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Grand Designs Viewers Puzzled by Edwardian Replica Home
Channel 4’s Grand Designs recently showcased a perplexing project that left viewers bewildered. In the latest episode, homeowner Kathryn embarked on constructing a contemporary mirror image of her Edwardian house, allocating a substantial budget of £607,000. The program centered on Kathryn, an 82-year-old widow, who sought a “better quality of life” and found the stairs in her existing residence increasingly challenging after the passing of her husband. She revealed to presenter Kevin McCloud her ambitious plan to erect an exact replica of her current dwelling, immediately adjacent to it.
Fan Reactions and Online Commentary
The ambitious endeavor sparked considerable debate among viewers, with many online commentators expressing their confusion. Social media users described the project as “bizarre” and questioned the rationale behind the architectural decision.
- One user on X (formerly Twitter) queried the logic: “So, you can’t cope anymore with your house due to the stairs, so you built an exact copy along with the stairs?”
- Another commenter pondered alternative solutions: “Not sure why this woman couldn’t just rejig the downstairs of her existing house. This is a very expensive retirement home. And does she need two floors? #GrandDesigns.”
- Echoing similar sentiments, a third viewer stated, “None of this makes sense. She’s making the same house next door, just re-jig the lower floor plan in your existing and add a side extension.”
- A fourth comment simply labeled it “The most bizarre #GrandDesigns ever.”
Support for Kathryn’s Bold Vision
Despite the widespread bewilderment, some viewers admired Kathryn’s courage and determination.
- One individual praised her spirit: “What an amazing lady for 82 years old. Inspiring really given change is so scary for many of us #granddesigns.”
Budget Overruns and Financial Strain
As the build progressed, Kathryn encountered significant financial difficulties. She exceeded her initial budget by £100,000, a situation Kevin McCloud described as “dire.” Adverse weather conditions, escalating expenses, and concerns about selling her original property all contributed to the mounting pressure.
Unexpected Costs and Project Completion
Further complicating matters, Kathryn faced an unforeseen £19,000 charge for road cable connections to supply electricity to the new house. Kevin McCloud reacted with disbelief at this additional cost. However, the episode concluded on a positive note, revealing that Kathryn successfully moved into her new home within a year of commencing the project.
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A Happy Resolution
Kathryn shared her joy with Kevin, expressing her anticipation for hosting her family in her new residence for the Christmas holidays. She also disclosed the rapid sale of her previous house, which sold within “three or four hours.” Kevin McCloud celebrated this positive outcome, remarking, “What a lovely outcome!”
Tune In Details
Grand Designs continues on Channel 4 at 9pm.