Grand Designs viewers were wowed when they were finally able to see the finished project of a build that took over 21 years to complete.
Featured on last night’s (November 9) episode, Sue and Martin began working on converting their old barn in South Devon in 1999.
The original episode featured a fresh-faced Kevin McCloud, and saw the couple attempting to transform the farm houses in an environmentally friendly manner, while living next to the property in a cramped caravan.
READ MORE: ‘Saddest ever’ Grand Designs hell not over as owner fears nightmare this Christmas
As often happens on the programme, the couple’s plans were ultimately delayed, and now in the longest gap between initial build and a revisit, the show’s host was finally able to see the finished product.
(Image: Channel 4)
During the episode – which featured footage from the original programme – Kevin was startled by the couple’s blase attitude to important details including timelines and building plans.
“The philosophy of the project is to leave the decision about interiors, and decisions about how the building evolves until they naturally occur,” Martin explained.
Kevin was baffled, asking: “Does this mean that you don’t have any completed architectural drawings for this project?”
Martin responded: “We certainly don’t at the moment, no.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Despite this, the couple remained optimistic about being able to move in before Christmas in 1999.
However, with a strict budget of £275,000, Sue and Martin found themselves unable to afford full-time builders nine months into the project, and building work slowed to a crawl as Martin took on most of the build himself.
Over twenty years on, Kevin returned to the property to find out whether the couple had ever actually managed to move in, and Channel 4 viewers were wowed by the final results.
Strolling up to the property, Kevin was greeted by the couple who informed him: “We are finished Kevin! We’ve got the completion certificate to prove it.”
(Image: Channel 4)
The reason the project had taken so long to complete, the couple explained, was because they had lived in two of the barns while the final part was being completed.
And, finally taking a tour around the spectacular home, the presenter was left mesmerised by the combination of old and new integrated into the project.
“Time has allowed Sue and Martin to craft this place with care,” he commented. “I had reservations about Sue and Martin’s evolutionary approach to building, but it’s allowed the place to morph and absorb new roles as time goes on.”
(Image: Channel 4)
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Viewers at home agreed, with one Twitter user commenting: “That was probably the best Grand Designs ever.”
Another added: “That house is stunning. What a labour of love, also love the garden! Well done Sue and Martin, what a success and what a legacy to leave.”
The delay might have been prolonged, but it certainly saved the couple on costs, as Sue and Martin revealed that the final money spent had only equaled £75,000 over budget at £350,000.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
