Grand Designs (1999)

Episode Overview

Since childhood, stonemason Adam Purchase has been captivated by the historic silver mine engine houses that dot Cornwall’s scenery. When he and his partner, Nicola Brennan, stumbled upon a rundown Grade II listed engine house with permission to convert it into a residence, it felt like a dream realized. However, transforming this significant yet crumbling structure into a livable space proved daunting. With its walls overrun by plants and lacking a roof, windows, and floors, it was a formidable task even for an experienced builder like Adam. To complicate matters, the banks would only lend them £100k, a sum they knew was insufficient. Yet, fueled by their love for heritage buildings, Nicola decided to support Adam as he took a year off to tackle the renovation.