Ep 1. Morpeth: The Derelict Mill Cottage

In season 11 of Grand Designs, the first episode titled "Morpeth: The Derelict Mill Cottage" follows the journey of a couple in their quest to restore a 200-year-old mill cottage that had been abandoned for 60 years. The couple had purchased the run-down property, situated in a woodland setting near Morpeth, in Northumberland, with a vision of transforming it into a contemporary and sustainable home for themselves and their three children.

The episode starts with an introduction to the couple, Cassie and Lewis, who have eagerly taken on the challenge of restoring the derelict mill cottage. With the help of architect Richard Pender, they plan to turn the run-down cottage into a spacious and modern family home with tons of natural light and a connection to the surrounding woodland.

The episode shows the various stages of the restoration process- from the careful deconstruction and restoration of the existing stone walls to the installation of a new timber frame structure. The couple tries to retain as much of the original character of the building as possible and use locally sourced materials for the restoration.

While the restoration work progresses, the couple is faced with various challenges- from navigating planning permissions to managing the budget. The project is not without its ups and downs, and the couple has to face setbacks along the way. However, they stay committed to their vision and keep pushing forward.

As the restoration nears completion, the couple is excited to see their vision come to life. The finished home is stunning, and the couple has managed to create a beautiful and efficient living space that blends in with the surrounding woodland environment. The house has impressive sustainability features, from an underground air source heat pump to solar panels on the roof.

Overall, the "Morpeth: The Derelict Mill Cottage" episode of Grand Designs is a wonderful showcase of creative architectural thinking, vision, and determination in the face of obstacles. Cassie and Lewis' story is a testament to the power of passion and the transformative power of rebuilding a historic property.