Influencers damage Notting Hill house by using it as a "stage"
Floor tiles have been damaged due to the sheer number posing there
Last updated 3rd Nov 2022
Influencers using the front of a house in Notting Hill as a “stage” for Instagram shots have caused thousands of pounds of damage..
Peter Lee, 77, is an ex fashion designer who has been living in his home for the past 44 years.
His outdoor floor tiles have been damaged, he believes due to the heels worn by social media stars parading up and down the steps.
He told us "the tiles have been cracked by girls in high heels dancing up and down the stairs because they use it as a stage.
"I won't have my tiles replaced with modern tiles. The old fashion tiles are much thicker than the new modern tiles, I've been quoted £2000 to have them replaced with new ones but I'm not going ahead with that. I'm waiting to find the older tiles to replace the ones that have broken."
As we transition into colder and rainier months, Peter says fewer influencers turn up to the famous house for photos.
In the summer months it is not uncommon to have a queue of people waiting to use the stoop. Some have even brought tents so they can change outfits outside the pastel pink property in Kensington Place.
“I looked out my window this morning and even though it’s rainy out there, there was a girl photographing her friend on my doorstep.”
The whole neighbourhood is known for its bright coloured buildings. Peter said his doorstep isn’t the only one being used as a stage, the same is happening to other neighbours. However, his house in particular seems to be more popular among influencers and photographers.
Peter thinks this could be because the house is pink, has ivy on the porch or the fact that the house had been featured in a book by architect, Wes Anderson.
It has also featured in TV commercials.
Celebrities that have posed at the now famous doorstep includes Binky from Made in Chelsea. Peter told us “She was being filmed outside the house with a whole crew” and he was asked not to film by one of the crew in case he distracted her.
But Peter said despite the damage he doesn't mind his home being used as a backdrop.
"Enjoy photographing yourselves, I don't mind people photographing the house, what I mind is, when people dance up and down the steps damaging the tiles, other than that they're more than welcome."