James May has impressed his neighbours amid the construction (Picture: Getty Images)

The Grand Tour’s James May has been hailed one of the nicest neighbours, after he demolished a bunch of properties to make way for a bigger, better house for himself.

While many may see this sort of construction work, which may take 12 months, as a hindrance to one’s own space, May apparently included his neighbours every step of the way.

Isn’t that sweet?

The presenter, 56, who is currently filming for his latest project Our Man In…Japan (in Japan), has been working on the swanky refurb for several years now, after purchasing the property next to his main west London pad.


He has demolished his west London home (Picture: SWNS.COM)

The house he’s lived in with partner, dance critic Sarah Frater, has now gone, after he purchased the £325,000 home in 2000. He’s combining the space with a semi-derelict property next door, which he forked out £310,000 for five years ago. Also levelled.



He had to move out of his pile when the workmen came last October, with both new properties now dust to create a super house that will be’ six per cent’ bigger than his old living space.

His automobile collection, which is said to comprise of some 40 motorbikes, a Rolls-Royce, limited edition Ferrari 458 Speciale, a Porsche 911 and a Fiat Panda will have plenty of room in the new garage.

Construction is well underway (Picture: Google Street View)

All about the balance there.

According to plans of the 1950s-era home, approval consists of one property changing from commercial use to residential, plus the demolition of the properties to rebuild into one two-storey building with a garage on the ground floor.

His neighbours seem totally fine with the year’s worth of hammering and banging that may ensue, though, with one saying: ‘I couldn’t wish for a better neighbour than James. He is a delight and has involved us all at every step of the way.’

James has plenty of space for his bikes now (well, soon) (Picture: SWNS.COM)

According to MailOnline, another neighbour agreed: ‘James has been really good and given us lots of information. This will be really good for our street, will be a big improvement on what was there before and the designs are sympathetic to the area.

‘We know it will take a long time with a lot of disruption, but so far, the builders have been great. The new house will look fabulous.’

‘This is a massive job,’ a chirpy builder told the website ‘It will take more than a year to finish, but we are making good progress. We are trying hard to be nice to the neighbours and James is a delight to work for.’

Reps confirmed work was being done, with the star himself saying in 2013 he planned to embark on the improvements for his partner: ‘The permanent and fragrant presence of Woman demands something a bit better.’

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