size'.

They added: 'Coupled with the glass balustrades and elevated position of the hotel, is more like a viewing platform, overlooking surrounding residential properties including our own.

'It infringes on our right to privacy and is a nuisance.'

A planning statement that accompanies the proposal said 'works to facilitate' the change of use have already been carried out.

It adds that an investigation was launched by the NFNPA and a meeting took place on the site in March 2024.

'During the meeting, the enforcement officer advised it would be appropriate for the owners to be provided with an opportunity to regularise the development by submitting a retrospective application,' the authority said.

The Grade II listed building was previously known as Hotel TerraVina, run by award-winning wine expert Gerard Basset - who co-founded the Hotel du Vin chain, and his wife Nina.

The couple opened the hotel - which was voted the UK's best newcomer by The Good Hotel Guide - in 2004.

After he was diagnosed with cancer, in 2017, the Bassets turned the accommodation into a boutique bed and breakfast, called Spot In The Woods.

The French sommelier died age 61 after a 15 month battle with cancer in 2019.

He is the only person in the world to have held three major titles simultaneously; Master of Wine, Master Sommelier and MBA (Wine).

It is believed while Mrs Basset tried to run the inn, she eventually had no choice but to sell it to Hillbrooke Hotels in 2020.

After refurbishing the 11 bed hotel, Hillbrooke Hotels sold Spot in the Woods to Mrs Passmore and Mr Parker for £1,249,998 last year.

The New Forest National Park Authority [NFNPA] is yet to make a decision on the application for the property in the small village of Woodlands.