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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The Notting Hill neighbours divided over tourists flocking to their Instagrammable homes
Buying in London is famously the UK's costliest area to purchase property - but does having an 'Instagrammable' house make it worth more, or less? Residents on one Notting Hill street are currently asking themselves that question. Homeowners frustrated at the steady stream of influencers snapping their colourful front doors have taken drastic action to ward them off, while others welcome the near-daily tourists as 'entertaining'. But as homeowners on the photogenic street continue to see snap-happy Instagrammers on their doorsteps, a property expert has explained why living on a street with social media notoriety can be both positive and negative for your house value. Marc von Grundherr, Director of local estate agents Benham and Reeves told Yahoo News that due to the high house prices in Notting Hill and its worldwide reputation, it's "unlikely that any potential buyers ... will see the value in being plastered all over social media by a plethora of 'influencers." Peter Lee, 80, who owns a vividly pink terraced house in Notting Hill, is visited daily by people using it as a backdrop for their social media pictures - with some performing acrobatics to get the perfect shot. Lee, who has lived in his home for 47 years, is committed to its pink colour - so much so that he is currently having it re-painted. The former fashion designer said he's seen people doing the splits in front of his steps - and even balancing on his railings. Others - sometimes dressed in just a leotard - come onto his property and lean against the front door. Lee said that many influencers will spend entire mornings outside his home - even undergoing outfit changes. He said: "I don't really mind the crowds. I have cameras so it does amuse me to just watch their antics. Recently I looked outside and there was someone having their photo taken - with three others queueing for their turn. "I know it bothers others but it doesn't really bother me. I just think, 'Live and let live'. Life's too short." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sandra Rozalia (@sandra_rozalia) Instagram is full of pictures of people documenting their trips to London with stop-offs at some of its iconic residential streets. People from the UK and around the world pose for hours right outside people's front doors to get the perfect snap. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Inbal Zamir (@inbal55) View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᴊᴇɴɴɪꜰᴇʀ | ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟᴏ ʏ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴅᴏʀᴀ ᴅᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴɪᴅᴏ✨ (@jenniferfernan) Although Lee has found entertainment in the phenomenon, he understands that others might find it frustrating. He said he once noticed the tiles outside his front door were cracked, something he blamed on women in heels jumping up and down as they posed for photos. He said the repair bill ran into the thousands. Down the road from Lee's property residents of Lancaster Road have taken action to stop people from taking photos outside their homes. The road is located just metres away from Portobello Road Market in west London and is a popular tourist destination. Residents say influencers have gone as far as having picnics on their doorsteps, As a result, three houses on the road have ditched their previous bright exterior - in the hopes that black walls are "less Instagrammable" - and will therefore stop people coming there. A 'quiet zone' sign has also been put up - and one property further down the street has even strung a rope across their front steps. George Hencken, who has lived in Notting Hill for 29 years, said: "Our home used to be pink but we painted it grey around seven years ago. "The point was to be an unphotogenic colour. "But the thing is, and something those who have painted their homes black will soon find out, is that even if people aren't using their house as a photo backdrop - they'll still be here." Hencken explained that what frustrated her most was that none of the tourists or influencers seemed to have any idea of Notting Hill's history. She said: "This area used to be a proud rebel corner in west London. Yes, there are expensive houses, but this street also has a lot of social housing. They don't know the history. "Ever since Richard Curtis made that stupid film every American banker or rich guy from Switzerland who spends a few months here, when asked where they want to live, says: 'Oh, my wife likes that film.' "It's changing the area. Our doorsteps used to be social places. We'd sit out here and chat to friends and neighbours. "But now you can't do that. If you do, any random person thinks they can come and sit here too." Many are afraid over how the increased tourist attention could impact their house value. Benham and Reeves's Grundherr said: "Generally speaking, any exposure that drives the popularity of a particular pocket of the property market can be viewed as a positive. That's because the higher the demand for homes, the more likely it is that house prices will increase, especially if there is a limited level of stock." But he noted: "If the pendulum swings too far in the wrong direction, it can have a negative impact." Click below to see the latest London headlines
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Hanoi's spectacular Train Street is becoming off-the-rails popular
HANOI, Vietnam - Hundreds of tourists from all over the world sit chatting on folding chairs, sipping traditional egg coffee and fresh coconut water in the heart of Hanoi. What makes this Vietnamese street scene so special is the railway track running between narrow blocks of houses with their many colorful cafés. The atmosphere remains relaxed - until things suddenly become hectic: waiters hurriedly remove all chairs near the tracks and urge guests to press their backs as close as possible to the walls of the houses. The initially calm mood becomes increasingly excited, with most visitors eagerly readying their smartphone cameras. A shrill whistle then pierces the air, and just seconds later a train thunders past at full speed, right under the noses of the onlookers. Train Street has long become one of Hanoi's most popular yet controversial attractions, and is currently experiencing a particular boom. Numerous tourists from around the globe have traveled to the Southeast Asian country to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Once considered a hidden gem with just a handful of cafés, the picturesque street was discovered on social media in 2018, triggering a rush of selfie-hunting Instagrammers. More cafés and souvenir stalls opened, residents set up food stands, and special spots for photos were arranged. However, due to safety concerns, authorities have repeatedly closed the tourist attraction in recent years, most recently this March. Several incidents have occurred, including one where a train had to make an emergency stop to avoid colliding with crowds of visitors. In 2022, a tourist from South Korea was grazed by a slow-moving train. He was lucky to escape with only minor injuries. "Such bans usually don't last long – at some point, the cafés just reopen," says a female employee of the historic Metropole Hanoi hotel. The 600-foot-long railway track dates back to the French colonial era and was built in 1902. Trains still roar through here several times a day. Once the spectacle is over, café owners quickly move chairs and tables back toward the tracks, as more visitors seeking the thrill of an up-close moving train are already waiting. __________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV Good Morning Britain thrown into chaos as Kate Garraway asks 'what's happening'
The programme descended into chaos during a live video link. Kate Garraway was left confused during Thursday's Good Morning Britain as a live news report took a surprising turn. During the show, Kate, 58, spoke to Chief Correspondent for GMB, Richard Gaisford, who was reporting live from Istanbul. During the segment, they discussed reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin won't be travelling to Turkey for peace talks with Ukraine, despite calls from President Zelensky for him to attend. However, there was a disruption during the serious live report, as a collection of seagulls flocked over Richard as they kept squawking and dive bombing towards the presenter. During the live link, Kate replied: "Fascinating report as always Richard on a very serious subject but I can't help but be slightly distracted. "Do you have a bag of chips hidden by your feet or something? As you appear to be dive bombed, what's happening with the seagulls?" To which Richard explained: "I'm on a rooftop here, overlooking The Blue Mosque, and yes people are feeding the seagulls. "So many TikTokers, Instagrammers, surrounding me here Kate while I try to talk about something just a little more serious." Kate responded: "Thank you very much indeed, professional as always!" It comes as Kate was recently confirmed for The Celebrity Traitors line-up, alongside the likes of Jonathan Ross and Stephen Fry - to name a few. Just last month, Kate was reported for the line-up, especially as she was absent from Good Morning Britain. During one episode of Good Morning Britain in April, they delved into the then speculations regarding The Celebrity Traitors' rumoured contestant line-up. Showbiz presenter Melvin Odoom quipped: "None of us have been able to get hold of Kate on the phone to confirm or deny this but I don't know about you guys, but I'm very suspicious and it makes me even more suspicious." This led host Susanna Reid to remark: "She'll make an excellent Traitor if we can't even get hold of her!" with Melvin urging: "I think you need to send her a message right now!" prompting Susanna to retort: "She'll neither confirm nor deny, I'm sure!" as Melvin insisted: "Let's do it anyway!" Following the cue, presenter Richard Madeley whipped out his mobile and messaged Kate directly on the live show. When Melvin asked: "Have you done it?" Richard responded with an affirmative "Yeah..." to which Melvin followed up with "Nothing yet?" Kate is among the numerous celebrities in the line-up for the show alongside singer Charlotte Church, comedian Bob Mortimer, EastEnders star Tameka Empson and actor Celia Imrie. While an official release date has not been announced, The Celebrity Traitors will air on BBC One and iPlayer in autumn 2025. Season 4 of The Traitors will also air in early 2026 with the most recent season, which saw Leanne Quigley and Jake Brown take home the cash prize, airing in January of this year. Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV X. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kate Garraway asks 'what's happening' as live GMB news report thrown into chaos
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway was left asking 'what's happening' as a live report was thrown into chaos on Thursday Kate Garraway found herself battling distractions on Thursday's Good Morning Britain when a live news report went unexpectedly off-script. During the latest instalment, Kate, 58, spoke to Chief Correspondent for Good Morning Britain, Richard Gaisford, live from Istanbul. They were talking about the reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin won't be travelling to Turkey for peace talks with Ukraine, despite calls from President Zelensky for him to attend. During the serious broadcast, however, a group of seagulls began to disrupt the segment as they loudly squawked and made dramatic dives towards Richard. Kate was compelled to say: "Fascinating report as always Richard on a very serious subject but I can't help but be slightly distracted. "Do you have a bag of chips hidden by your feet or something? As you appear to be dive bombed, what's happening with the seagulls?", reports Devon Live. Richard then clarified: "I'm on a rooftop here, overlooking The Blue Mosque, and yes people are feeding the seagulls. "So many TikTokers, Instagrammers, surrounding me here Kate while I try to talk about something just a little more serious." Ever professional, Kate replied: "Thank you very much indeed, professional as always!". It comes hot on the heels of confirmation that Kate will participate in The Celebrity Traitors, lining up alongside other stars such as Jonathan Ross and Stephen Fry - to name a few. Only last month, rumours of Kate joining the show emerged, particularly as she took some time away from her usual spot on Good Morning Britain. During a cheeky segment on Good Morning Britain in April, the presenters were musing over rumours swirling about The Celebrity Traitors' potential cast list. Showbiz reporter Melvin Odoom joked: "None of us have been able to get hold of Kate on the phone to confirm or deny this but I don't know about you guys, but I'm very suspicious and it makes me even more suspicious." His banter led Susanna Reid to quip: "She'll make an excellent Traitor if we can't even get hold of her!" which prompted Melvin to suggest: "I think you need to send her a message right now!" with Susanna playfully hitting back: "She'll neither confirm nor deny, I'm sure!" as Melvin pushed: "Let's do it anyway!" Rising to the challenge, co-host Richard Madeley didn't hesitate to grab his phone and ping Kate a text live on air. With Melvin eager for an update, questioning "Have you done it?" Richard replied, "Yeah...", and later grilled further by Melvin asking: "Nothing yet?"
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
Instagram finally lets users record longer videos, shoot in 4K, and skip watermarks – but you'll need this new app
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Instagram has finally answered some of the biggest complaints about recording video for the platform – but creators will need a new app to access the new features. Edits is a video editing app created by Instagram that brings several features that aren't available when editing video directly inside Instagram, including recording videos that are up to ten minutes long, the option to shoot in 4K, and the ability to download videos without a watermark. Like CapCut is to TikTok, Edits is Instagram's new stand-alone video editing app. Edits, which Instagram head Adam Mosseri teased earlier this year, is a separate app designed to offer more video editing tools than what already exists inside of Instagram. While Meta says that videos created in edits can be shared on any platform, creators will need an Instagram account to log in and start using the app. Separating the editing tools into a new app creates a long list of new capabilities for Instagrammers, starting with expanded camera capabilities. Instagram's built-in camera can only record for up to three minutes, but Edit's camera can record for up to ten. Not only that, but screenshots of the new app show that users have the option to record in 4K at 60 fps. While Instagram Reels are typically 1080p, that 4K resolution may help when using Edits to create videos for multiple platforms. Edits will also download user-created Reels without the Instagram watermark. (Downloading Reels from Instagram without a watermark typically requires a third-party downloader tool.) The Edits app also has a tool that turns a still photograph into a video. The tool, called AI image animation, uses generative AI to generate a video from a still photo. Several favorite editing tools that are part of Instagram, including green screen and countdown, are also part of the Edits app. Outside of the built-in camera, the Edits app uses a timeline to allow creators to arrange clips, music, and overlays together. Meta says that the timeline editor allows creators to adjust clips with frame-accurate precision. Creators can also use the cutout tool to remove backgrounds from videos, along with adding effects and stylizing text. The Edits app will also have a tab for saving ideas, including both existing Reels and sticky notes with ideas. An inspiration tab will showcase Instagram Reels with trending audio. Edits will also import statistics from Instagram to help creators understand how their fans engage with the content. Instagram's Edits app rolled out to both Android and iOS devices this week, but the company says that's just the start. Meta indicated that it plans to 'improve the app every week.' The list of in-progress updates slated for the new app includes keyframes, AI modification tools, and more fonts, animations, music, and effects. Instagram says that collaboration tools are also coming to the Edits app, allowing creators to share drafts with others for feedback before finalizing the video. After Instagram announced Edits, the app quickly took the top spot in the photo and video category in the Apple App Store, while Google Play lists more than one million downloads for the new editing software. The app is available as a free download from the App Store and Google Play. Browse the best cameras for Instagram or the best free video editing software.
