We’re furious our neighbour painted house bright PINK – it’s an eyesore but Barbie-obsessed tourists in LIMOS swarm area
FURIOUS neighbours of a real-life Barbie house have told of their shock when they saw it painted bright pink for the first time.
The vibrant colour scheme has launched the house in Tiptree, Essex, into a “local landmark”.
The garishly decorated Eaton House Studio – or The Pink House – is hired out to hen parties and has been regularly used for photo shoots since it received its pink makeover around six years ago.
However, the gaff has attracted scathing criticism from neighbours.
“For the most part it is fine and quiet, but it is a bit of an eyesore,” said one homeowner who didn’t wish to be named.
“It wasn’t pink when we arrived, but it was painted a few years back. It was a bit odd and painful to look at.
“They did have some high trees and it was mostly obscured, but the trees then came down so we planted some leylandii which meant we didn’t have to see it.
“The leylandii also acts as a sound buffer to keep out any noise. The owners are very good and are conscious that neighbours don’t like noise.
“They tell their guests not to play music loud or make too much noise. For the most part it is fine, and they keep quiet, but once in a blue moon, there is a bit of noise and you think, ‘Oh no’.
“We have got the owner’s phone number so we can call if guests are loud. We have called occasionally, but not too often.
“Maybe we would prefer it if it wasn’t there. It is a single track road outside and it can’t really cope with a lot of traffic.”
Another retired local admitted she had reservations about the bizarre colour scheme, but that it has since grown on her.
“We were on holiday and came back to see it had been painted. I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she said.
“My first thought was that they had ruined a perfectly good brick building. You will never be able to get that paint off the brickwork.
“But the more we saw it, the more we got used to it. When our granddaughter was younger, she loved it and kept asking us to drive past so she could have a look.”
California native Amy Griffith bought and started developing the “sanctuary of self-expression” in 2009 as a permanent set for photography and films.
However, many tourists are descending on the pink-drenched house following the success of Greta Gerwig’s dazzling Hollywood blockbuster Barbie.
Fans have flocked to cinemas to watch Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling take on the roles of Barbie and her boyfriend Ken since it hit the big screen in July.
Local Louise Williams, 27, who lives nearby with her partner at his parents’ home, said: “The pink house was the first thing we noticed before moving here three-years-ago.
“We have never had any problems with it. Very rarely, if the wind is in the right direction, you might hear a couple of screams or yells, but that is it.
“Sometimes you also see the driveway full up with cars, but it does not cause us an issue. It is a local landmark.”
Another long standing local revealed that zealous Barbie fans rock up in stretch limos to drink in the unique experience.
“I have been here since January 1977 and I wouldn’t paint my house bright pink – but we have got used to it,” they said.
“The house used to belong to my husband’s uncle and he think he might have turned in his grave if he had known what had happened to it.
“But the people who own it are very nice and they have been no trouble, so each to their own.
“I remember driving to tennis a few years ago and I saw this guy painting the house. I said, ‘Are you really going to paint it pink?’, and he replied, ‘That is what I have been told.’
“My mother-in-law is aged 100 and lives opposite it, and she can’t really understand it.
“You see stretch limo’s arrive there with people out to enjoy themselves.”
Speaking to Essex Live, homeowner Amy said: “Colours have this incredible ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and transport us to different worlds.
“However, Eaton House Studio aka Pink House goes beyond just colour.
“It symbolises so much more. For me, it represents a sanctuary of self-expression and individuality.
“It’s a celebration of embracing your uniqueness and breaking free from societal norms. The Pink House stands out amidst a sea of conformity.”
The Pink House can sleep 16 people and can be hired on Airbnb from £2,652 per night.
The listing claims that the house “delivers bespoke work and leisure experiences in extraordinary surroundings”.
It says: “Our home is THE pink house with flamingos and unicorns. The perfect place for celebrating a special occasion with family and friends.
“The house is extremely large art installation that is constantly evolving.”
It has a private hot tub, a garden with a barbecue, a super king bedroom, a family room and four double bedrooms, as well as a double sofa bed elsewhere.
There are two lounges, a large studio space with garden access, and a kitchen with open plan dining room and flexible seating.
Guests can also make the most of two bar areas, a pool table, a 52 inch television with Sky TV and two portable sound systems.
Homeowners do not usually need planning permission to paint their house a bright colour – but check with your local authority first.