The Philippa Smith garden complaint has sparked widespread anger online after a widow with breast cancer in Berwick was contacted by her building’s management company about children’s toys left in her private garden. Philippa Smith, 42, says the email left her stunned and called on her neighbours to show ’empathy and understanding’ given everything she is currently dealing with.
Philippa lives in a Grade I listed building in Northumberland with her two young children. Her husband, Royal Navy officer Lieutenant Commander Richard Smith, died in 2023, leaving her to raise the family alone. She is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
The email, which she received on 26 August ahead of the property’s heritage weekend, described her garden as ‘messy’ and full of toys. Philippa says a gardener regularly mows the lawn and the children’s toys are put away when not in use. She responded politely and, at the time of the story, had yet to receive a reply.
Philippa Smith garden complaint goes viral
Philippa posted a video of the garden online and it racked up 42,000 views. The reaction was overwhelmingly on her side. One commenter said: ‘Tell them they can tidy it up for you if they want to.’ Another wrote: ‘I was expecting a jungle, your neighbours have too much time on their hands! Send invites to them for a garden party.’ A third added: ‘Nothing wrong there hun. They need to hush their noise.’
Philippa herself was blunt about the complaint. ‘I just think it’s petty,’ she said. ‘While we do live in a Grade I-listed building and there’s some beautiful parkland around, it’s my private garden and it is a lived-in property, not a National Trust property.’
She pointed out that children’s scooters and outdoor toys are a normal part of family life. ‘Children live here, so they will want to play outside with their scooters,’ she said. ‘It could be a lot worse, but also there needs to be a bit of understanding and empathy about what things people have going on in their lives. I’m a widow with two small children and I’m going through treatment for breast cancer. They could have some empathy and understanding for the fact I got a lot on my plate at the moment.’
Management company defends its position
The management company issued a statement in response. It said the hall is ‘a Grade 1 listed property with grounds managed and maintained by the Management Company’ and that it has ‘a duty of care to all residents.’ It added that it does not comment publicly on individual residents or private internal communications, stating: ‘The management company acts impartially to ensure that standard lease agreements and guidelines are respected. These policies exist simply to maintain a safe, peaceful, and well-kept environment for all residents, including families.’
Grade I listed status, as recognised by Historic England, covers buildings of exceptional architectural or historic interest, which can come with specific obligations around the upkeep and appearance of a property. That context may partly explain why the management company felt compelled to act on any complaint received, though Philippa is clear that her garden is private and lived-in.
The fallout from the Philippa Smith garden complaint has had a real impact on her day-to-day life. She says the incident has left her anxious about allowing her children to play outside or even taking her dogs for walks, worried that another complaint might follow. She also reckons her neighbours would prefer retirees in the property rather than a young family.
Kennedy News and Media first reported the story. Philippa is still waiting for a response to her politely worded reply.