Grand Designs (1999)

Episode Overview

Michael Butcher and Phil Palmer, once dedicated city dwellers in Soho, have embarked on a transformative journey after falling for Christmas Farm, located near Newbury. Leaving behind their urban media careers, they embraced the challenge of rural life. However, they quickly encountered two significant hurdles: the land's agricultural ties forced them into farming, and they were stuck with a drab faux-alpine chalet that didn’t suit their vision. Determined to infuse a touch of city elegance into their new abode, they envisioned a striking 21st-century farmhouse. Their design features an expansive, stylish open-plan living space upstairs, paired with practical farming areas below. As builders craft the unique flint exterior, highlighted by Britain's largest sliding trapezoid window, Michael and Phil balance construction with their new farming responsibilities. To support their venture financially, they also plan to launch a micro-brewery in the barn.