Latest news with #GrandDesigns
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What happened to Grand Designs' most expensive and infamous homes?
A Grand Designs house described as "the perfect home" has gone on the market for the first time. Five-bedroom Green Dragon Barn in Blackawton, Devon, is on sale for £1.5m. It first featured on the Channel 4 programme in 2001, and was revisited by the show in 2022 after 20 years of work from owners Sue Charman and Martin Whitlock. The 4,600 sq ft property was created from three linked barns and has an "eco-conscious design." It is now on sale after Charman died in 2023, with Whitlock saying: "Sue was passionate about environmental issues and we were determined to make the house as natural and sustainable as possible. It was a matter of principle but also very much in the spirit of the building." Here, Yahoo News UK looks at some of the most expensive, and infamous, homes to have also featured on the show. Pavello, a 5,533 sq ft five-bedroom mansion, was the largest ever home featured on Grand Designs. The property in Colgate, West Sussex, was on the programme in 2015 and built by Clinton Dall, a cleaning services business owner who bought the initial plot of land for £850,000 in 2013. Presenter Kevin McCloud said the project risked "financial ruin' but it was ultimately successful, with him saying it was "modernist architecture at the top of its game… an absolutely exquisite experience". Dall sold it for £3.45m in 2019 and it went on the market again five years later, selling for £3.95m in October last year. Chesil Cliff House in Saunton, Devon, is one of the most expensive and infamous properties to have featured on the show. The lighthouse, originally covered in 2019 and revisited in 2022, is considered one of the saddest stories to have been told on Grand Designs. It took 11 years to build, left its owner Edward Short in £7m of debt and cost him his marriage. "It was a nightmare from the moment the first spade hit the ground," Short reflected last year. "We were up against it from day one, with the really vulnerable cliff in front of the house." It was originally listed for £10m in 2022, but last year was on the market for nearly half that amount. It is not currently listed. A 2016 episode told the story of Simon and Jasmine Dale, who set out to build an eco home in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with a budget of £500. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they failed... but still managed to complete the project spending just £27,000. However, it was destroyed by a fire in 2018, with the Dale family unhurt. Dai Swan, from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said at the time: 'It's utterly heartbreaking for the crews seeing how much workmanship has gone into these [house] frames. Each piece of this building is bespoke, it's done to a beautifully high standard and to see it damaged by fire is just heartbreaking.' A JustGiving page raised £35,271 for the couple. Another property which went over budget - but on a bigger scale - was the so-called "Hux Shard" in Huxham, Devon, which featured on Grand Designs in 2021. It was described as a home "that looks like a huge piece of art, with 34 enormous angled zinc shards". Joe and Claire Priday's project cost four times its £835,000 budget at £2.5m. And McCloud said they had 'more money than sense' when they spent £125,000 on the kitchen alone. The heat pump planning permission rule change that could affect millions, explained (Yahoo News UK) What I learnt on a grand tour of the least loved cities in the British Isles (The Telegraph) Kevin McCloud's guide to Akureyri and intrepid Iceland (The Standard)
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Grand Designs project hailed the 'best ever' after three barns were transformed is on the market for £1.5million
A stunning Grand Designs project hailed 'the best ever' has gone on the market for the first time for £1.5million. It took more than two decades for owners Sue Charman and Martin Whitlock to lovingly restore Green Dragon Barn, nestled in the picturesque South Hams area of Devon. The couple first appeared on Grand Designs back in 2001 with the three connecting barns, which were three centuries old and had been left almost uninhabitable. The popular show revisited it 20 years later and discovered it had been turned into a breathtaking five-bedroom home that has been labelled a 'pioneering eco-project'. It has now been listed for sale for £1.5million by Stags and has already attracted strong interest from potential buyers eager to snap up the lavish country retreat. When Grand Designs went back to the stunning country pile, midway between Totnes, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, host Kevin McCloud said: 'This is a home lovingly, painstakingly, time-consumingly transformed. 'Resplendent with 20 years of devoted care.' On its listing, Stags described it as 'the perfect home'. It added: 'Green Dragon Barn is an exceptional detached property created from three linked barns, quietly positioned in the rolling countryside between Totnes, Dartmouth, and Kingsbridge. 'Lovingly crafted over 20 years by its visionary owners, the house blends eco-conscious design with striking architectural detail, including a soaring green oak frame, cob and stone walls, and a distinctive combination of slate and thatch roofing. 'The accommodation is both generous and highly flexible, with light-filled interiors designed to adapt to modern family life, multi-generational living, or creative workspaces. 'At the heart of the home is a spectacular 30-foot reception space, framed by natural materials and open to the gardens and views. 'Set in approximately 1.3 acres, the property includes mature landscaped gardens, a sloping paddock with an orchard, a double garage, detached stone workshop with solar panels, and a private hot tub areaideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the peace and seclusion. 'This is a rare opportunity to own a home of genuine architectural significance and enduring quality.' Martin and Sue moved to Devon in 2000 and described the barn as a 'complete wreck' when they bought it. He added: 'It was three barns built together over three centuries, and a bigger project than we were planning, but it allowed us to really go to town and create some stunning rooms.' The site already had permission for conversion to two houses but the couple created a new scheme to make it into one. And despite taking 20 years to complete, there was never any thought of giving up, Martin said. He added: 'Although it took 20 years, it wasn't 20 years of work on the house. 'We moved into two rooms in 2001 and gradually expanded out from there as we found time to do the work in our busy lives. 'So every so often there would be new rooms or features to enjoy. It was a real adventure.'
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Sarah Beeny to host Channel 4 housing series I Bought it at Auction
Sarah Beeny to host Channel 4 housing series I Bought it at Auction The 53-year-old broadcaster will front the six-part programme that will document the journey of the buyers from initial purchase to final renovation Sarah Beeny Sarah Beeny is to host the new Channel 4 property series 'I Bought it at Auction'. The 53-year-old broadcaster will front the six-part programme that will document the journey of the buyers from initial purchase to final renovation as the property expert hands out advice along the way. 'I Bought it at Auction with Sarah Beeny' is being made by the same production company behind the hit ITV drama 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' and adds to Channel 4's housing programming – with the broadcaster already showing 'Location, Location, Location' and 'Grand Designs'. Sarah said: "Buying property at auction is risky and not for the faint-hearted but for those who dare, it can be an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, way to get on or move up the property ladder. "I've always believed there is possibility in almost any piece of land or building, and those sold in auction are sometimes packed with potential – if you know what to, and what not to look for. "I'm thrilled to bring viewers along for the ride and shine a light on this high risk but sometimes high gain part of the market." Article continues below Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said: "Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer dreaming big, 'I Bought it at Auction with Sarah Beeny' is the ultimate guide to the risks – and rewards – of buying property at auction. "Sarah knows firsthand how to navigate the property market and what it really takes to make bold moves pay off." Beeny was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 – although thankfully was given the all-clear the following year – and explained that she "lived in fear" of the disease after her mother passed away from the illness when she was a child. Article continues below She said in 2023: "When I got to 39, which is the age she died, I thought 'Here we are.' And then I got to 40 and thought, that's weird! "And then I got to 50 and got the diagnosis. "I've lived with this fear for such a long time. But once I realised how the treatment works, it's not nearly as bad as the fear."
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Albion family reveal how rare reno move helped smash price record
An Albion family who spent years plotting the perfect renovation for their home have smashed the suburb's house price record by almost $150,000. Owners Dean and Emily were nervous as the home went under the hammer, and when it started out slowly with a $1.2m vendor bid needed to get buyers involved. But with a crowd close to 150 watching, the bids for their 33 Adelaide St home kept coming as three buyers pushed it to $1.402m. CoreLogic records show 34 Burnewang St set the previous house price benchmark for Albion at $1.255m in 2021. The record-result for Emily and Dean followed a painstaking renovation in which they spent years getting a feel for where the sun would be at different times of year, mapping out what was needed in an extension and borrowing the idea for a scissor truss roof over the rear from popular TV show Grand Designs. The pair said a big part of the result was the exhaustive effort they put into renovating it, more than doubling the size of the interior floorplan as well as installing energy efficient features — and even a series of openable skylights. 'We have lived through it every step of the way, when it was hard and cold and hot, we have had the dogs and the kids getting into the mud and the dirt, and it's nice to put a full stop on it and see it through to the finish.' Dean said. 'Every time you do another one, you find out more of what works and what doesn't. This one was a bit more involved than the last time, but we have a much better idea of what works and doesn't — and the next one will be even better.' But first they're planning a holiday. 'We need that break before we channel all our energy into the next project,' Emily said. Ray White Sunshine's Marcus Fregonese handled the sale and said the result had been a bit of a shock — with bidding becoming so fierce he only got a chance to call it on the market at $1.35m, well after it reached the point of sale. 'They have done an unbelievable job, it's a renovation you just don't see around here — it's something you might see in Northcote or Brunswick,' Mr Fregonese said. A local family bought the home, with the result something he said should give any owners thinking of a reno the confidence to do so.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Iconic Grand Designs ‘perfect' house which couple spent 20 years ‘painstakingly' renovating hits market for £1.5million
AN iconic Grand Designs house dubbed "perfect" by fans has hit the market for £1.5million after 20 years of "painstaking" renovation. Green Dragon Barn, in South Hams, Devon, was forged from three connected barns by couple Sue Charman and Martin Whitlock. 11 11 11 The pair took on the mammoth renovation task in 2001, when the property also featured on Kevin McCloud's show. After 20 years the eco-project has been completed, but is now listed for sale. The decision came after Sue sadly died in 2023, and Martin chose to embark on a new chapter elsewhere. When Grand Designs host Kevin re-visited the five-bedroom home, after last seeing it in 2001, he said: 'This is a home lovingly, painstakingly, time-consumingly transformed. 'Resplendent with 20 years of devoted care.' Martin explained: 'The revisit in 2021 was a delight – we were completely ready and the house was looking at its best. "A complete absence of drama! Of course things were very different back in 2000. We were racing against the clock and the weather, and the programme makers made the most of that.' The homeowner told how they chose the house in 2000 because they wanted to near the sea, and Totnes. 'The barn was a complete wreck – actually three barns built together over three centuries, and a bigger project than we were planning, but it allowed us to really go to town and create some stunning rooms," he added. The couple enlisted the help of architect Adrian Slocombe, of Earthway Design, to navigate how to build on the sloping landscape. Despite dedicating two decades to the renovation, Martin said the couple relished in the adventure. 'Although it took 20 years, it wasn't 20 years of work on the house,' he said. 'We moved into two rooms in 2001 and gradually expanded out from there as we found time to do the work in our busy lives. "So every so often there would be new rooms or features to enjoy. A real adventure." 11 11 11 The property boasts a large kitchen area which connects to an incredible 30-foot reception - kitted out with an oak floor and wood burning stove. Potential buyers will also be able to enjoy an atrium and grand hall with dramatic pillar features. As well as a utility room, there's a stone larder and box room for more storage. Upstairs, there's four spacious bedrooms, two of which offer en-suit shower rooms, as well as a shared family bathroom. And, one of Martin's favourite areas is a huge vaulted room that lies beneath the thatch roof. While creating the stunning renovation, the couple wanted to focus on keeping the project environmentally friendly. Martin said: 'Sue was passionate about environmental issues and we were determined to make the house as natural and sustainable as possible. "It was a matter of principle but also very much in the spirit of the building. 'So the house is eco-conscious in its use of traditional, natural materials such as lime, stone, cob, slate and thatch, but is also highly insulated, has modern double glazing, a reed bed, a heat recovery system and a wood pellet boiler.' Outside, the property boasts a private driveway which leads to a large parking and turning area in front of the house and garage. Green Dragon Barn is now listed for sale by Stags at a guide price of £1,500,000. By Caron McKinlay GRAND Designs' most 'bizarre' house ever has left fans raging - as a pensioner builds a £600k replica of her own house. In the latest episode of the property show 82-year-old Kathryn decided to build a 21st-century mirror image of her Edwardian home with a budget of £607,000 but she soon run into trouble. The episode centred around Kathryn, who decided to move out of her home in North London following the death of her late husband. Speaking to host Kevin McCloud, she said that she could no longer look after her home and that she couldn't cope due to the stairs. With the help of her son Gordon, Kathryn explained that she wanted to build a mirror image of her house right next door. Fans of the show couldn't understand the widow's decision and slammed her decision as ridiculous. "That was one ridiculous, overpriced, unnecessary, rip off builds I've seen in the history of this show. "There's skullduggery at play here, isn't there Gordon?!" said one viewer. Another added: "Omg 900k, would love to know the value now? "Surely they could have updated the original, made the side a plot of land to sell to help with the costs #GrandDesigns." A third stated: "Nah that exterior is awful good lord. 900k??? Could have just fired a stair lift in her old place." While another fan added: "Oh dear, overpriced disaster imo. Should have just moved. All that money and already owned the land!" During the show it was revealed that Kathryn had gone over budget by 100k due to a series of misfortunes out of her control. Presenter Kevin described it as "dire" financially but worse was still to come. As she was given a £19,000 bill for road cables to connect the house to electricity, and a dumbfounded Kevin was astonished. The vast increase in costs caused fans to comment further as they couldn't believe how much she had spent. "Has she not heard of a stannah stair lift, what a waste of money" exclaimed a viewer. "900k! And couldn't even put a stairlift in! What a waste, should have saved the stress and bought a adapted bungalow. "And it looks like a 1950s community centre" slated another. One fan went as far as saying: "£900k for a three bed semi? Someone's taking the p**s." The listing reads: "Green Dragon Barn enjoys a peaceful setting near the popular village of Blackawton, which offers a strong community spirit, a highly regarded primary school, a parish church, and a traditional village pub. "The vibrant market town of Kingsbridge lies approximately 7 miles to the west and provides a wide range of shops, amenities, and a well-respected secondary school, serving nearby coastal villages such as Salcombe and Thurlestone. "Totnes, around 7 miles to the north, offers an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and galleries, along with a mainline railway station providing direct services to London in around three hours. "To the south, the historic town of Dartmouth sits at the mouth of the beautiful River Dart and is renowned for its maritime heritage, excellent sailing facilities, and the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College, also approximately 7 miles away." However, Martin said he "wouldn't blame" new owners if they want to change the style to suit their personal preferences. He also highlighted the potential their 1.3 acre garden and orchard have to offer. Looking forward, Martin said: 'I can't imagine living in any house that I didn't want to make changes to, so I'm open to a new project if I can find one. "But whatever happens it will be a lot smaller – something on the scale of Green Dragon Barn is really a once-in-a-lifetime project.' This comes after Grand Designs revealed the "most ambitious project ever" as parents embark on building an allergy-proof home. Elinor and Born Barikor, from Richmond in south west London, have created the "healthy house" for their three children. The couple's two sons, Avery and Pascal, both have potentially life-threatening dairy, wheat, egg, gluten, soya, oat, pulses, fruit, nut, dust, pollen and animal fur allergies. Elinor and Born bought their property in 2018 with the hopes of forging a "safe haven" for the boys. Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has since revisited the family to see how they got on. Meanwhile, one local said their life is "completely ruined" by their millionaire neighbour's "glass MONSTROSITY" Grand Designs-style super home. Elsewhere, one Grand Designs house has been branded the "biggest pile of s*** in show's history". And, Kevin McCloud has revealed the ONE bit of advice he'd give to anyone embarking on their own building project. 11 11 11 11
