Ep 7. Strathaven Revisited

The episode "Strathaven Revisited" is the seventh installment of the 20th season of the popular home renovation show, Grand Designs. The episode follows the journey of an innovative architect who takes on the challenge of restoring a dilapidated 300-year-old farmhouse in Strathaven, Scotland. This episode is a revisit of a previously aired episode in season 5 of Grand Designs.

The farmhouse was in ruins when architect Simon and his partner Jasmine first set their eyes on it. However, despite the appearance, Simon saw the potential in the property and was determined to restore the farmhouse to its former glory, while also adding a modern touch to it. Simon and Jasmine had to convince the planners to approve their plans while also keeping the farmhouse's original charm.

Upon approval, Simon and Jasmine had to work meticulously to transform the farmhouse into a two-story modern family home. The grand design of the project was to have the house blend in with the surrounding environment and keep the original character intact. To do this, the architects had to carefully source the materials, which were locally available, and use traditional building techniques wherever possible.

The show features some dramatic moments as Simon and Jasmine run into numerous challenges during the restoration process. One of the biggest hurdles they faced was the sheer size of the property, which they had to restore within their allocated budget. The revised plan also meant that they had to move out of their rental accommodation and move into a caravan on-site to ensure the project progressed smoothly.

However, despite the challenges, the couple persevered, and the end result was a triumph. The restored farmhouse was jaw-droppingly beautiful and a perfect example of how old and new can blend in seamlessly. The farmhouse's original features, such as the fireplace and wood beams, were expertly preserved and contrasted beautifully with the modern touches, such as the glass wall in the living room that offers unparalleled views of the surrounding fields.

Throughout the episode, Simon and Jasmine share their story about the restoration process, giving an insight into the amount of work and dedication it takes to complete such a grand design. They also offer useful tips to future homeowners planning to undertake similar projects, including the importance of being open to changes and improvising to overcome obstacles.

Overall, the episode "Strathaven Revisited" of Grand Designs Season 20 is a must-watch for anyone interested in architecture, home restoration, or simply enjoys good TV. The show captures the hard work, dedication, and the triumph of a couple determined to restore a beautiful property to its former glory. It also offers valuable insights into the challenges of such a project and the rewards of seeing it through to completion.