Ep 5. County Antrim: The Blacksmith's House

In this episode of Grand Designs, host Kevin McCloud travels to County Antrim in Northern Ireland to meet a couple who plan to build their dream home from scratch. The couple, a blacksmith and his wife, have purchased a plot of land that overlooks the cliffs and sea, providing a stunning backdrop for their new home.

The design of the house is unique, as it incorporates the couple's passion for both blacksmithing and farming. The exterior of the house is made with black steel, which is an ode to the husband's profession, while the interior of the house is designed in a way that reflects the couple's love for the countryside. The house is an amalgamation of modern design and traditional farming buildings.

The build of the house is not without its challenges, however. The plot of land is situated on a steep hill, meaning the builders have to excavate a significant amount of earth to create a level surface for the house to be built upon. Additionally, the couple's budget is tight, meaning they have to make some sacrifices when it comes to the materials and design choices. They opt for a minimalist approach and use a lot of recycled materials in order to keep costs down.

Throughout the building process, there are several moments of tension and setbacks. The builders hit a particularly rocky patch of ground that proves difficult to excavate, and the couple is forced to make some tough decisions regarding the design of the house. They eventually decide to reduce the size of their original design, which proves to be a wise decision as it saves them a lot of money in the long run.

Despite the challenges faced during the build, the final result is nothing short of stunning. The house is a perfect example of how modern architecture can seamlessly blend with traditional elements and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The interior of the house is bright, airy and spacious, with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in. The use of black steel on the exterior of the house gives it a sleek, modern look, yet it still manages to retain the warmth and charm of a traditional farming building.

Overall, County Antrim: The Blacksmith's House is a captivating episode of Grand Designs that showcases the determination and resilience of a couple who are determined to build their dream home. The build process is not without its challenges, but the end result is a true testament to the power of perseverance. Viewers will be inspired by the beautiful design of the house and the sheer determination of the couple who made it all possible.