Neighbour from hell rented out 17th-century manor for raucous ‘Ibiza-style’ parties
A neighbour row has finally boiled over in a picturesque Norfolk village following a decade-long string of “Ibiza-style” manor house parties.
Locals in Saxlingham Nethergate, a stone’s throw from Norwich, allege that they have suffered more than 10 years of drink-fuelled stag and hen nights at local “residential property” Hill House.
Despite the residential registration, the Grade-II listed 17th-century site – owned by retired business mogul Darren Swayne, 52 – charges as much as £91,000 per week for a 25-person stay.
Party planners at Hill House can increase that number eightfold by hosting “raucous, drunken” guests in luxe bell tents in its three-acre grounds, skyrocketing its capacity to some 200 people.
Thanks to the rotating cast of revellers, residents have voiced their outrage.
Bryn Austin, from the Saxlingham Tired of Noisy Events (Stone) campaign group, told the Daily Mail: “Previous events have blighted residents with noise and raucous, drunken visitors disrespecting the quiet setting.
“The peacefulness of the village is the major reason why folk select to live and die here. I feel strongly that this is a profoundly unjust and unfair situation.”
While Jo Kershaw, also from the group, added: “We are being asked to surrender the quiet enjoyment of our homes to allow others to make profit at our expense.”
And the outrage has enveloped officials, too. John Cook, who was elected to South Norfolk council last year, said: “Local people just want this saga to end.
“I understand and agree with those who are having their lives adversely affected by Hill House and hope they will be listened to.”
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In 2023, South Norfolk Council ruled that Swayne had been acting unlawfully in hosting the revelry on his grounds after Stone lodged a complaint.
He had appealed the ruling, and had even made an application for retrospective permission, which was due to be considered by the council on Wednesday – but this was pulled from the agenda on Tuesday afternoon.
Though Swayne declined to comment on his reasons for withdrawing the application, he has said in the past how he was looking forward to finding “a resolution to this longstanding situation”, the Eastern Daily Press reported.
On September 3, the Planning Inspectorate is set to rule on his appeal against South Norfolk Council’s enforcement notice – and Swayne will be there to present his case for hosting events and guests at Hill House.
Reacting to the news, Jo Kershaw said: “It’s frustrating because we just want to know what’s happening… I wonder if he is just trying to wear us all down by doing this again and again. This continues to upset and vex local people.”
Before his withdrawal, Swayne had said: “We are very proud that Hill House is a top destination for families and some of the world’s most exciting companies, as well as being available for local use.
“People travel for miles to come to stay with us and enjoy valuable time together.
“The planning conditions that have been proposed ensure our continued compliance which is why we sought this particular planning application as our preferred route. It is a way of making a big guarantee to the village.
“We welcome a resolution to this long-standing situation and fully support the vast majority of residents who would like to get this all put behind us.”
GB News has approached South Norfolk Council for comment.