Frustrated neighbours have hit out at an Airbnb rental in their quiet Norfolk village that has become a hotspot for “unspeakable debauchery” and loud sex parties. Elderly residents in the rural hamlet of Ormesby St Margaret – which they have nicknamed “Orgy St Margaret” said the goings-on of the short-term let include late-night activity in a hot tub mounted on raised decking in the property’s back garden. “I have seen people have sex on the decking and up to all sorts of mischief in the hot tub,” John Huxford, 80, whose home borders the Airbnb’s garden, said.
The pensioner, who is a full-time carer for his wife, also said occupants have “stood on the table shouting” and chucked beer cans and used condoms over the fence. Phil Leach, 63, also told the Great Yarmouth Mercury that he had experienced “many sleepless nights” because of the rowdiness next-door. “It has been eye-opening and educational, but not really what you want going on all night long,” he said.
“Among the chaos going on, there have been wild stag dos, hen dos as well, drunk people on the decking snorting lines of cocaine and smoking weed. It has been crazy.
“It is a residential street and not a holiday destination. If people want this, they should go to Ibiza, nor Ormesby. There are lots of elderly neighbours and it is unfair on them.”
Rosemary Vincent, 90, also said “all the residents” were aware of the “debauchery” that goes on at the holiday home, which she insisted should be closed down after its owner reportedly failed to obtain planning permission for a number of garden extensions.
Chandler Harrod, who owns the property, was told by Great Yarmouth Borough Council that he needed to obtain retrospective permission for the garden’s raised decking, a sauna outbuilding and 2.8-metre-high trellis fencing.
A number of objections were lodged by local residents, however, complaining that the height of the decking meant it overlooked neighbouring homes – and gave those living there an eyeful of the lewd activities engaged in by guests.
Planning officials ultimately agreed with the concerns and concluded that the “privacy of neighbouring properties is significantly compromised” and “their privacy and enjoyment of their properties [is] impinged to an unacceptable level”.
Mr Harrod said: “I’m not aware of any problems with my Airbnb, it’s been very successful and it’s always fully booked.
“I’ve had nothing but positive conversations and experiences with all my neighbours on the road. It’s a lovely area and everyone has been very kind and helpful. Of course, if any of the neighbours need to have a conversation with me, they are more than welcome to.”