Watch Grand Designs Abroad

Grand Designs Abroad is a spin-off show of the popular Channel 4 series Grand Designs that premiered in 2004, and starred the charismatic Kevin McCloud. In this show, McCloud explores some of the world's most fascinating architecture and design projects in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Austria.

Like its parent series Grand Designs, the show is all about architectural excellence, creativity, and imagination. However, unlike the original series, which focused on British properties, Grand Designs Abroad takes audiences on a journey across Europe, uncovering some of the most innovative and awe-inspiring structures one can imagine.

Through this show, McCloud profiles the most unusual and innovative buildings from across the continent. From leaking medieval castles in Italy, to abandoned barns in France, to dilapidated farmhouses in Spain, McCloud explores some of the most extraordinary buildings, and the architects and builders behind them.

The show's emphasis on innovation and imagination make it a hit with architecture enthusiasts, DIY enthusiasts, and people who are just fascinated by the power of the human imagination. Viewers can see how some of these seemingly impossible projects become a reality, and how buildings that were once abandoned and forgotten can be resurrected and given a new life.

The show is also notable for its social context, as many of the properties featured in Grand Designs Abroad are major renovation projects, with a deep regard for the historical and cultural elements of the location. Some of the houses featured in the show are in areas that have already been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, meaning there is significant pressure to ensure that any proposed changes to the property are sensitive to the cultural context of the area.

Ultimately, the show is about creativity, imagination, and persistence. Whether it's commandeering a nearby medieval castle as a building material, or digging a deep hole in the ground to create more space for a house, the show's subjects demonstrate what can be achieved when we think outside the box and refuse to accept limitations.

From the picturesque rural landscapes of southern France to the bustling streets of Barcelona, Grand Designs Abroad is a thrilling exploration of some of the most impressive buildings in Europe. And with the talented Kevin McCloud as the host, the show is a perfect blend of educational content and entertainment that will leave viewers wanting more.

The show is beautifully shot, with breathtaking imagery that highlights the distinctive beauty of the locations featured. And with a strong emphasis on the personalities and stories behind the projects, it is easy to get drawn into the world of Grand Designs Abroad, even if you have no prior interest in architecture.

Overall, Grand Designs Abroad is a fascinating and compulsive exploration of architecture and creativity. Whether you are an architecture connoisseur or simply fascinated by the power of the human imagination, the show is guaranteed to captivate and entertain you from start to finish.