Wouldn't have happened to me, we would have bought the property as soon as it went up for sale, just to prevent this type of scenario. As a matter of fact, my husband just signed a contract on another 4 acres that connects to our property. Has a big old house on it, my brother is thinking about renting it from us. He's going through a divorce.
There ya go! My sentiments exactly. If you don't want people building within sight of your house, you'd better make darned sure they can't.