A detached three-bedroom house in Dagenham, east London, has ignited a storm of local controversy after being put on the market for a hefty £500,000. Dubbed the 'worst house in Britain' by unimpressed neighbours, its stark, modern design has drawn unfavourable comparisons to the Bibby Stockholm migrant accommodation barge.
A Design That Divides a Community
The property, described by the estate agent as 'beautifully presented', stands in stark contrast to the surrounding rows of 1940s and 1950s terraced homes. Its slim, box-like structure has led many to describe it uncharitably as looking like 'a garage with a shipping container on top'. The asking price is significantly above the local average, which typically ranges from £360,000 to £385,000.
Local resident Robin Hague, 45, did not mince his words. 'I wouldn't even know where to start. It looks like the Bibby Stockholm. It's dreadful,' the painter and decorator said. 'It's the worst house in Britain. Was the planner on drugs when he designed it? It just is totally out of place.' He added he wouldn't pay £50,000 to live there, let alone half a million.
Online Fury and a Lone Voice of Support
The criticism has spilled over onto the internet, where the listing has been met with horror. One scathing online reviewer quipped: 'Who were the architects - Lidl? I'm surprised there's not a load of trollies all locked together outside.' Others labelled it a 'Lego house', a 'giant porter cabin', and even a 'public toilet'. One comment read: 'Half a million to live in your own budget airport hotel.'
Not every local was entirely negative. Martin Reid, 55, called it a 'breath of fresh air' for being different, though he admitted he wouldn't live there himself. The sole voice of enthusiastic support came from 19-year-old student Aviel Murphy, who said he would 'love' to live in the distinctive home if he could afford it.
However, most shared the view of Jenny Weston, 49, who called it 'horrible' and 'the strangest house I have ever seen'. She criticised the planning permission and cited the area's roughness as another reason the price was unjustified.
Owner's Defence and Property Details
The anonymous owner of the Dagenham property has defended their home, expressing shock at the negative comments and stating it is 'very spacious' and 'very different'. The home, which comes with off-street parking and a garage, remains listed on Rightmove at its full £500,000 price tag, a bold move in a market where aesthetic appeal heavily influences value. The episode highlights the fierce debates that can erupt when modern, unconventional architecture is planted in a traditional urban streetscape.
