The owner of a Notting Hill home made famous by the holiday classic Love Actually has spoken out about the persistent stream of tourists who flock to her doorstep—especially during Christmas.
The West London property, which served as the backdrop for one of the film’s most memorable scenes, has become a hotspot for fans recreating the romantic moment between Andrew Lincoln’s Mark and Keira Knightley’s Juliet.
“It’s worse at Christmas,” the homeowner, who lives in the pastel pink £1 million property, told Daily Mail.
“Last year was especially bad because it was the 20th anniversary of the film. They come every day and every night. Some even propose outside my door!”
The house, located in an affluent mews in Notting Hill, appears in the scene where Mark silently confesses his love for Juliet by holding cue cards outside her door. The moment ends with the pair sharing a brief kiss down the street.
While the scene has become an enduring symbol of holiday romance, the reality for the property owner is far less charming.
She says the influx of selfie-snapping fans has turned into a year-round nuisance.
“I used to ask them to put money in a charity box, but now I just shout at them,” she admitted.
“I tell them to donate to a charity of their choice. But they don’t care—they’re here all the time.”
The phenomenon has sparked mixed feelings among the mews’ residents. While some view the attention as harmless, others are frustrated by the disruption.
“It’s like this all year round,” said one long-time resident. “We lived here before the film, and it’s only gotten worse. On weekends, it’s particularly bad—there can be hundreds of them.”
Another resident remarked on the growing problem since the advent of social media. “When the owner bought the house, Instagram didn’t exist. That’s what caused it.”
The tourists’ behavior ranges from harmless admiration to outright intrusion. Some visitors have been known to picnic on residents’ benches or crowd the cobblestone streets for the perfect shot. Spanish tour groups, in particular, are a common sight.
One new resident, who recently moved into the area, acknowledged the quirky charm of the neighborhood’s fame but said she wasn’t fazed by the attention. “I was aware this happened before I moved here, so it wasn’t a factor for me,” she said.
Despite the annoyance, some residents find solace in the enduring appeal of their neighborhood. “It’s nice when people like your street, I suppose,” one neighbor mused.
Source link
