Grand Designs: Series 3
Kevin McCloud is back, following the journeys of seven couples who hope to fulfil their dreams by building their dream house.
Some will transform existing dwellings, while others will build from scratch. All couples begin with a budget, and many will find their budget being well and truly broken by the time their projects are finished. For viewers wanting to learn from the experiences of the participants in this programme, that's a vital lesson. It doesn't matter what your favourite style of architecture is, almost inevitably, you will need to spend more money (perhaps much more) than you originally think.
Other practical lessons we learn along the way, include project management, and the importance of being able to cope with unforeseen events.
Energy saving design tips and house fittings are utterly fascinating. A house can be functional and beautiful. Besides, after breaking their budgets, these couples really will relish their relatively low-cost energy-efficient homes (at least, those who choose this option).
This viewer's preference is for the open, spacious, breathtaking modern homes. Discussion with friends has revealed a diversity in tastes (one of which was quite surprising, when a friend revealed a preference for the medieval-style house - quite unlike her present dwelling.
Sometimes you really wonder whether each project will be completed. And the patience of the couples going through what often turns out to be a gruelling process, is admirable. One can't help but share the joy they express at living in the final product.
Grand Designs has developed quite a following (certainly sufficient to sustain numerous seasons). Take a look and find out why.
This 2-disc collection includes CGI walkthroughs of the houses featured in the series.