Ep 3. Solent: The Seaside House

Solent: The Seaside House is an episode of Grand Designs season 16 that follows a couple in their journey to build their dream home in the coastal town of Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. The couple, Neil and Jackie, have always wanted a home by the sea and after years of searching, they finally found the perfect location with stunning views of the Solent.

The couple is passionate about environmentally friendly living and is determined to build a sustainable home that will minimize their impact on the planet. They hire architect Lincoln Miles to design their unique, energy-efficient home. Lincoln uses a combination of sustainable materials and innovative design to create a home that is both beautiful and functional.

The home is built into the side of the cliff and is designed to take advantage of the stunning views of the Solent. The living spaces are arranged over three levels and have a contemporary, open-plan design. The property has been constructed using locally sourced materials, such as the Isle of Wight stone and cedar wood cladding, which gives it a unique sense of character.

The couple faces numerous challenges during the construction process, including a shortage of materials, bad weather, and logistical issues with transporting materials to the site. Despite these challenges, they remain determined to complete their dream home and continue to work tirelessly to make it a reality.

The show also explores the couple's personal story and their commitment to sustainable living. They discuss their passion for renewable energy and their efforts to incorporate eco-friendly features into their new home. Jackie and Neil are shown completing various DIY projects themselves, such as building a rainwater harvesting system and creating their own furniture using recycled materials.

As the construction nears completion, the couple reflects on their journey and the challenges they have faced. They discuss their excitement about moving into their new home and their hopes for the future. They also talk about the importance of balancing their desire for a beautiful home with their commitment to sustainability.

Solent: The Seaside House is a unique episode of Grand Designs that showcases the importance of sustainable living and the challenges of building a dream home. The stunning location and innovative design of the home are sure to inspire viewers, while the personal story of the couple adds a heartwarming touch to the episode.