Ep 4. Tiverton: Crooked Chocolate Box Cottage

In this episode of Grand Designs season 13, viewers are taken to Tiverton where a couple is embarking on a challenging renovation project of a 17th-century thatched cottage. The self-built property, which is famously known as the “Crooked Chocolate Box Cottage”, is nestled in an idyllic and remote corner of Devon with sprawling views of the British countryside.

The couple, who have a passion for restoring old property, initially set their sights on the dilapidated cottage because of its rich history and rural location. However, they are quickly faced with a host of unexpected challenges, which threatens to put their dreams of transforming the property into a comfortable family home on hold.

The challenge for the couple comes from the poor condition of the building. The house was in disrepair with a crumbling roof, and the walls were bulging in several places due to subsidence. In addition, the house had a structural issue with the solid stone walls that made them difficult and expensive to alter.

The couple also find that the cottage doesn't have any foundations, which adds to the structural problems and further hinders their renovation efforts. Despite the challenges, the couple is determined to restore the property to its former glory while maintaining the charm and character of the original building.

The couple enlist the help of local builders and architects who bring in their expertise and experience to help breathe new life to the old property. They opt for a unique design inspiration that incorporates a modern and stylish interior while keeping the exterior traditional and true to the original building.

The owners also have to tackle issues with environmental sustainability, as the property is located in a woodland conservation area. The couple employs eco-friendly solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure that the property is energy-efficient.

As the project progresses, the couple faces a few setbacks, including exceeding their initial budget and dealing with delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the couple remains optimistic and focused on their goal of creating a beautiful and comfortable family home.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning shots of the idyllic rural setting and interesting details on the unique building materials used in the renovation process. The show also offers a peek into the history of the cottage, which adds to the significance of the project for the couple.

In the end, the couple's hard work and determination pay off as they complete the renovation project within their timeline and budget. Viewers are left with the sense that the couple has created a special home that is both modern and unique while maintaining the charm of the original building. Overall, this episode of Grand Designs offers an inspiring tale of perseverance and creativity in transforming a historic property into a comfortable and sustainable family home.