George and Amal Clooney Are Installing a Panic Room in Their New House

(Image credit: Getty)

published 22 July 2015

Update, 7/22: Totally unexceptional private citizens George and Amal Clooney have applied for a network of 18 cameras on 20-foot poles be installed around their $15 million mansion, and their neighbors are not terribly thrilled about it, the Times reports (opens in new tab).

Calling the poles a "visual intrusion" and an invasion of privacy (pronounced with a short "i" if you're reading this in your head with a posh English accent like I am), the local parish council is moving for the plans to be rejected. Some context: They've previously campaigned against the couple's riverside boundary fence and lost, so this could really be turning into something of a grudge match. Further context: Given Amal's high-profile job and George's high-profile-in-a-different-way job, they could both use the protection against potential crazies.

Who will prevail: the famous people or the commoners? Bucolic views or safety? (Not unfounded) American paranoia or British stoicism? Watch now on pay-per-view.

Original post, 2/18: When you think of George and Amal Clooney, it's easy to picture them traveling the world, fighting for awesome causes, and just, you know, staring at each other's beauty. But there's a way darker side to being one of the most high-profile couples in the world.

According to Us Weekly, (opens in new tab) the Clooneys are having a high-security panic room installed in their new mansion in Berkshire, England. The space will be "fireproof, bombproof, and attack-resistant," a source told the magazine. On a more luxurious note, the renovated home will also reportedly (opens in new tab) feature a spa, steam room, and wine cellar...for when they're not holed up for their own security.

Here's what's even crazier: It's Amal's totally badass job that requires the room, not Clooney's megastar status. The international human rights lawyer works on controversial cases around the world, and reportedly needs a place where she can be sure her files aren't destroyed—and where she can be safe in case someone involved in a case shows up.

Add this to the ever-growing list of reasons George "married up." (opens in new tab)

Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.