David and Victoria Beckham reinforce privacy with expansive landscaping.
David Beckham has sparked controversy by placing beehives within the confines of his £12million country mansion in Oxfordshire, allegedly as a deterrent to curious onlookers.
With locals concerned about the potential dangers of swarming bees near public footpaths, the new hives have been installed just 500 yards from Beckham's existing nine hives, which he has maintained since 2021.
The former England football captain, known for his stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid, developed an interest in beekeeping during the lockdown.
Recently, he recounted exchanging "beekeeping advice" with King Charles during a visit to the monarch's Highgrove residence, highlighting his enthusiasm for the hobby.
Critics argue that the hive-site is intended to block foot traffic, even though there is plenty of space available in adjacent fields.
It is not the first time he has clashed with neighbors since moving to the area with his wife Victoria and their four children in 2017.
Earlier, the couple had faced accusations of trying to build a road over a public footpath for a greenhouse and had been scrutinized for plans to build a large lake on their property.
Beckham reportedly grew frustrated with the repeated attention from locals, ramblers, and visitors to the nearby Soho Farmhouse.
They have invested heavily in landscaping and planting trees to obscure public paths, to their Grade II-listed barn conversion, which boasts amenities such as a sauna, safari tent, and football pitch. Is.
