A Grand Designs property was branded ‘ugly’ by a disgruntled neighbour because of it’s ‘cultural feature’ that ‘doesn’t fit in the area.’
Hertfordshire couple Matthew and Davidzo took on the challenge of building their dream house in Chess Valley with no project management experience and a £550k budget.
The couple wanted the multi-level house, built on a slope, to embody their Australian and Zimbabwean roots.
READ MORE: Daughters share life in ‘saddest ever’ Grand Designs home that broke parents’ marriage
But when presenter Kevin McCloud paid them a visit in the summer of 2021, the price of materials soared and work stopped as they tried to source cheaper goods with longer lead times and delays amounting to another three weeks.
(Image: Channel 4)
However, they managed to hold on to one expensive feature that Davi was desperate to have to tie the project to Zimbabwe – the flint cladding.
Flint masters quoted the pair £100,000 for the job, so the couple turned to one of the Moldovan crew, John, who has worked with flint before.
Chess Valley properties are rich in flint – but the neighbours didn’t think the new build was a good fit for the area.
Speaking to the Channel 4 crew, a local dog walker moaned: “It’s on my dog walking route and it just doesn’t fit. It looks ugly.”
(Image: Channel 4)
McCloud retorted: “it’s a reflection of them and not the Hertfordshire streets.”
Viewers seemed to agree with the neighbour as they took to Twitter to give their opinion on it.
One user said: “Crikey that’s a bit…… ugly…… not really in keeping with the surroundings at all, but of an ostentatious big lump.”
Another added: “Can’t help wondering if their neighbours speak to them!”
A third wrote: “I bet their neighbours are well happy with that massive box overshadowing their homes.”
(Image: Channel 4)
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However, others defended the decision as they claim it was better than having a house the same as everyone else.
One user argued: “Beautiful home. Love the stonework.”
Another penned: “Hopefully the street will start changing as people will build different style houses instead of seeing rows and rows same boring houses.”
The episode, which repeated on February 1, originally aired in September 2022.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
