Ep 4. Season 2 Episode 4

Season 2, Episode 4 of Grand Designs is dedicated to the renovation of a 16th-century Dutch barn, which is transformed into a contemporary countryside home. The episode features the journey of a couple, Andrew and Helen Berry, who after several years of house-hunting finally found a farmhouse that suited their requirements. The house was situated on a ten-acre farmland in the middle of the Oxfordshire countryside.

Although the location was perfect, the house left much to be desired. It was a disheveled, dilapidated building that had remained uninhabited for over 15 years. However, the couple had a vision to transform the old barn into a modern home while retaining its historic charm. The walls of the barn were made from sandstone blocks, and the couple loved how they were retained. They even wanted to add elements of the old barn, such as the full-height oak timber framing, into their new design. And thus, they began their ambitious project.

The episode follows the couple as they plan, design, and oversee the entire renovation process. They hired an architect team to help them design the perfect home and consulted with builders and other experts. The couple had a clear vision in mind, which was to create a spacious and open-plan home that would be perfect for their family of five.

The theme of the design is contemporary with a nod to the rustic charm of the old barn. The open-plan design of the ground floor makes the space airy and seamlessly blends the outdoors with the indoors. The various unique design features brought into the home include a stunning glass floor window, a mezzanine level, a balcony that overlooks the living room, and a double-height space flooded with natural light.

The couple's dream of owning a perfect family home was pushed to its limits when the project hit an obstacle. The initial stages of the renovation went smoothly, but as they dug deeper, they discovered that the foundation of the building was unstable and needed to be completely redone. This led to further costs and unexpected delays in the project, but the couple did not lose faith.

The episode shows the remarkable perseverance that the couple displayed to complete their dream home. Their hard work and dedication finally paid off, and the result was a truly grand design. The couple finally had the spacious, contemporary home they had envisioned. The house was designed to pay homage to the to 16th-century Dutch barn it once was, especially in the open plan living and dining. The living room features double height timber frame ceilings which reflect the oak framing of the original barn with exposed steel anti sagging rods. The whole house is light-filled, with a contemporary feel that seamlessly weaves the modern amenities with the barn's historic features.

In conclusion, season 2, episode 4 of Grand Designs is a thrilling episode that showcases the incredible transformation of a derelict barn into a stunning family home. The episode is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves architecture, interior design, or simply watching people transform their dreams into reality.