Officially - according to the High Court - it was fraud. Property developer Alan Beesley had planning permission to build a hay barn on land near commuterland Potter's Bar, and from the outside that's exactly what it looked like. Inside, however, it was a luxury home. Beesley apparently planned on remaining in hiding for four years, after which they'd be legally immune from planning law-related eviction. Full story, plus great photos, here.

Technorati Tags: property, real estate