Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $6.5 million Southern Highlands hideaway may not be so private following revelations a block of motel units is set to be built next door.
The pair is caught up in a battle over a conference and accommodation centre to be built onto the neighbouring pub, which will allow guests a prime view of couple's homestead, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Kidman and Urban bought the 45ha Sutton Forest property in July after preliminary approval for the 100 units had been granted by the council and it's expected Wingecarribee Shire Council will give final approval for the Sutton Forrest Inn's development in February.
"When Keith and Nicole move in they will have a fantastic view of a bunch of motel units down the hill," local shopkeeper Gary Barnsley told the Telegraph, adding that the proposed expansion has polarised the district.
"This is a very quiet place with two shops and a pub — there's not even a public toilet and now they want to put in 100 motel units.
"Of course there's opposition."
A local lobby group opposing the plan has formed and rumours are circulating that the couple are planning on selling the mansion, a story that has been denied by their spokeswoman.
The 1878 two-storey Georgian mansion — about an hour-and-a-half southwest of Sydney — features wraparound verandahs and 10 marble fireplaces to keep the house warm during cold winters.
Kidman, 41, sold her Sydney Harbour mansion earlier this year but still has a massive harbourside apartment.
Friends of the couple say they are building a palatial family home in Nashville, Tennessee, and recently purchased a house in Los Angeles.
Front page
RSS Feed