Having both faced serious health issues in their lifetimes, Georgie and Greg are no strangers to overcoming major challenges. But how will the couple fair with an ambitious barn conversion?
Image: Channel 4
The second episode in 2021's series of Grand Designs sees Kevin McCloud visit Georgie and Greg, a couple who have both faced more than their fair share challenges in their lifetime.
Having both been diagnosed with serious health conditions in the past, the couple met while on a sailing trip with a cancer charity back in 2011, before marrying in 2018.
When seeking to get a foothold on the property ladder, Georgie and Greg found themselves priced out of the market, so made the bold decision to convert a single storey barn on Georgie's family land into their first home.
Tomorrow night, Kevin meets Greg and Georgie who are taking on the highly ambitious task of converting a dilapidated barn in Kent.
— granddesigns (@granddesigns) January 12, 2021
The build will be a huge challenge which will see the couple stretch their £250,000 budget. Find out how they get on at 9pm on @Channel4. pic.twitter.com/3mQGAKMpBj
A green build
Image: Jefferson Smith
Although the existing barn was just 35 years old, its location in a green belt and a Conservation Area meant that Greg and Georgie had to couldn't substantially alter the structure. However, the couple had big plans to install eco-friendly measures for their build, including solar panels, an air source heat pump and a rainwater harvesting tank.
Their approach to waste management was equally green – the couple pride themselves on not hiring a single skip during the build process, instead finding ways to salvage and recycle waste materials.
Hands on approach
Image: Jefferson Smith
While many Grand Designers test their limits in project managing their self build with no experience, Greg took this to an extreme by planning to convert the barn himself, with only the help of a carpentry course and DIY videos.
Was this a recipe for disaster? Watch along, and let us know your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
This episode first airs on Channel 4 at 9pm on Wednesday 13th January. You can find the full preview of this series of Grand Designs in the January issue to read online for free.
