Man Builds Toblerone-Shaped Extension on Council House

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. toblerone-shaped-extension-on-council-house.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, January 1st 2026 at 22:05 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

From Council House to Confectionery-Shaped Mansion: How a Former Factory Worker Built a £850,000 Home Resembling a Toblerone

A former factory worker in Essex has become something of a local sensation after building a strikingly unique extension onto his council house – an extension that bears a remarkable resemblance to a Toblerone chocolate bar. David Morgan, 63, spent five years meticulously crafting the angular, triangular structure which now dominates the rear of his property in Harlow and is valued at approximately £850,000. The story, detailed by the Daily Mail, has captivated online audiences, sparking both admiration and amusement for its sheer audacity and unusual design.

Morgan's journey began over a decade ago when he purchased the council house for just £73,000. He’d been working at a factory producing plastic components for cars and had always harbored ambitions of building something distinctive. While initially planning more conventional extensions, inspiration struck during a family trip to Switzerland, home of Toblerone. He was captivated by the Matterhorn mountain's shape, and the iconic chocolate bar’s triangular design became the blueprint for his ambitious project.

“I just thought it would be brilliant to build something that no one else has,” Morgan explained to the Daily Mail. “It took a while to work out how I was going to do it, but once I had the idea in my head, there was no turning back.”

The construction itself wasn't straightforward. Morgan, who describes himself as a "DIY enthusiast," undertook much of the building work himself, learning carpentry and bricklaying along the way. He faced considerable challenges, including sourcing materials and navigating planning regulations. While he didn’t require formal planning permission for the extension due to its size falling under permitted development rights (a detail explored further in the linked article), he still needed to ensure compliance with building codes and neighbourly considerations. He consulted structural engineers to guarantee the stability of the unusual design, which incorporates steel beams and a complex framework to achieve its distinctive angles.

The finished product is genuinely impressive. The extension spans over 1,000 square feet and features multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. The triangular shape isn't merely cosmetic; it’s integrated into the layout of the house, creating unique architectural details and maximizing space. Large windows offer panoramic views of the garden, further enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and light. The exterior is clad in a combination of brick and render, carefully chosen to mimic the appearance of Toblerone's packaging.

The value of Morgan’s property has skyrocketed thanks to the unusual extension. While he initially paid £73,000 for the council house, estate agents estimate its current worth at around £850,000 – a remarkable increase reflecting both the quality of the build and the novelty factor. This dramatic appreciation in value is particularly noteworthy given Harlow’s average property prices, which are significantly lower than London's.

The story has resonated widely on social media, with many users praising Morgan’s creativity and determination. Memes referencing Toblerone have flooded platforms like Twitter and TikTok, solidifying the extension’s place in internet culture. Some commenters have expressed concerns about the potential for increased council tax due to the property's inflated value, while others simply marvel at the sheer audacity of building a house shaped like chocolate.

Morgan himself seems unfazed by the attention. He views the project as a testament to his passion and ingenuity. "I just wanted to do something different," he said. “It’s been hard work, but I'm really proud of what I’ve achieved.” He’s even joked about potentially adding a chocolate fountain to complete the Toblerone theme.

The Daily Mail article highlights that Morgan’s story is more than just a quirky building project; it represents a remarkable tale of self-improvement and entrepreneurial spirit. He transformed himself from a factory worker into a skilled builder, demonstrating that with dedication and imagination, seemingly impossible dreams can be realized. The Toblerone house stands as a unique landmark in Harlow, a testament to one man’s vision and a source of amusement and inspiration for many. The story also raises interesting points about permitted development rights and the potential impact of unusual architectural features on property values – demonstrating how even unconventional choices can yield significant financial rewards.

Links Referenced & Contextualized:

• Permitted Development Rights: The article mentions Morgan didn’t require planning permission due to falling under permitted development regulations. These rights allow homeowners to make certain changes to their properties without needing formal approval, but are subject to limitations on size and design. The Harlow Council website (linked in the original article) provides more information on these regulations.
• Harlow Property Prices: The significant increase in value is contextualized by mentioning Harlow's average property prices. Researching current market data for Harlow would further illustrate this dramatic appreciation.

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