Following some ideas from other Ciao-ers have a new online shop - www.cafepress.co.uk/devonbelle . ...
Following some ideas from other Ciao-ers have a new online shop - www.cafepress.co.uk/devonbelle . Just starting out... will review it sometime soon.... :)
Member since:30.12.2008
Reviews:47
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Grand Designs is one of my favourite ways to pass the time while waiting for the fella to finish work and come home. It makes a pleasant change to the dramas, rom coms and soaps and generally has a happy ending!
Grand Designs is an hour-long programme on Channel Four, or one of the Channel Four family (more 4 etc) that follows people that are building or a restoring a property to live in. Generally everyone that gets involved in the show has a plan to improve their lives or provide a home for their families. Sometimes people get emotionally involved with a particular property or project and this colours the way they approach the development. Either way, the programme is shot so that you not only see the technical developments in the build itself, but also the emotional rollercoaster
ridden by the owners of the build, who always have vast sums of money invested in the project.
Each programme is filmed as the projects progress and they are all hosted by Kevin McCloud, who is not only an excellent narrator, but actually knows his stuff when it comes to buildings. When the programme goes abroad he is actually able to chat to the locals in French or Italian which gives great authenticity to the build that is taking place and its affect on every one around it. He's also not afraid to have a go and get his hands dirty. We see the plot before the build or restoration begins, then follow the builders, crafts-people, project managers and owners as the building grows, then we are taken on a tour of the building when the project is finished. I like the music that goes with the programme as well - sometimes chirpy, sometimes contemplative, it always seems to suit the mood at that point in the build.
The builds featured vary greatly from episode to episode. There are some that are brand new, contemporary buildings, designed to break new architectural ground but still house a family. These include a house built of straw in France, a white box with one side completely made of glass, a circular, pink house made of polystyrene on the Devonshire coastline, a new and contemporary farmhouse, an eco-house with huge arch in Kent, a Huf House from Germany for a retired artist and his wife and a house made completely of timber. Some are buildings that are being rescued and brought back to life - these have included a completely derelict castle in Yorkshire (which partially collapsed in the initial stages of restoration), a church in the Black Country, a folly in Wales, a huge tithe barn with views of five counties, a massive castle in Tuscany, a run-down cottage in the Brecon Beacons and a 16th century farmhouse.
The appeal of this programme lies in the buildings themselves and the stories associated with them. I find the new buildings less appealing than the restoration of the old ones, but then I prefer older buildings! Many of the people featured in the programme are aiming for a very high spec finish and the best part of the programme has to be the last five minutes when we are taken on a guided tour of all the rooms to see how they have been finished. I also enjoy watching how the different characters project manage their builds; some people take to it straight away and others really struggle with the challenges of building their own house. Some people find it rewarding, others would never do it again. Often people claim that this is their last house, especially in cases where they are moving from a large property to one that is tailored to their needs, such as Pat in Devon with her wierd, curved, pink creation.
There are many stories, both architectural and human, that are weaved throughout the Grand Design episodes. Kevin McCloud asks intelligent questions, offers intelligent contributions and describes the sometimes complicated structural work using models and practical demonstrations.
Grand Designs is a lovely way to spend time in the evenings. Grab a cup of tea and join Kevin on other people's architectural journey. Allow yourself to be inspired to build your own house, or just do what I do and dream of a lottery win.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Great show for that midweek TV boredom, Kirsty and Phil's dynamics Disadvantages: Too short, and the buyers are sometimes incredibly irritating
Mar 28th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
