Ep 1. South West London

In the season 18 premiere of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud visits a unique property in an affluent suburb of South West London. The episode showcases the journey of Alex and Cheryl as they transform a dilapidated 1940s warehouse into a magnificent family home.

From the beginning, it's clear that this is going to be quite the undertaking. The property was purchased for just over £1 million, but required significant work in order to turn it into a habitable space. The couple has an ambitious vision for the space, and it soon becomes apparent that this project is not for the faint of heart.

Throughout the episode, we witness the couple's determination and resourcefulness as they battle unexpected challenges and setbacks. From dealing with incredibly narrow corridors to discovering issues with the building's foundations, Alex and Cheryl must continuously adapt their plans and find innovative solutions in order to keep the project moving forward.

Of course, the show wouldn't be called Grand Designs if it didn't also feature some spectacular design elements. Alex and Cheryl worked closely with architect Mike Kaneko to create a beautiful and functional home that showcases their unique personalities and aesthetics. The final product features stunning exposed brick walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a striking rooftop terrace.

Throughout the episode, we also get to know Alex and Cheryl as individuals. We learn about their backgrounds and motivations for taking on such an ambitious project, and see how this process tests their relationship and resilience. McCloud, as always, provides insightful commentary on the process and is on hand to offer support and guidance when needed.

Overall, South West London is a fantastic season opener for Grand Designs. It showcases not only the incredible design possibilities that are possible with dedicated professionals, but also demonstrates the true grit and determination required to tackle such a project. Fans of the show will not be disappointed.