Ep 3. Season 1 Episode 3

Grand Designs is a captivating TV show that takes the viewers on a journey of design and construction. Each episode follows a different project and delves into the challenges, creativity, and hard work that goes into building a bespoke home or renovation. The third episode of season one takes us to Blaentrothy, Wales, where a couple is planning to restore an old chapel into their dream family home.

Penny and Mark Lewis bought the derelict chapel for a mere £40,000 and are planning on converting it into a four-bedroom, open plan home. They aim to keep many of the original features of the chapel, such as the stained glass windows and the 45-foot tower, while also adding in contemporary design features to make the home both stylish and functional.

The episode starts with the couple discussing their plans with the architect, who has designed a unique open plan living area for the heart of the home. The couple intends to make use of the high ceilings in the chapel, and so they plan to add a mezzanine level to create an office space and extra bedrooms upstairs. However, the real challenge of the project lies in the restoration of the chapel's original features.

Penny and Mark work closely with conservationist experts to ensure that the restoration maintains the integrity of the chapel. The roof, which had suffered years of damage, is carefully repaired and restored. The stained glass windows are stripped and re-leaded. The 45-foot tower, which had been boarded up, is cleared out and transformed into a unique viewing platform. The transformation of the chapel is both captivating and inspiring, as the couple shares their vision and progress with the viewers.

The couple also encounter setbacks along the way, such as discovering that much of the chapel is riddled with dry rot and having to rebuild a wall from scratch. Yet, they refused to let these obstacles dampen their spirits, and they persevered with determination and grit.

As the building work progresses, Penny and Mark face numerous challenges such as time constraints, the pressures of balancing the budget, and the stress of managing such a significant project themselves. However, they maintain a positive outlook and never lose sight of their goal to create a beautiful and unique family home.

The episode culminates in a truly impressive reveal as viewers get a glimpse of the completed chapel. The final result is a stunning and charming home that perfectly blends old and new. The couple has also managed to incorporate their own quirky and personal touches, such as the upcycling of old doors and furniture, that give the home character and warmth.

Grand Designs season 1 episode 3 is an inspiring and moving episode that showcases the transformative power of imagination, hard work, and determination. This episode is an uplifting reminder that anything is possible with creativity and perseverance, no matter how daunting the challenge may seem.