Kevin McCloud amazed by stunning transformation of Grand Designs house

Kevin McCloud, the host of popular property renovation series Grand Designs, was left astounded by the remarkable transformation of a house he had previously criticized on the show. In the latest episode, McCloud revisited Leigh and Richard from Derbyshire to see the progress of their ambitious project.

From Caravan to Dream Home

Leigh and Richard had appeared on Grand Designs in 2021, sharing their vision of converting a 17th-century Cornish flour mill into a modern three-bedroom home. With a budget of £250,000 and a 12-month timeframe, the couple sold their first home and moved into a caravan on site to oversee the project.

Going Above and Beyond

Despite Kevin McCloud's initial advice to focus on conserving the original structure, Leigh and Richard decided to take matters into their own hands. They enlisted the help of traditional craftsmen to restore the deteriorating exterior and worked tirelessly to build the house themselves.

Astounding Transformation

Two years after their appearance on the show, McCloud returned to see the completed home. He commended the couple for their dedication and attention to detail in repairing the exterior stonework. The mill, which was once surrounded by building materials and overgrown foliage, now stands proudly amidst beautiful gardens.

Overcoming Challenges

Leigh and Richard faced numerous challenges during the renovation process. As their budget dwindled, they had to make compromises and replace certain elements instead of restoring them. However, their hard work and perseverance paid off, and they successfully transformed the abandoned mill into a home they can be proud of.

Kevin McCloud's Remarks

Speaking about the project, McCloud expressed his admiration for the couple's determination and the positive outcome of their efforts. He also shared the difficulties he faces in finding skilled craftsmen for his show and revealed that two stars of Grand Designs had sadly passed away during the filming of challenging projects.

Grand Designs airs on Channel 4 at 9pm.