The Google Car Photographed Their House, Turning the Retirees' Lives Upside Down

A photograph taken by the Google car has turned a couple's house into a tourist attraction.

Two ordinary houses in England have unexpectedly turned into a tourist hotspot since a Google Maps photo showcased their uniquely designed front yard, featuring a strikingly geometrical tree that has drawn curious visitors. With the address readily accessible, people are flocking to see this spectacle.

This situation stems from a long standing feud between a retired couple and their neighbors, rather than a desire for attention. Despite pleas from the homeowners for onlookers to respect their privacy, the area has become a tourist destination, complete with Google reviews.

Google Maps Street View is a useful tool that lets anyone explore locations worldwide. While privacy is somewhat protected by blurring faces, residents like retirees Irene and Graham Lee from Waterthorpe, England, find it uncomfortable to have their homes publicly visible. Their neighbors, the Mistry family, share this sentiment.

For 25 years, a towering tree has stood in front of the Mistrys' house, reaching nearly 5 meters in height and extending over the Lees' driveway, causing tension. After years of debate, the retired couple decided to take drastic measures. They urged the Mistrys to remove the tree, claiming it attracted birds that dirtied their driveway. When the Mistrys refused, Mr. Lee had the tree cut in half in 2021, eliminating the overhanging portion. This local incident caught media attention but gained global curiosity once the Google Maps photo surfaced. 

Now, even three years later, tourists regularly visit the once quiet suburban street. After the photo's addition to Google Maps, the infamous severed tree, dubbed "Half Tree", has become a quirky attraction. Visitors can leave reviews and share their own photos of this unusual landmark, which, while captivating, remains behind two private homes.

A neighbor told the New York Post that the conflict between the Lee couple and the Mistry family remains unresolved, with tensions still simmering. Local residents feel their privacy is constantly invaded by onlookers. While some attempt to blend in as casual passersby or dog walkers, they know exactly who is there just to see the tree.