Village row erupts on 'prettiest street' over Bulgarian neighbour's plans to list cottage on Airbnb

Neighbour rows: Six most expensive disputes |

GB NEWS

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 18/01/2026

- 09:34

The Bulgarian's friend apologised for any inconvenience but confirmed the property will be on Airbnb

Residents living on the UK's "prettiest street" have been left outraged after discovering their neighbour's plans to list his quaint cottage on Airbnb.

Yani Minkov from Bulgaria bought the beautiful Cotswolds property in 2012, but locals claim he barely spends any time in the abode.


They have accused Mr Minkov of a "house grab" and not appreciating the highly sought-after area, where average house prices sit at £1.5million.

Next door, a Turkish couple were revealed to have been behind "war zone" renovations in the village, with some neighbours left feeling they want to sell up and move.

"It's a real shame when people buy properties in the village but then don't live in them," one homeowner told the Daily Mail.

"I find it annoying that the house could be a lovely family home or a nice property for a couple or a single person, but it just sits empty.

"It feels selfish to me. Obviously, people are perfectly entitled to do what they want, but I think this is such a beautiful village. It's very competitive getting a house here, and to see one sit empty is sad.

"The man there has never mixed in the village either. He's barely ever there. He's just known as 'The Bulgarian'."

Prettiest street

The Airbnb will be located in Britain's 'prettiest street'

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Other neighbours complained about a deck being built on top of the property's shed, saying it damaged a wall.

David Jacobs, 45, who has lived in the village for eight years, said it was "very sad" to see the property remain empty.

He said: "It's a real shame. It's a lovely property, but it just sits empty. It's a great spot.

"It is annoying when anybody comes in and buys such a home and does not live there. I know he's from Bulgaria. But he does not speak if he is there.

Yani Minkov's property

Mr Minkov purchased the property in 2012

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"I also cannot get my head around why you need to build a deck area on top of a shed."

Mr Jacobs expressed discontent over the Airbnb proposition.

He explained: "This is already too full with tourists. We need more locals and people who want to properly make it their home."

Speaking on behalf of Mr Minkov, his friend, Milen said: "He is sorry for any inconvenience.

Bilbury street

One resident said the area needs more locals, with it already being full of tourists

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"It will soon be let out as an Airbnb."

A wealthy businessman also living in the Cotswolds has found himself in a row with residents after wanting to build a sprawling leisure complex at his £3.4million country estate.

Tony O'Sullivan's plans include a 28ft swimming pool, pool house, gym, steam room, sauna and changing facilities.

But neighbours have hit back, claiming the development would ruin their views and cause major disruption to village life.

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